[ Maika had said she would keep an ear out for any knocks on her door later that night, so sure enough, Aerith comes knocking. Whether or not the door to Maika's room is set ajar, Aerith gives a light knock with her knuckle—after all, it's pretty late and she wouldn't want to disturb anyone who might be sleeping next door. ]
[ The door swings open a little bit under the knock — definitely left slightly loose — and Maika glances up from where she's seated at the low table, closing the journal she was writing in and twisting to look towards the door. ]
Home? None of us amateur Worldwalkers, that's for sure. But I'm here.
[ For better or for worse, her wry tone implies.
Maika has the room to herself, like usual; the bottom bunk is made up neatly as if for visitors, with the top one in slight disarray. There's no shortage of places for Aerith to make herself comfortable, at least. ]
[ Enough people she knew have disappeared or died by now, and she's glad that Maika isn't one of them.
Aerith makes a beeline for the bottom bunk, plopping down on it as if she owns it. From here, she can see that Maika was clearly writing in something before Aerith interrupted, and she eyes it. ]
[ Well, it's hers now! Maika's eyes crease briefly in amusement as she mentally adds one to the tally of strange stray cats she seems to have attracted. ]
...Habit. After the war, there were... a lot of things I couldn't remember. For a little while I thought that was better. But when you're empty like that, anything can crawl up from that darkness.
[ So, a record. She pats the journal and draws it a little closer to herself, an unthinking protective gesture, before she pulls her hand away. ]
[ Just saying! She's curious about Maika and the sort of person that she is, so of course she wouldn't mind talking about her and finding more out.
Slipping off her shoes, Aerith leans back on the bed, laying on her side. Maybe she's getting a little too comfortable here... but it's fine, she figures. ]
Do you think people like Ushirono could change? Or that he would even want to...?
[ Maika gives a little grunt of discouragement that hopefully conveys "please no talking about me" without actually being a firm no. She'll worry about that later.
As Aerith settles in, Maika scoots over to the side table to turn on an electric kettle and grab some cups. Something to do with her hand while she thinks, anyway. ]
Killers? Or people who treat other people like tools?
[ She has to pause a second, remind herself not to swing as hard with her words as she usually would. She always aims to strike fast, make a point; but thinking of what Aerith said during the meeting, she doesn't need the emphasis. ]
...I only spoke to him once. I don't know. All the "researchers" I've known would say without a second thought that they wouldn't change a thing. Would it matter if he changed?
[ She watches as Maika makes to brew some tea, her eyes following her movements though her brain is buzzing with all sorts of thoughts. Maybe she should be more bothered by Maika's harsh words, but she isn't.
Someone who speaks plainly is refreshing, after all. ]
Prob'ly not to everyone, but to me? Yeah, I think it would. It'd mean he no longer thought of people that way.
[ And maybe he'd even want to make up for his past sins. ]
But I don't know if he even wanted to. Or cared enough about anything to even begin changing.
The only person who could answer that for you is gone.
[ The words are plain, but for once, Maika's voice is almost soft. She doesn't really do "gentle," but sometimes she does try. ]
...Anyone can change if they want to. Some people just have to be desperate first. But you're right... he'd have to want something, anything in the world badly enough to bother.
[ The water begins to make a soothing bubbling sound as Maika's fingertips dance indecisively over teabags. ]
And it wouldn't change what he did before. The people he hurt could still hate him. Maybe they should, even.
[ Horrible things can't go unpunished, either by law or in society, and as much as Aerith likes to forgive sometimes she thinks those punishments are deserved. Maybe she would feel that way if she had a full list of Fuyu's crimes.
It's hard to say.
She sighs, letting the bubbling of the boiling water fill the space between them for a little while as she thinks. ]
Do you think all this is gonna make it harder for us to save this place?
[ Hm. Maika glances sidelong at Aerith and finally plunks a bag into the water, filling the room with the clean herbal scent of chrysanthemum. ]
You can still hate yours, too.
[ Not like Aerith needs her permission. But sometimes, gentle people need a little reminder. Maika leans back and watches the tea steep as she considers the question. ]
Do you want my honest analysis? Or is this where I'm supposed to say something reassuring?
[ "Save this place"... maybe idealists are all ambitious by nature. How are they even supposed to save themselves? ]
[ So, sometime after all of that, Argenti will be busying himself volunteering at one of the local bakeries regardless of the current state of everything. Why? Because he is the type of person who gets restless if he isn't doing anything - even if training happens on the regular and so does checking up on other folks.
Argenti is so busy that if the door to the bakery should happen to open as he is bending over to take out some bread (or baguettes) from the oven, he won't happen to see who it is. Though he may be able to be seen as he's moving to place it somewhere near a visible spot in said area.
So, ball is in Maika's court. What's she going to be doing? ]
[ Maika? Maika is going to be spotting her tall, redheaded prey as he's defenseless, and moving in swiftly. A bakery isn't huge and gives her plenty of nice lanes to corner someone. In a fit of kindness(?) she waits until he's not actually half in the oven to do this, but he might still be baguette-laden as she comes up behind him: ]
[ Argenti turns around with the biggest smile on his face when he notices Maika come upon him like that. Most people probably wouldn't react like that, but it seems she just hasn't surprised him...much. Even if he has no idea what she may be plotting!! ]
I would call it more volunteering than hiding, my fellow companion.
Is there something I can help you with?
If you are looking for the best baguettes around, I can assure that this bakery has it!
[ He's still holding the baguettes with the oven mittens and all as he says this. ]
Why is everyone trying to bribe me with bread lately?
[ Not that she doesn't like bread. She's not actually an obligate carnivore. But, no — accepting food from Argenti at this juncture defeats the purpose of her mission. ]
No. You're having a meal with me. And I'm paying.
[ She delivers this last in a growl of absolute menace that says she knows his sins and they are not forgiven. Bastard. ]
[ Okay, well, Argenti isn't going to argue against that. Especially not when he has these poor, innocent baguettes on hand! ]
...Something tells me that you would not accept no for an answer.
[ He goes to place down the set of baguettes, tells the owner that he is done for now, and turns to Maika. ]
Perhaps everyone is trying to bribe you with bread because it is delicious? And I do wonder whyever you sound so...like this about it. Is there a place you have found that you have just simply decided to like very much?
[ That's right. Come along quietly or the baguettes get it. Maika shadows him at his task, watching with narrowed eyes to make sure he's not escaping out the backdoor to a different, more hidden volunteer location. ]
Commanding? Pissed off? [ He can take his pick on which "like this" it is. ] Would've thought you could make a guess by now. I hate having debts foisted on me.
[ This is a lie. Maika, broadly, considers it anyone else's damn fault if they give her something and get taken advantage of. But she's pretty sure it's a lie Argenti would believe, so she'll nudge him ungraciously towards the door. ]
[ NOT THE POOR BAGUETTES!! Anyway, Argenti does look kind of a little amused when she is watching like a hawk? Just because he escaped four or five times when he was in his shadow era doesn't mean that ]
I suppose I considered 'eager', but that wouldn't quite fit...
[ Argenti is joking. A little. ]
I did not realize you would consider what I did as an act of settling a debt, however.
[ Yeah, Argenti believes the lie wholesale, it's fine.png ]
As for your question...I've been proper re-introduced to the wonders of macaroni and cheese in multiple variations, various different kinds of sandwiches, cookies, and other things like rainbow pancakes, but far less memorable than the ones I have pointed out thus far. Though, depending on the flower, consuming those can also be healthy for you!
[ Sad no one tried to eat the rose petals he's throwing out but that was just joked around and not going to happen...or so far, anyway. It's not too late!! And he is being nudged towards the door, apparently... ]
It's the most literal kind of debt you can get. Don't be more dense than you have to be.
[ Although of course, she suspects the more she shows any kind of exasperation, the more that encourages him too. Now that he's settled her as "safe" in his mind, he really doesn't hesitate to rile her at all. Absolutely feline of him. ]
And don't even start. Kippa's already tried, with the flowers. They belong in tea and nowhere else.
[ But it sounds like he's not in the least bit picky, which doesn't shock her. And since neither is she... she'll just march them down the street and scan for the first thing that looks interesting. Or hilarious. She wonders how someone as prissy as he is would fare with messier food. ]
It's simply just interesting you phrased it as such, that is all.
I do appreciate that you are so considerate in your attempt to resolve it, though.
[ Though this kind of response is just original flavor Argenti. ]
Kippa is a dear friend of yours, right? Well, I will be certain not to make you consume them.
But, yes, I have nothing against meat nor seafood. So, if there is something or somewhere in particular that has either one of those, feel free to lead us there.
[ He won't object to it! He isn't exactly keeping a close lookout on his surroundings for this, after all. As for messier food...well, he's been to an Ihopesque place once, so that's the messiest he's gotten when it comes to such things. She can always find out, though. ]
[ It's beginning to grow obvious that things are coming to a head and that the climax of this otherworldly adventure is soon approaching. That's why Aerith decides that she and Maika need to go on a proper date.
After all, who knows when they'll have another chance?
It's a good thing Maika is so amenable to anything Aerith suggests, and it's hopefully worth it when Aerith greets her in a new pink dress and a sunny smile. ]
Ready? I figure we can just go out to eat first and then see where the day takes us.
[ She latches onto one of Maika's arms almost immediately. ]
[ It honestly would have been worth it just for the smile. But Maika would be forced to bite (literal) the first person other than Aerith who dares point out just how amenable she is to any of Aerith's whims.
The dress — and all of Aerith — get an appreciative little once-over as Maika glances down with a smile. ]
Coming from you, that sounds a little ominous.
[ Not that Maika is worried about Aerith's penchant for trouble surfacing, really. Although once the words leave her mouth, she realizes it's a little hard to ignore the jitters she is feeling. ]
I'm a wolf, not a dog. I can do without something to run after for a day.
[ Besides, she's much more interested in running after Aerith. The snuggling closer certainly isn't reducing the jittery feeling... but Maika inhales the scent of Aerith's hair and decides that she can probably live with that. ]
You're gonna make me feel like I should have planned something.
week 4, after the meeting
Anyone home?
no subject
Home? None of us amateur Worldwalkers, that's for sure. But I'm here.
[ For better or for worse, her wry tone implies.
Maika has the room to herself, like usual; the bottom bunk is made up neatly as if for visitors, with the top one in slight disarray. There's no shortage of places for Aerith to make herself comfortable, at least. ]
no subject
[ Enough people she knew have disappeared or died by now, and she's glad that Maika isn't one of them.
Aerith makes a beeline for the bottom bunk, plopping down on it as if she owns it. From here, she can see that Maika was clearly writing in something before Aerith interrupted, and she eyes it. ]
Writing in a journal?
no subject
...Habit. After the war, there were... a lot of things I couldn't remember. For a little while I thought that was better. But when you're empty like that, anything can crawl up from that darkness.
[ So, a record. She pats the journal and draws it a little closer to herself, an unthinking protective gesture, before she pulls her hand away. ]
You didn't come here to talk about me, right?
no subject
[ Just saying! She's curious about Maika and the sort of person that she is, so of course she wouldn't mind talking about her and finding more out.
Slipping off her shoes, Aerith leans back on the bed, laying on her side. Maybe she's getting a little too comfortable here... but it's fine, she figures. ]
Do you think people like Ushirono could change? Or that he would even want to...?
no subject
As Aerith settles in, Maika scoots over to the side table to turn on an electric kettle and grab some cups. Something to do with her hand while she thinks, anyway. ]
Killers? Or people who treat other people like tools?
[ She has to pause a second, remind herself not to swing as hard with her words as she usually would. She always aims to strike fast, make a point; but thinking of what Aerith said during the meeting, she doesn't need the emphasis. ]
...I only spoke to him once. I don't know. All the "researchers" I've known would say without a second thought that they wouldn't change a thing. Would it matter if he changed?
no subject
Someone who speaks plainly is refreshing, after all. ]
Prob'ly not to everyone, but to me? Yeah, I think it would. It'd mean he no longer thought of people that way.
[ And maybe he'd even want to make up for his past sins. ]
But I don't know if he even wanted to. Or cared enough about anything to even begin changing.
no subject
[ The words are plain, but for once, Maika's voice is almost soft. She doesn't really do "gentle," but sometimes she does try. ]
...Anyone can change if they want to. Some people just have to be desperate first. But you're right... he'd have to want something, anything in the world badly enough to bother.
[ The water begins to make a soothing bubbling sound as Maika's fingertips dance indecisively over teabags. ]
And it wouldn't change what he did before. The people he hurt could still hate him. Maybe they should, even.
no subject
[ Horrible things can't go unpunished, either by law or in society, and as much as Aerith likes to forgive sometimes she thinks those punishments are deserved. Maybe she would feel that way if she had a full list of Fuyu's crimes.
It's hard to say.
She sighs, letting the bubbling of the boiling water fill the space between them for a little while as she thinks. ]
Do you think all this is gonna make it harder for us to save this place?
no subject
You can still hate yours, too.
[ Not like Aerith needs her permission. But sometimes, gentle people need a little reminder. Maika leans back and watches the tea steep as she considers the question. ]
Do you want my honest analysis? Or is this where I'm supposed to say something reassuring?
[ "Save this place"... maybe idealists are all ambitious by nature. How are they even supposed to save themselves? ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Sometime Post-Fray Palace
Argenti is so busy that if the door to the bakery should happen to open as he is bending over to take out some bread (or baguettes) from the oven, he won't happen to see who it is. Though he may be able to be seen as he's moving to place it somewhere near a visible spot in said area.
So, ball is in Maika's court. What's she going to be doing? ]
no subject
You. So this is where you've been hiding.
no subject
I would call it more volunteering than hiding, my fellow companion.
Is there something I can help you with?
If you are looking for the best baguettes around, I can assure that this bakery has it!
[ He's still holding the baguettes with the oven mittens and all as he says this. ]
no subject
[ Not that she doesn't like bread. She's not actually an obligate carnivore. But, no — accepting food from Argenti at this juncture defeats the purpose of her mission. ]
No. You're having a meal with me. And I'm paying.
[ She delivers this last in a growl of absolute menace that says she knows his sins and they are not forgiven. Bastard. ]
1/2
2/2
...Something tells me that you would not accept no for an answer.
[ He goes to place down the set of baguettes, tells the owner that he is done for now, and turns to Maika. ]
Perhaps everyone is trying to bribe you with bread because it is delicious? And I do wonder whyever you sound so...like this about it. Is there a place you have found that you have just simply decided to like very much?
no subject
Commanding? Pissed off? [ He can take his pick on which "like this" it is. ] Would've thought you could make a guess by now. I hate having debts foisted on me.
[ This is a lie. Maika, broadly, considers it anyone else's damn fault if they give her something and get taken advantage of. But she's pretty sure it's a lie Argenti would believe, so she'll nudge him ungraciously towards the door. ]
What do you eat besides bread, anyway? Flowers?
no subject
I suppose I considered 'eager', but that wouldn't quite fit...
[ Argenti is joking. A little. ]
I did not realize you would consider what I did as an act of settling a debt, however.
[ Yeah, Argenti believes the lie wholesale, it's fine.png ]
As for your question...I've been proper re-introduced to the wonders of macaroni and cheese in multiple variations, various different kinds of sandwiches, cookies, and other things like rainbow pancakes, but far less memorable than the ones I have pointed out thus far. Though, depending on the flower, consuming those can also be healthy for you!
[ Sad no one tried to eat the rose petals he's throwing out but that was just joked around and not going to happen...or so far, anyway. It's not too late!! And he is being nudged towards the door, apparently... ]
no subject
[ Although of course, she suspects the more she shows any kind of exasperation, the more that encourages him too. Now that he's settled her as "safe" in his mind, he really doesn't hesitate to rile her at all. Absolutely feline of him. ]
And don't even start. Kippa's already tried, with the flowers. They belong in tea and nowhere else.
[ But it sounds like he's not in the least bit picky, which doesn't shock her. And since neither is she... she'll just march them down the street and scan for the first thing that looks interesting. Or hilarious. She wonders how someone as prissy as he is would fare with messier food. ]
Nothing against meat? Or seafood?
no subject
...Maybe Maika is definitely right about it! ]
It's simply just interesting you phrased it as such, that is all.
I do appreciate that you are so considerate in your attempt to resolve it, though.
[ Though this kind of response is just original flavor Argenti. ]
Kippa is a dear friend of yours, right? Well, I will be certain not to make you consume them.
But, yes, I have nothing against meat nor seafood. So, if there is something or somewhere in particular that has either one of those, feel free to lead us there.
[ He won't object to it! He isn't exactly keeping a close lookout on his surroundings for this, after all. As for messier food...well, he's been to an Ihopesque place once, so that's the messiest he's gotten when it comes to such things. She can always find out, though. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
sometime in the last couple weeks, time is fake
After all, who knows when they'll have another chance?
It's a good thing Maika is so amenable to anything Aerith suggests, and it's hopefully worth it when Aerith greets her in a new pink dress and a sunny smile. ]
Ready? I figure we can just go out to eat first and then see where the day takes us.
[ She latches onto one of Maika's arms almost immediately. ]
WOBBLES HAND DEFIANTLY AT TIME
The dress — and all of Aerith — get an appreciative little once-over as Maika glances down with a smile. ]
Coming from you, that sounds a little ominous.
[ Not that Maika is worried about Aerith's penchant for trouble surfacing, really. Although once the words leave her mouth, she realizes it's a little hard to ignore the jitters she is feeling. ]
no subject
[ Aerith grins as she presses closer, guiding Maika out the door and onto the street. ]
There is one thing I'd like to do after we eat, but that's a secret.
no subject
[ Besides, she's much more interested in running after Aerith. The snuggling closer certainly isn't reducing the jittery feeling... but Maika inhales the scent of Aerith's hair and decides that she can probably live with that. ]
You're gonna make me feel like I should have planned something.
no subject
[ She's kind of giving away that it's a gift, but that's fine. Maybe Maika can look forward to (or dread) it more. ]
I'm only doing things I wanna do, you know.
[ Like pulling away just so she can grab onto Maika's hand instead, lacing their fingers together. ]