[It's really nice here. And that's a good thing, because he had his doubts about being a temporary foreign exchange student for Japan. Something about sending a mutant overseas, but mostly, that this will be a great experience for him to learn and grow. Alex happily volunteered him to be here and although he misses his friends back at Xavier's, Scott doesn't actually find himself to be all that upset or grumpy about the situation.
New country new feeling? Maybe it's the cute girl that's walking up to him with a bright smile. It makes him stand just a little straighter, although he doesn't even attempt to fully button up the jacket of his uniform. Yeah, that also was an adjustment and one Scott sourly obeyed, but guess it's not the worst. At least no one is bitching about him wearing sunglasses indoors.]
Hey. [He returns her smile, the feeling so easy, although it's mixed with a smirk as well.] So you're the one that's supposed to show me around, huh?
[For some reason, he can understand her, understand everyone? It's only sometimes he's unable to read some of the text. That's strange, when did he know any Japanese?? But the thought fades away as quickly as it enters his mind.] Guess I lucked out.
[People had definitely been whispering about his sunglasses all day when they thought he was out of earshot, but Kotone honestly doesn't even think twice about them. Like, why wouldn't he wear sunglasses inside? She's pretty sure he'd look weird without them at this point, though if pressed, she couldn't say why.
She can feel her smile shifting to match his as she laughs in response, though her smirk is more playful than egoistic.] I guess you did!
[Luck out, that is. Usually her schedule is pretty packed, but this year, it seems as though she has more free time than usual. It's only April, though, so things could definitely pick up steam sooner rather than normal. Best to enjoy the time she has now, right?
Taking a few more steps back, she tilts her head and then turns in a clear indication that he should follow as she heads up the hall intending to show him the club rooms.] This is your first time being in Japan, right? What do you think?
[Honestly, it was pretty annoying hearing all those whispers from the other students. If they have something to say, then they should just say it to his face!! But somehow, he didn't let it get to him.
Maybe he's getting better at controlling his feelings, being mature, or he's just really that happy to be at Gekkoukan. It's not like he fully belongs in this school, it's not that kind of feeling, but he still truly wants to be here with her. Who knew that he wanted to be in Japan that much? Weird. His more positive outlook truly shines in how he interacts with his 'senpai,' because if he was in a bad mood, he'd be way more grumpy and quiet.
Doesn't hurt that she's really cute (why does he feel so safe around her already).]
Yeah, first time. [He answers, while easily taking pace with her.] It's not bad, but the real first test is when I try a hamburger here. [Is he actually serious...] But hey tour guide, are you going to ask my name?
[A hamburger?! Not ramen or sushi? She bursts out laughing in spite of herself -- oh, the new kid's got jokes, huh? Her eyes sparkle as she glances back toward him, nose scrunching up a bit from the force of her smile.]
I'll take you by Wuck later if you want.
[She's about to point out some of the club rooms when he asks that, and her brow furrows with a bit of confusion. She knows his name already, it's--] Scott Summers, right?
[...How does she know that? It sounds right. Maybe she'd overheard one of the teachers mention it once, though there's an odd resonance when she says his name. Pushing that aside for now, she smiles again.] Is it true that Americans always call each other by their first names?
[Obviously!! You judge each country by how they make their hamburgers!! That's like part of the constitution, fully written in article iv. He doesn't make the rules!!
And while Scott doesn't fully join in her laughter, his smile grows as he watches her wholeheartedly laugh. She really is cute, huh? That's probably the reason why he keeps on having these random mushy feelings here and there, such as wanting to see her like this more often. Or glad that she's happy here. It should be silly to already feel like this, but they're truly genuine.
...
Come on Summers, this is your first day of school. Don't get a crush on the first girl you bump into again. He's going to be cool and everything, that was the plan. And it's a great plan. So, he smirks at her, back into full teasing mode, because it helps to push down said mushy feelings he's been experiencing.]
That's right, I'm Scott Summers-- and yeah, we usually call each other by our first names. [He tilts his head at her.] And Japanese call each other by their last names.
[Since he's not a total dickhead--] Did you want me to call you Shiomi then?
Do you want me to call you Summers? [she retorts easily, grinning all the while and shaking her head with a shrug.] I'm not worried about it!
[Her gaze flicks up a moment as if expecting to see a card floating above his head to signify that he's a social link but -- no, that part of her life is over now, isn't it? Igor and Theo had said she'd finished her journey. There's a nagging feeling that if her journey is over, she maybe shouldn't be here, but it's easy to ignore in the face of this new cute guy talking to her. He seems nice!]
Anyway, these are the club rooms. I'm part of the Library Committee, the Student Council, the Tennis Club, and the Cooking Club, [she lists off on her fingers.] There's also clubs for art, music, kendo, swimming, track, and others. It's a great way to meet people!
[If she's offering to just go along with American customs, he'll take it! He'll take every chance offered to him if he can escape being called 'Summers-san.' It just makes him think of his dad and not that he hates him or anything, but he's just Scott. And he wants to be that!!]
Hope you're prepared for me to call you Kotone then.
[...And somehow, saying her first name rather than her last name, feels right. Like this is how it should be. Maybe it's just dumb American brain though, because he's used to that.
But he follows along with her tour, mostly paying attention to what she's saying because he doesn't want to be lost on his first day of school. Although, it hits him a few words in that she's not just describing the various things at this school, but everything she's a part of and uh wow???]
Oh, I see. You're the good overachiever type, huh? [He knows that those things existed back in his old school, but he was in none of them. He didn't care at all.]
[It does feel right. Why does it feel right when they've only just met? Most of her friends had needed time to warm up to the idea, and even now, sometimes it feels like she's being called by a title more than her name. Maybe that's why him saying it makes her happy? Was she looking for something like that?
A thought to wonder about later or maybe never. For now, she just laughs and shakes her head.]
It's not like that. Like I said, it's a great way to meet people. [Like, sure, she was top of her class last year, but the bonds she forged are way more important. Her eyes linger a moment on a closed door with a fond smile, remembering the time she'd spent with Bebe before he'd gone back to France, but her gaze returns to Scott's in short order as her smile brightens as if it had never faltered.] I hope you make lots of friends here, Scott.
I go with the easier way of meeting people, talking to them at the mall or arcade.
[Is that really how someone meets people though?? Usually you go to those places after making friends, but Scott doesn't take back what he just said, smiling at her with more confidence than he actually feels. He never was the most popular kid in class, quite the opposite, but he's not going to let that show in front of her. Besides, he has to live up to the totally cool 'American Exchange Student.'
Some students already think he's some sort of rebel because of his insistence of wearing his ruby sunglasses all the time. Might as well live up to that reputation, even if he can imagine Alex groaning all the way back in New York.]
So, since you're supposed to help me adjust, are you going to take me to the mall? [There's a smirk, hands going in the pockets of his uniform jacket.] Maybe I'll make a lot of friends there.
[Both her tone and the sparkle in her eye says she doesn't really believe him when he says that, but she won't question it too much. Maybe malls in America are way different! Or maybe Scott also goes to the mall to form social links with sketchy company presidents and alcoholic monks.
Her eyebrows quirk up at his question, a little surprised, but -- yeah, that's what Junpei had done for her, so why not! It's a great way to get to know the town, so after a moment to consider it, she just shrugs and nods.]
Sure, I don't mind! Pawlonia Mall has some cool places to go. You can do karaoke, there's an arcade, there's a café and a stone shop I work at sometimes... it's too early for the club to be open, though.
[Her eyes sparkle a little again as she mentions the club, both at the memory of spending time together with Mutatsu, but also to see Scott's reaction. How's his Courage stat?]
[She doesn't believe him and that's so rude. He can tell, no matter how cheerful her smile is. Is it strange that he can read her so well? Or maybe she's just always this open with others. She really seems like one of the most popular girls around here... kind of the opposite of Jean. Honestly, this whole experience is pretty much the opposite of when he first arrived at Xavier's Institute, where he and Jean got off on the wrong foot. They're close now, of course, but it was rough that first day. Didn't help that he was wearing a blindfold then.
Things really are different now.
Because not only he can see, but he might be hanging out with Kotone immediately. Something unexpectedly warm beats in his chest at the thought, similar to how he and Jean hung out at the mall, but maybe even stronger. He doesn't understand it, but that just means he has to put forth that 'super cool' demeanor up even more.]
Seriously? You actually go to clubs?
[He totally didn't expect that! Sure, cafes and arcades (although what the hell is karaoke), but a night club? Maybe he has to rethink his initial impression of her, because Scott just assumed that Kotone was one of those perky overachievers that didn't do anything wild. Hell, he's never been to a club before... but he can't admit that! In fact, he has to take her on that.]
Let's go, when it opens. [He half-demands, half-asks with a smirk, although the image is a little ruined because--] I want to see what a club is like-- I mean, a Japanese one.
[Her smile widens when he agrees, a bit of excitement thrumming through her chest. It's at this point she would normally check her planner and make sure there wasn't anyone else she was planning to spend time with today -- not only that, it sounds like Scott wants to take up not only her afternoon, but her evening. And yet, for some reason, she doesn't even think twice before agreeing,] Okay! I can probably get you in.
[The bartender is the lax sort; most people who are underage don't have her confidence to just walk right in like she belongs there. It's not like she's ordering any alcohol for herself, anyway!
More than just the place, though, it's the promise of spending more time with this funny American exchange student. Maybe that's why her smile turns impish in the perpetual urge to tease the people she likes.]
What are clubs in America like?
[Calling him on his bluff immediately, as much as she tries to project an air of innocent curiosity. As they're speaking, she leads him up the stairs and past the classrooms. Might as well finish the tour!]
[Wow, on top of everything else, are they not supposed to be at a club? That makes sense, since they're underage-- at least it'd definitely be underage back in America. He honestly has very little idea of the laws in Japan, other than maybe the drinking age being younger, but it's clear by her words that not just anyone can walk in the club and that makes it more exciting. It's like being in a place they're not technically supposed to be at.
It totally fits in with what he wants to do. Being cool and experiencing Japan at the same time. ...And maybe finding someone to hang out with so that he doesn't feel alone in a foreign country, but that's just a small thing. Really!!]
Oh, you know. [He starts and Scott's totally not just imagining what clubs are like or just remembering what they are like in movies he's seen before. Scott lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug, trying to look unaffected, even as he continues to follow her through the building.]
[Or at least, just like Club Escapade, though probably without the Shadow that had taken up residence in the cables underground. His description is vague enough that she still doesn't really think he's actually been to a club before, but she'll let him cling to whatever scraps of pride he has and only give him another playfully teasing smile.]
You're on your own if you want to buy any drinks, though.
[The classrooms are pretty generic, and at this point in her own tour, she'd kind of been leading Junpei as she wandered around. Scott seems content to follow her lead, though, so she keeps walking, heading up the stairs to the top floor of classrooms. There's no real reason to take him up here except for a vague sense that she wants to, something she feels more than consciously understands.]
...Want to see my favorite place in the school?
[Her voice and smile stay as light and playful as they've been this whole time, but there's a different set to her eyes, something almost wistful when she asks that question.]
You'd think they let me buy drinks without carding me?
[Scott asks, voice bordering on teasing as he thinks about trying alcohol for the first time. Yeah yeah, he's never had a drink, despite his totally well-known 'rebellious' reputation back at home. He just never had an opportunity to do something like that! Between just skipping class here and there and going to the mall, it just never happened.
...Although, honestly, he's really not going to try too hard to get a drink. It's not that important to him because he's a little bit of a boy scout and he doesn't want to be drunk or wasted in front of everyone.
He actually listens to Kotone as she guides him around, memorizing the different classrooms-- at least the ones that he'll need to remember. He honestly doesn't want to be the dumbass that gets lost on his first day. If he's going to skip class or be late, it's gonna be on purpose!!]
Wow, already like me that much? [He jokes, but something in his face softens, because he really wants to see this favorite place of hers. She's cute and nice and he's interested in hanging out with her more. Maybe learning more about the girl that somehow seems just a touch sad all the time.
Scott smiles, some of that confident streak disappearing, but replaced with something a little more genuine.] Yeah, sure.
[The sparkle in her eyes says, "no." No, they won't let him buy anything, and might even just kick him out on principle. But hey, if he wants to try, she won't stop him! Besides, she doesn't really like alcohol herself anyway.
...Has she ever tried it? She feels like she has, but she's only ever smelled Mutatsu's drinks, right? It's a puzzling thought, one that almost distracts her from Scott's teasing question. It means all he gets in response is a smile and a laugh of wordless agreement as she brushes past him, heading up the final flight of stairs.
The door to the roof creaks when opened, the wind carrying the scent of the cherry blossoms and a few lost petals from down below. It's easier to smell the sea air from up here and hear the gentle cries of distant seagulls. Aside from that, it's quiet and empty, and it almost feels like her footsteps echo in a way they shouldn't as she steps forward.]
...This is it.
[Something aches in her chest, and just like the earlier dumb thought about the booze, she can't quite figure out why it feels so familiar. Of course she's been up here a lot, but it feels like she's forgetting something important.]
As the wind passes by them, ruffling both hair and jacket, he can't help but take a deep breath and just let that ocean air settle in his lungs. It really is different standing on top of this rooftop in Japan, compared to Ohio or even Westchester. Scott for once even taking the time to appreciate the quiet atmosphere, ruby sunglasses looking around with no real intention other than to take in the empty rooftop. It's not a bad sort of feeling, maybe because she's up here with him and that makes it nice. She told him this is her favorite place after all.
...Although looking at her like this, something twists in his chest and he doesn't know why. Maybe it's too much of Japanese air!! But it feels something just a little deeper, almost like she's going to disappear.]
It's nice up here. [He compliments, taking a few steps in front of her before turning around to smile at her. Time to distract himself and her from feelings!!] Seems like a nice place to go to skip class. Or even hold a club. [...] Eat sandwiches.
[The air almost looks like its shimmering, like if she turns her head too fast, she'll see her friends out of the corner of her eye. She'll see Aigis up here. Imagine she'll hear Ryoji's or Shinjiro's voice. Isn't that funny...?
Once again Scott makes himself the center of her attention, and she smiles at him, feeling the world snap back into focus around him. It's easier to ignore that weird haze if he's with her, and she can't help but laugh at the idea.]
What, are you the Sandwich King or something? [she teases without really thinking about it, moving forward to join him.]
[Scott laughs, but somehow, the title feels really fitting. Strange, since he considered himself more of a hamburger kind of guy, not that he dislikes sandwiches at all. He just likes the thought of a burger, fries, and drink, a true American classic. However, it's far more amusing to just play along with this, especially since that smile is bright on her once more. He feels at ease seeing her like that.]
Yeah, that's right. [He then points at her, as if making a loud declaration for everyone to hear, despite them being the only two on this rooftop.] And you're the Sandwich... Peon.
[Not 'Sandwich Queen?!' Not yet, besides, he wants to tease her more, eyes shining in mirth behind his glasses.]
[Her laughter redoubles, hard enough that it scrunches up her nose with the force of it. Relegated to servant already? Some of her Personas would probably grumble about that, but she thinks it's funny. Besides, there's only one queen in her heart, and that's Mitsuru.]
Do you usually have American clubs on the roof? I've never been to one like that before, I think!
[...Right? She has a weird feeling like maybe at one of her old schools, they used to meet on the roof and talk about... something. Her brows knit together slightly, smile fading at the corners, but she keeps moving forward until she can take a seat on one of the benches, facing outward toward the water.
This bench feels familiar, too. Like she's forgetting something important.]
[She's cute when she laughs. Shit, why does he have it so bad--]
Definitely not. Usually, we're not even allowed to go on the roof. That's like a one way ticket to getting suspended.
[Not that he'd know or anything!!
But he knows for a fact that he never went to any club back in his old school and there's really no place to stand on the roof at Xaiver's... but something feels just a little odd. Like. Not only has he been to a rooftop club before, but he actually hosted one and isn't that a funny thought? Him, the freak and outcast, hosting a somewhat popular club for other teens?
Maybe he'd do something like that at Xavier's Institute one day, because he actually likes the other students there, but it still feels weird.
But shrugging off that feeling (maybe it was just a dream), he follows her to the bench and without waiting for any sort of invitation, he plops down right next to her, knees gently knocking. It's nice, being out here, really, seeing her smile. Honestly, he doesn't want this moment to end... he just wants to spend the early morning day with her. Spend these countless days like this together.
...Whoa, Summers, what are you even thinking?? You just met her--]
I can see why this is your favorite spot! [He instead blurts out, which is at least a little less embarrassing than his actual thoughts.]
[His knee knocks against hers, but she doesn't shift or move away. It feels right, sitting close to him like this, and not for the first time, she's seized by the urge to hold his hand. It feels like she's wanted to share this place with him for a long time.
She glances up at him, almost about to ask if somehow, impossibly, they've met before, but then he's talking again, and she just lets him, her own smile warming in response.]
It really is! It's like... it makes all the bad things feel so small.
[She leans closer to him, shoulders bumping as she points to draw his attention.]
You can see the monorail from here. My dorm is that way. You can't really see it well from here, but the mall is over there. [And she points again, still without drawing back into her own personal bubble.] The best beef bowls are at the strip mall in Iwatodai, though!
['All the bad things feel small.' He thinks he knows what she's talking about as they continue to sit on this bench together, the sky feeling just a little closer and the expansive sea spreading past the horizon. World's pretty big and all that, although, Scott still can't help but feel like there isn't any other place he'd rather be, especially with her.
It's nearly instinctive, the way he just leans in closer to Kotone while looking at the direction she's pointing. Of course, he's never been to the monorail or the dorm or any of these locations she's pointing out, but he listens, wanting to know the places important to her because it's already important to him. L-Look this will still help with him being the cool American exchange student, because he'll know all the cool spots, not to mention that he wants to go to the arcade and club still.]
Beef bowls? [There's a curious tilt in his voice as he repeats that.] I don't think I've had something like that before. [...] Normally I'd want my beef in a hamburger.
[He's definitely joking, mostly. His voice is teasing enough anyway.]
What?! [She giggles and shoves him good-naturedly, sticking her tongue out a bit. C'mon, there's being an American, and then there's definitely taking it too far, right? But it's funny nonetheless, and she can't help but smile at him, still not shifting away. She can see herself reflected in his glasses, and somehow, she can imagine blue eyes beneath them. The thought of taking his glasses off never crosses her mind, though, and as the giggles eventually subside, she finds she can't look away. It feels right to gaze at him like this, her smile softening a little in a strangely-familiar expression.
So she shoves him again and conjures up another laugh, springing lightly to her feet.]
Well then, I guess I'll have to take you to Wuck some other time. Beef bowls!! Beef bowls!! [She pumps her fist in the air and takes a few skipping steps back toward the stairs, bright smile firmly back in place.] Race you to the monorail!!
[Scott joins in her laughter, bumping their shoulders once more as he looks at her through his red lens. It's strange, but he can almost imagine what she actually looks like-- her actual hair color and eyes. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on his end, because he's never been able to seen anyone lately in the 'right' colors. Still, the image doesn't go away and with the way she's smiling at him now... the mutant can't help himself from slowly leaning closer to her--
Until she playfully pushes him away and oh, uh, right. They don't know each other at all!! What is he thinking??? Kotone is definitely nice, but she'd probably still slap him if he kissed her without warning. He almost feels embarrassed, an emotion that he covers up with a slightly forced cocky grin.]
Wait, seriously? [He chuckles again, eyebrows rising as she chants about beef bowls. Someone really is excited about them.] Also you're totally cheating, because I don't know how to get there!
[He's definitely going to race her still, Scott already up and following her back down the stairs.]
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expiationlogs2025-01-13 12:39 pm
time 🎶
New country new feeling? Maybe it's the cute girl that's walking up to him with a bright smile. It makes him stand just a little straighter, although he doesn't even attempt to fully button up the jacket of his uniform. Yeah, that also was an adjustment and one Scott sourly obeyed, but guess it's not the worst. At least no one is bitching about him wearing sunglasses indoors.]
Hey. [He returns her smile, the feeling so easy, although it's mixed with a smirk as well.] So you're the one that's supposed to show me around, huh?
[For some reason, he can understand her, understand everyone? It's only sometimes he's unable to read some of the text. That's strange, when did he know any Japanese?? But the thought fades away as quickly as it enters his mind.] Guess I lucked out.
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She can feel her smile shifting to match his as she laughs in response, though her smirk is more playful than egoistic.] I guess you did!
[Luck out, that is. Usually her schedule is pretty packed, but this year, it seems as though she has more free time than usual. It's only April, though, so things could definitely pick up steam sooner rather than normal. Best to enjoy the time she has now, right?
Taking a few more steps back, she tilts her head and then turns in a clear indication that he should follow as she heads up the hall intending to show him the club rooms.] This is your first time being in Japan, right? What do you think?
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Maybe he's getting better at controlling his feelings, being mature, or he's just really that happy to be at Gekkoukan. It's not like he fully belongs in this school, it's not that kind of feeling, but he still truly wants to be here
with her. Who knew that he wanted to be in Japan that much? Weird. His more positive outlook truly shines in how he interacts with his 'senpai,' because if he was in a bad mood, he'd be way more grumpy and quiet.Doesn't hurt that she's really cute (why does he feel so safe around her already).]
Yeah, first time. [He answers, while easily taking pace with her.] It's not bad, but the real first test is when I try a hamburger here. [Is he actually serious...] But hey tour guide, are you going to ask my name?
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I'll take you by Wuck later if you want.
[She's about to point out some of the club rooms when he asks that, and her brow furrows with a bit of confusion. She knows his name already, it's--] Scott Summers, right?
[...How does she know that? It sounds right. Maybe she'd overheard one of the teachers mention it once, though there's an odd resonance when she says his name. Pushing that aside for now, she smiles again.] Is it true that Americans always call each other by their first names?
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And while Scott doesn't fully join in her laughter, his smile grows as he watches her wholeheartedly laugh. She really is cute, huh? That's probably the reason why he keeps on having these random mushy feelings here and there, such as wanting to see her like this more often. Or glad that she's happy here. It should be silly to already feel like this, but they're truly genuine.
...
Come on Summers, this is your first day of school. Don't get a crush on the first girl you bump into
again. He's going to be cool and everything, that was the plan. And it's a great plan. So, he smirks at her, back into full teasing mode, because it helps to push down said mushy feelings he's been experiencing.]That's right, I'm Scott Summers-- and yeah, we usually call each other by our first names. [He tilts his head at her.] And Japanese call each other by their last names.
[Since he's not a total dickhead--] Did you want me to call you Shiomi then?
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[Her gaze flicks up a moment as if expecting to see a card floating above his head to signify that he's a social link but -- no, that part of her life is over now, isn't it? Igor and Theo had said she'd finished her journey. There's a nagging feeling that if her journey is over, she maybe shouldn't be here, but it's easy to ignore in the face of this new cute guy talking to her. He seems nice!]
Anyway, these are the club rooms. I'm part of the Library Committee, the Student Council, the Tennis Club, and the Cooking Club, [she lists off on her fingers.] There's also clubs for art, music, kendo, swimming, track, and others. It's a great way to meet people!
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[If she's offering to just go along with American customs, he'll take it! He'll take every chance offered to him if he can escape being called 'Summers-san.' It just makes him think of his dad and not that he hates him or anything, but he's just Scott. And he wants to be that!!]
Hope you're prepared for me to call you Kotone then.
[...And somehow, saying her first name rather than her last name, feels right. Like this is how it should be. Maybe it's just dumb American brain though, because he's used to that.
But he follows along with her tour, mostly paying attention to what she's saying because he doesn't want to be lost on his first day of school. Although, it hits him a few words in that she's not just describing the various things at this school, but everything she's a part of and uh wow???]
Oh, I see. You're the good overachiever type, huh? [He knows that those things existed back in his old school, but he was in none of them. He didn't care at all.]
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[It does feel right. Why does it feel right when they've only just met? Most of her friends had needed time to warm up to the idea, and even now, sometimes it feels like she's being called by a title more than her name. Maybe that's why him saying it makes her happy? Was she looking for something like that?
A thought to wonder about later or maybe never. For now, she just laughs and shakes her head.]
It's not like that. Like I said, it's a great way to meet people. [Like, sure, she was top of her class last year, but the bonds she forged are way more important. Her eyes linger a moment on a closed door with a fond smile, remembering the time she'd spent with Bebe before he'd gone back to France, but her gaze returns to Scott's in short order as her smile brightens as if it had never faltered.] I hope you make lots of friends here, Scott.
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[Is that really how someone meets people though?? Usually you go to those places after making friends, but Scott doesn't take back what he just said, smiling at her with more confidence than he actually feels. He never was the most popular kid in class, quite the opposite, but he's not going to let that show in front of her. Besides, he has to live up to the totally cool 'American Exchange Student.'
Some students already think he's some sort of rebel because of his insistence of wearing his ruby sunglasses all the time. Might as well live up to that reputation, even if he can imagine Alex groaning all the way back in New York.]
So, since you're supposed to help me adjust, are you going to take me to the mall? [There's a smirk, hands going in the pockets of his uniform jacket.] Maybe I'll make a lot of friends there.
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[Both her tone and the sparkle in her eye says she doesn't really believe him when he says that, but she won't question it too much. Maybe malls in America are way different! Or maybe Scott also goes to the mall to form social links with sketchy company presidents and alcoholic monks.
Her eyebrows quirk up at his question, a little surprised, but -- yeah, that's what Junpei had done for her, so why not! It's a great way to get to know the town, so after a moment to consider it, she just shrugs and nods.]
Sure, I don't mind! Pawlonia Mall has some cool places to go. You can do karaoke, there's an arcade, there's a café and a stone shop I work at sometimes... it's too early for the club to be open, though.
[Her eyes sparkle a little again as she mentions the club, both at the memory of spending time together with Mutatsu, but also to see Scott's reaction. How's his Courage stat?]
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Things really are different now.
Because not only he can see, but he might be hanging out with Kotone immediately. Something unexpectedly warm beats in his chest at the thought, similar to how he and Jean hung out at the mall, but maybe even stronger. He doesn't understand it, but that just means he has to put forth that 'super cool' demeanor up even more.]
Seriously? You actually go to clubs?
[He totally didn't expect that! Sure, cafes and arcades (although what the hell is karaoke), but a night club? Maybe he has to rethink his initial impression of her, because Scott just assumed that Kotone was one of those perky overachievers that didn't do anything wild. Hell, he's never been to a club before... but he can't admit that! In fact, he has to take her on that.]
Let's go, when it opens. [He half-demands, half-asks with a smirk, although the image is a little ruined because--] I want to see what a club is like-- I mean, a Japanese one.
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[The bartender is the lax sort; most people who are underage don't have her confidence to just walk right in like she belongs there. It's not like she's ordering any alcohol for herself, anyway!
More than just the place, though, it's the promise of spending more time with this funny American exchange student. Maybe that's why her smile turns impish in the perpetual urge to tease the people she likes.]
What are clubs in America like?
[Calling him on his bluff immediately, as much as she tries to project an air of innocent curiosity. As they're speaking, she leads him up the stairs and past the classrooms. Might as well finish the tour!]
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It totally fits in with what he wants to do. Being cool and experiencing Japan at the same time. ...And maybe finding someone to hang out with so that he doesn't feel alone in a foreign country, but that's just a small thing. Really!!]
Oh, you know. [He starts and Scott's totally not just imagining what clubs are like or just remembering what they are like in movies he's seen before. Scott lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug, trying to look unaffected, even as he continues to follow her through the building.]
Loud music, dancing. Lots of alcohol.
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[Or at least, just like Club Escapade, though probably without the Shadow that had taken up residence in the cables underground. His description is vague enough that she still doesn't really think he's actually been to a club before, but she'll let him cling to whatever scraps of pride he has and only give him another playfully teasing smile.]
You're on your own if you want to buy any drinks, though.
[The classrooms are pretty generic, and at this point in her own tour, she'd kind of been leading Junpei as she wandered around. Scott seems content to follow her lead, though, so she keeps walking, heading up the stairs to the top floor of classrooms. There's no real reason to take him up here except for a vague sense that she wants to, something she feels more than consciously understands.]
...Want to see my favorite place in the school?
[Her voice and smile stay as light and playful as they've been this whole time, but there's a different set to her eyes, something almost wistful when she asks that question.]
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[Scott asks, voice bordering on teasing as he thinks about trying alcohol for the first time. Yeah yeah, he's never had a drink, despite his totally well-known 'rebellious' reputation back at home. He just never had an opportunity to do something like that! Between just skipping class here and there and going to the mall, it just never happened.
...Although, honestly, he's really not going to try too hard to get a drink. It's not that important to him
because he's a little bit of a boy scoutand he doesn't want to be drunk or wasted in front of everyone.He actually listens to Kotone as she guides him around, memorizing the different classrooms-- at least the ones that he'll need to remember. He honestly doesn't want to be the dumbass that gets lost on his first day. If he's going to skip class or be late, it's gonna be on purpose!!]
Wow, already like me that much? [He jokes, but something in his face softens, because he really wants to see this favorite place of hers. She's cute and nice and he's interested in hanging out with her more. Maybe learning more about the girl that somehow seems just a touch sad all the time.
Scott smiles, some of that confident streak disappearing, but replaced with something a little more genuine.] Yeah, sure.
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[The sparkle in her eyes says, "no." No, they won't let him buy anything, and might even just kick him out on principle. But hey, if he wants to try, she won't stop him! Besides, she doesn't really like alcohol herself anyway.
...Has she ever tried it? She feels like she has, but she's only ever smelled Mutatsu's drinks, right? It's a puzzling thought, one that almost distracts her from Scott's teasing question. It means all he gets in response is a smile and a laugh of wordless agreement as she brushes past him, heading up the final flight of stairs.
The door to the roof creaks when opened, the wind carrying the scent of the cherry blossoms and a few lost petals from down below. It's easier to smell the sea air from up here and hear the gentle cries of distant seagulls. Aside from that, it's quiet and empty, and it almost feels like her footsteps echo in a way they shouldn't as she steps forward.]
...This is it.
[Something aches in her chest, and just like the earlier dumb thought about the booze, she can't quite figure out why it feels so familiar. Of course she's been up here a lot, but it feels like she's forgetting something important.]
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As the wind passes by them, ruffling both hair and jacket, he can't help but take a deep breath and just let that ocean air settle in his lungs. It really is different standing on top of this rooftop in Japan, compared to Ohio or even Westchester. Scott for once even taking the time to appreciate the quiet atmosphere, ruby sunglasses looking around with no real intention other than to take in the empty rooftop. It's not a bad sort of feeling, maybe because she's up here with him and that makes it nice. She told him this is her favorite place after all.
...Although looking at her like this, something twists in his chest and he doesn't know why. Maybe it's too much of Japanese air!! But it feels something just a little deeper, almost like she's going to disappear.]
It's nice up here. [He compliments, taking a few steps in front of her before turning around to smile at her. Time to distract himself and her from feelings!!] Seems like a nice place to go to skip class. Or even hold a club. [...] Eat sandwiches.
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[The air almost looks like its shimmering, like if she turns her head too fast, she'll see her friends out of the corner of her eye. She'll see Aigis up here. Imagine she'll hear Ryoji's or Shinjiro's voice. Isn't that funny...?
Once again Scott makes himself the center of her attention, and she smiles at him, feeling the world snap back into focus around him. It's easier to ignore that weird haze if he's with her, and she can't help but laugh at the idea.]
What, are you the Sandwich King or something? [she teases without really thinking about it, moving forward to join him.]
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[Scott laughs, but somehow, the title feels really fitting. Strange, since he considered himself more of a hamburger kind of guy, not that he dislikes sandwiches at all. He just likes the thought of a burger, fries, and drink, a true American classic. However, it's far more amusing to just play along with this, especially since that smile is bright on her once more. He feels at ease seeing her like that.]
Yeah, that's right. [He then points at her, as if making a loud declaration for everyone to hear, despite them being the only two on this rooftop.] And you're the Sandwich... Peon.
[Not 'Sandwich Queen?!' Not yet, besides, he wants to tease her more, eyes shining in mirth behind his glasses.]
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Do you usually have American clubs on the roof? I've never been to one like that before, I think!
[...Right? She has a weird feeling like maybe at one of her old schools, they used to meet on the roof and talk about... something. Her brows knit together slightly, smile fading at the corners, but she keeps moving forward until she can take a seat on one of the benches, facing outward toward the water.
This bench feels familiar, too. Like she's forgetting something important.]
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Definitely not. Usually, we're not even allowed to go on the roof. That's like a one way ticket to getting suspended.
[Not that he'd know or anything!!
But he knows for a fact that he never went to any club back in his old school and there's really no place to stand on the roof at Xaiver's... but something feels just a little odd. Like. Not only has he been to a rooftop club before, but he actually hosted one and isn't that a funny thought? Him, the freak and outcast, hosting a somewhat popular club for other teens?
Maybe he'd do something like that at Xavier's Institute one day, because he actually likes the other students there, but it still feels weird.
But shrugging off that feeling (maybe it was just a dream), he follows her to the bench and without waiting for any sort of invitation, he plops down right next to her, knees gently knocking. It's nice, being out here, really, seeing her smile. Honestly, he doesn't want this moment to end... he just wants to spend the early morning day with her. Spend these countless days like this together.
...Whoa, Summers, what are you even thinking?? You just met her--]
I can see why this is your favorite spot! [He instead blurts out, which is at least a little less embarrassing than his actual thoughts.]
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She glances up at him, almost about to ask if somehow, impossibly, they've met before, but then he's talking again, and she just lets him, her own smile warming in response.]
It really is! It's like... it makes all the bad things feel so small.
[She leans closer to him, shoulders bumping as she points to draw his attention.]
You can see the monorail from here. My dorm is that way. You can't really see it well from here, but the mall is over there. [And she points again, still without drawing back into her own personal bubble.] The best beef bowls are at the strip mall in Iwatodai, though!
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It's nearly instinctive, the way he just leans in closer to Kotone while looking at the direction she's pointing. Of course, he's never been to the monorail or the dorm or any of these locations she's pointing out, but he listens, wanting to know the places important to her because it's already important to him. L-Look this will still help with him being the cool American exchange student, because he'll know all the cool spots, not to mention that he wants to go to the arcade and club still.]
Beef bowls? [There's a curious tilt in his voice as he repeats that.] I don't think I've had something like that before. [...] Normally I'd want my beef in a hamburger.
[He's definitely joking, mostly. His voice is teasing enough anyway.]
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So she shoves him again and conjures up another laugh, springing lightly to her feet.]
Well then, I guess I'll have to take you to Wuck some other time. Beef bowls!! Beef bowls!! [She pumps her fist in the air and takes a few skipping steps back toward the stairs, bright smile firmly back in place.] Race you to the monorail!!
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Until she playfully pushes him away and oh, uh, right. They don't know each other at all!! What is he thinking??? Kotone is definitely nice, but she'd probably still slap him if he kissed her without warning. He almost feels embarrassed, an emotion that he covers up with a slightly forced cocky grin.]
Wait, seriously? [He chuckles again, eyebrows rising as she chants about beef bowls. Someone really is excited about them.] Also you're totally cheating, because I don't know how to get there!
[He's definitely going to race her still, Scott already up and following her back down the stairs.]
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