2014-06-17 - Introductory Teasing, Lesson Two
| Title: Introductory Teasing, Lesson Two | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Closing time, with one last customer. Eri and Mai are free to chat while handling the last of the restaurant-tidying chores - including about the romantic prospects in their lives. And karaoke. And roommates. How many utensils are there to bundle up, anyway? | |
| Who: | |
| Where: Linden Baum | |
| OOC - IC Date: 29 January 2014 - 6/17/14 | |
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Less than an hour to closing time, and Linden Baum is nearly empty. This late in the evening, the kitchen has shut down, the cooking staff going through the process of turning off grills and getting ingredients ready for tomorrow morning's breakfast. The dining room is verging on spotless - the last major group left some time ago, and most of the tables are spotless and gleaming.
At one end, a waitress works on tidying up the coffee cups while chatting animatedly with someone in the kitchen. Busywork to keep paid hands from growing too idle - mindless enough to permit conversation, but useful enough to justify having staff doing it. Mai is at the other end, actually seated for once - at a table across the aisle from the last remaining customer. Before her are not cakes or drinks, but trays of utensils and piles of clean white napkins. One at a time, she spreads out a napkin, places utensils upon it, and then folds it into a neat roll.
This, too, is busywork - and so as Mai creates a heap of napkin-rolled utensil sets, she's free to chat. "...at which point she stopped to growl long enough that I was able to grab her. Seriously, Mikoto did not get along with that little animal. Chuchu, I think he was called."
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
The meaning of life had officially been changed from mochi ice cream to Lemon Cake.
At least for Eri, who was finishing up her second slice in the final hour before Linden Baum's close. She had a book out, social studies again, but she wasn't really paying attention to it, instead spending an egregious amount of time on her cell phone as she read through her.. gardening blogs. Her other hand was holding a fork in her other hand to finish off the last bites of the cake. She'd order a third, but funds were getting painfully low.
Most of her attention however was on Mai, as she sat across the aisle from her. Nearly shaking with barely contained laughter, she slid just a little in the booth she'd picked close to the kitchen, she tries to keep her tone carefully controlled, but mostly fails at it. "So let me get this straight, Mai-chan. You had to 'scruff' Mikoto-chan to keep her from any further monkey shines?"
It's a terrible joke, but she can't help but giggle, while pointing a fork her way, "If I hadn't met her, I'd have thought you were putting me on! Got any other tips about the care and feeding of the 'roommate'? You're making me a little afraid of what it's going to be like when I'm finally assigned one. I think I put off an aura of 'middle class' that wards most people off."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mai doesn't bother hiding her laughter - there's no real point, with the place this empty. Her fellow waitress isn't hiding her own joyful squeals, after all. "If she's acting like an unruly cat, then I'll treat her like one." She grins. "As far as I know, most roommates aren't quite like Mikoto - it's just another student you're living with. I just got one of the slightly insane ones..."
Mai pauses - and then a wild, fiery smirk appears. "On the other hand...we are at Ohtori. Normal students seem to be in short supply, so you might be in trouble~" Mai starts ticking off fingers. "Putting the two of us aside - Takumi's roommate keeps challenging him to 'manliness' contests from what I've heard, one of my classmates is already married... Good luck with that aura of yours."
There's a brief pause in Mai's joking as she runs out of spoons - there's a rattling of metal as she rummages for more. "Dishwashers couldn't have finished sorting these, could they..." Once she has another dozen to continue folding, she turns back to her friend. "Actually, that reminds me. Takumi's got an appointment coming up that's going to involve an overnight stay, and I'm not sure I can leave Mikoto up to her own devices for a full day. If you wanted practice dealing with a slightly odd roommate..." In spite of her descriptions of Mikoto, there's warmth in Mai's tone.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
"Manliness contests?" Eri wipes away her eyes with the back of her hand, which seem to be watering as a result of all the laughter she just managed to get out. "Seriously!? What is he having poor Takumi-kun do? Like Takeshi's castle level of insanity? Or is this more of the shirtless kendo variety? I can't believe men just seriously do these things. They're sort of like puffed up peacocks when they do." She steals another glance at Mai, with a wide grin, "You know, she's not just married, she lives on a cruise ship with a crocodile named Baroness Juanita! But you'd better watch out Mai-chan~ If this trend of marriage becomes widespread then I'm sure you'll have adoring suitors any...day...now."
Finishing one last bite of the lemon cake, she doesn't even consider the implications of taking care of the demon cat for a day, "Oh sure, sounds like it'd be great fun! Mikoto-chan and I get along so far, she's all like, in awe of the fact that I can grow food. It's really adorable~"
Finally setting the fork down, she decides to change the direction of the conversation, as she leans a hand against her chin with a whimsical smile, "So, Utena-sama is pretty great isn't she? Did you know she wants to be a Prince? She's so casual about it, that even the naturalness of it seems princely!"
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Consider, for a moment, the men in Mai's life. Her sickly brother, his athletic brother, Kinzo, Takeo, Mamoru... it is no surprise that she just shakes her head. "Seriously, I don't know what it is. Either needing to be the most mysterious, or the toughest, or just being idiots. But no, you haven't missed out on any shirtless kendo involving my little brother, Eri-chan." Mai sticks out her tongue for a moment. "As far as I've heard, it's battling to see who can withstand the spiciest food. Made sure Takumi was stocked up on antacids, if he's going to get drawn into all this..."
Mai gets up long enough to collect the now-empty plate, smiling brightly. "That would be great! I'll do some cooking ahead of time, so you and Mikoto can just reheat meals - I know a few vegetable curry recipes I've been meaning to try, actually." She doesn't take the dishes all the way to the kitchen just yet, though - there's an empty utensil basin that will hold them for now.
This does let her be facing away from Eri as the new topic comes up. "A Prince? Dashing hero, saving damsels in distress and all that?" The corner of Mai's mouth is quirking up as she turns back to Eri, thoughts of the New Year at the back of her mind. "Seems like something she'd be good at. I've seen her in the rose gardens occasionally - have you talked with her much?"
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
There's a flush on Eri's nose which reaches her cheeks as Mai sticks her tongue out, "What makes you think I'd want to!?" That thought trails off as she realizes that maybe it wouldn't be so bad, because Takumi was rather cute really. And only a year younger. And not a jerk.. from what she knew of him. She lets such thoughts fall down a mental well, instead moving on as she recomposes herself centimeter by centimeter. "Spicy food? Tell me they're not trying any of those Bhut Jolokia challenges! I think you have to sign medical waivers for those!"
As Mai collects the plate though, the flush fades and she brightens in anticipation. "Ooo, that sounds wonderful. I'm actually a fan of spicy food so long as it's not like so overpowering that it'd be basically a stupid masculinity challenge to even try it. We'll just have to keep it in a labelled seperate container, because from what you've told me Mikoto-chan just does not handle spicy food well."
The smile becomes a little dreamy, "Yeah. She's definitely got the dashing part down pat. And she definitely does seem more than capable of rescuing the occasional damsel in distress. The rose gardens um.. Well, Himemiya-san favors the conservatory, so Utena-sama is often around since they're roommates.." She sounds more awkward as she trails off, there's a lot she could say about Anthy Himemiya, but Anthy seemed to want to keep it private, when the two talked at all since.. a certain day, it was all innocuous. "I don't get much of a chance to talk with her, not as much as I'd like to, you know? She's great though, whenever I do."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mercifully, Mai doesn't laugh at Eri's brief distraction. Smirks, perhaps - but the topic shifts neatly. "Not that far - just ordering extra-spicy meals. Takumi knows better, given that those waivers mention heart conditions - and besides which, he's a minor. I'd have to sign for him." Mai's expression makes it chillingly clear that that signature is never going to exist. Ever.
...but there's spicy food that isn't as bad, and Mai's grin is bright and enthusiastic. "Nothing that extreme - just some moderately spicy curries that I haven't had a chance to try before. I've got a few red containers, I'll put anything spicy in those and warn Mikoto." Speaking of which - Mai's grin fades momentarily as she glances to the window. Hopefully her roommate found the supper she'd prepared... "...and 'not well' is a drastic understatement. Be glad you missed out on the last rampage, seriously."
Mai's thoughts on Utena Tenjou distract her enough that she doesn't notice Eri's expression. "Athletic, confident, aiming to be a heroic prince...I can see why your class is calling her 'sama'. I haven't had a chance to talk to either of them much myself - apologizing for Mikoto's actions doesn't quite count, after all." Finishing another couple of napkins, Mai starts rummaging for spoons again. "So given the choice, would you rather have a roommate like me, Mikoto, Tenjou-san, or Himemiya-san?"
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
Eri almost snarks that Mai is a minor too, but she holds it back. After what happened, for all she knows, Mai might have received emancipated minor status. She didn't exactly want to bring back those memories that revolve around that. "Good, otherwise I'd have to chew out his roommate on the subject of 'manliness'." She shakes her head, "I think it's going to be like this all of our lives, Mai-chan. All men are either terrible jerks or stupendous dorks. No middle ground."
"Sounds delicious!" She has to suppress the urge to lick her lips, as she sits back in her chair, crossing her arms, "Alright, this I gotta hear. 'Rampage'? Like, seriously? Like she's a tiny Kaiju?" Eri looks upwards at the ceiling, "Note to self, I'm going to have to remember to grow nothing spicy in the gardens. Mikoto-chan seems like the type who might accidentally try something fresh out of the ground, and I don't want her trampling over all of the amaryllis in the Spring!"
On the final question, Eri says her answer immediately, with no hesitation, "You Mai-chan. I mean. Mikoto-chan is great, I wouldn't mind her too, but between her and you? No contest. Utena-sama I'd be sort of just self-conscious around her all the time, with her as a roommate. Then I'd get all sorts of attention I don't want to deal with. And Himemiya-san?" There's something about her that makes Eri cringe a little "I feel a little sorry for her. I wouldn't mind her I guess but.. she's.. I don't know how to describe it. Besides, it'd seem like a shame to seperate her from Utena-sama. They're good friends, and perfect for each other as roommates."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Best to not get into the details. The point is, Mai is in charge of Takumi for now and there's no way he's doing anything that requires a medical waiver. "Now, now, Eri-chan. There's always a middle ground." She holds up a spoon, and winks. "Some of them could be both!" There's a brief objection from the other end of the restaurant, prompting Mai to grin and wave at her coworker.
Plans for curries can be put aside - there's a few things, some Indian in origin, maybe even a Cajun dish or two if she has time...but if Eri's serious about helping with Mikoto, she should be warned. "More or less. Ask around campus about the 'demon cat' incident in the fall - I still don't know everything she got up to, nor do I really want to know. And - just make more of those dead cat signs, she takes them seriously."
Given Eri's choice, Mai flushes. "Er, thanks." She folds a few more utensil sets while thinking over the other information. "I kind of get what you mean - Tenjou-san really does stand out. Maybe Himemiya-san has to put up with heroic speeches and the caretaking of a white stallion, or something. And Himemiya-san, I don't really know well enough - she seems very polite from what I've seen of her, but the same could be said of Tsukino-san."
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
There's a pause as Mai brandishes her spoon, and then a groan from Eri as she rolls her eyes, "Both. Right. I think they call that being a 'nice guy'." She steals a glance towards the objection, "Well it's true!"
This is broken up by giggling though as she realizes the dead cat signs are taken seriously, "I really only made them as a joke to begin with! I thought you were exaggerating, but if Mikoto-chan does take them seriously then I'll make a lot of them." Eri does hold up a hand like a back up motion, "Wait, really? That was her? I thought it was an urban legend! They were literally talking about a red furred cat the size of a girl that breathed fire! Some Kendo 'guy' said they'd seen her for real but everyone was laughing at him."
As for why she picked Mai? Eri doesn't actually say. Mai was self-reliant to an extreme, and used that self-reliance to take care of those she cared about. She was also an amazing cook, but neither of those reasons were the actual ones. Maybe she just realized that as much as Mai took care of people in her life, she also needed those people in term, as she was wrapped up in them. She felt like it was kind of her role to make Mai feel better about herself, since she felt inadequate to disentangling her to her guilt complexes. That wasn't something she event felt like she was capable of 'trying' to touch. "Hey, no problem. You need someone to look out for you too, remember? And to sort through the horde of suitors that will be coming your way~" Eri puts up her arms in a giant X, "Wait wait, did you just compare Tsukino-san to Himemiya-san? Nope, nope, not even close. You should see the bunny in her natural habitat at the Game Center Crown. She's actually kind of outrageous, but in a fun way, it's kind of amazing!"
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Giggling, Mai stage-whispers to Eri. "In fairness, Kazu isn't bad at all - but let's just file that in the 'dork' column with Mamoru Chiba, to let your theory hold." Grinning, she works on straightening out the considerably smaller heap of napkins. "As for the demon cat - yes, the signs work, and I'm pretty sure Mikoto can't literally breathe fire - but some of the rumours are true, yes. Spicy things are to be kept away from my roommate."
For every virtue Eri could name, Mai can come up with a flaw - but she tries not to dwell on that too much. Easier to focus on the day-to-day, that eternal incremental progress towards Takumi's better future. And in the meantime...even though she feels undeserving, it's nice to have people like Mikoto, Eri, and Mamoru to lean on from time to time.
With that said, Mai flushes in mock outrage at part of that statement, crossing her own arms. "I don't need help with that! Automatic 'no' reply until I'm not quite so busy." Abruptly, she grins - though still with a flush to her face. "Unless you wanted to go through them for some ulterior motive~" As for Tsukino, that brings Mai's mood back to laughing again. "Apparently, Chiba-san passed on my 'wild bunny' nickname - and I have been told, indignantly, that she is a 'cute bunny'. Think he'll actually bring her to the study group?"
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
She's forced to cover her mouth with a hand, the giggling continuing, "Should we add Takeo 'calls girls delicious' to the same category?" She bats her eyelashes at Mai. "Some days I really do wonder if he wasn't just flirting with you Mai-chan~"
Deciding not to even give the appearance of 'studying' anymore, she puts the textbook away decisively, her expression having a note of wonder in it as she contemplates her cat like qualities, "Where did Mikoto-chan even grow up, to act like she does? Not saying it's at all bad. She's really sweet, and adorable, but we've gotta keep a close eye on her. Lots of guys that are more in the terrible jerks category who might try to take advantage of her, you know?"
The flush returns at Mai's teasing. "As if!" She stands suddenly, walking over to the rolled up napkin utensils, and holds it up like a microphone. I'm totally just looking for a guy who would look great singing a karaoke duet with you~" She doesn't even think she's in the same 'league' as Mai when it comes to getting a guy's attention, so, while the thought does occur to her, she'd be ultimately a little too self-conscious to have that sort of motive.
Quirking an eyebrow, she sets down her impromptu prop, "She kind of is a cute bunny. Try sending some good natured teasing her way sometime, you'll see what I mean!" There's a pause, before she grins, "It'd certainly make things interesting, wouldn't it? I'd enjoy having her and Kino-san join us. They're friends with Ami-san too, and she's always great to have in a study group."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
"Oh, he was flirting all right - but not with me. Alas, I fear his true love is bacon." Mai sticks out her tongue. "Tell you what, if he tries chatting with me again, I'll give him as fair a chance as anyone."
There aren't many utensils left, and Mai winds up just setting up the last half dozen bunches all at once. "I hadn't given that much thought - but you're right, I should watch out for that kind of thing. As for where she grew up - somewhere isolated, raised by her family. You can try asking, next time you come over!"
Relentless giggling at the fake microphone. "As if any of them could keep up! Besides, there aren't many songs that work well with that kind of difference in vocal range." Now, who could she sing with? Food for thought, there - and then Mai giggles again at mentions of the study group. "I'll think about the teasing...or I could just pile up a heap of food and see what happens! Chiba-san's thinking of holding the group at his apartment, the kitchen there is frankly better than the one I have..."
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
"Bacon?" For a moment Eri has button eyes, then she puts a hand up to her face, yep she is in fact facepalming. "Takeo-kun really is a stupendous dork."
She takes a moment to process that, "Oh, like one of those really rural families? Must be traditional Kenjutsu practitioners or something. I'll have to ask her next time I see her."
She then protests, "Oh that's not true! There are so many songs that were written for duets! Seriously! We'll just hold an audition for all the suitors. We'll call it..." She leans in close, grinning like a cat herself as she closes in for the killshot with her worst groaner ever, "...Mai-HiME karaoke idol."
On the last point, she crosses her arms, using the momentum to carry her forward to.., "Already checking out his kitchen? So shameless, Mai-chan~"
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mai's head hits the table at that atrocious pun, and she lets out a groan. "Eri-chan, that was terrible. And also a flawed plan." She sits up, and starts folding the second-last napkin. "...if I'm going to take the time off for karaoke, there's more that I want to sing outside those duets." She grins.
And then Mai's face turns a burning bright red. "What- no! Not like that! I was just giving him some of the leftover soup from the other day, and he asked me to bring it to his place!" Flustered, she fumbles the last napkin, causing cutlery to clatter. The noise is enough to give her a second to start recomposing herself, and making sure not to dwell on everything else that happened during her visit. "Aaaanyway, I got a look at our Chiba-san's apartment. Very roomy. Plenty of room for the whole group, however big it's gotten now."
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
Eri actually pats Mai on the head when her head hits the table. "You mean foolproof plan." There's the faintest of pauses, as Eri considers the implications of her next statement. "Wait what do you mean by that?"
There's a short pause afterwards, "You know~ If it were Christmas or Valentine's, people could really read into you presenting soup to a guy."
She does however ease off, as she realizes that the teasing might be going a little too far, as she sits down, "You know I'm just teasing right? I'm not embarassing you too much? Not trying to imply anything is really going on between you and Mamoru-kun. I'm um.." She sits down across from her, leaning back with a chagrined look, which has some self-conscious vulnerability in it, "...new to this."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mai's face is still flushed as she puts the last utensil set in a proper, neatly folded napkin - but she smiles even with her burning face. "No, no, you're fine. This kind of thing...well, it's basically what I'd want a little sister to be like. So consider yourself to have carte blanche - well, mostly. But I know that you're not being serious there. Also, for the record, he's had other people over before." She grins. And doesn't mention that it was one person, with whom he may or may not have something going on.
There's a pause as Mai starts tidying up the leftover, napkinless utensils, thinking over what people might think... "You know, I could worry about that sort of thing and keep my distance - but honestly, the guy needs all the friends he has. Besides, that ship has sailed, I went over to his classroom last week to drop off a homemade lunch." Mai grins, though now she's a little self-conscious herself. "And my not realizing what Ohtori's mob had to say about that until just now is something you are free to tease me about. As for the karaoke - do you know how many singles have come out since the last chance I had to go to a proper karaoke parlor? I've got catching up to do!"
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
Relief just wafts off of her, as her teasing grin becomes just a small, gentle, smile. She doesn't say much on the little sister comment, the smile really says it all, as she moves on.. "Really? The way he usually makes it sound, it's like we're his only friends. I'm glad that's not the case if so. The guy is too lonely. Like pathologically so."
"You know, when that happened with Takeo-kun, I was kind of furious, then a little sad. Like, this is just another example of what people are really like, assuming these things? When he was just trying to be sweet, even if he did it in such a stupid way!" She shakes her head, "I'd like to think they all had nice things to say, or acted like they were jealous, but people probably started saying really vicious things about you instead, I'd bet."
The last comment, has Eri look to the left, then to the right, then slide her phone over to Mai, and it's playlist. There's a lot of old Western songs in there, but there's just as many new jpop releases too, many of them anime OPs. "Uh yeah. I actually prefer manga to anime most of the time but.." She looks a little chagrined, "I do like the music."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
"I don't know about only...but I think he does consider us his closest friends, right behind that whole thing with..." Aware of her coworkers technically being in earshot, Mai tries to mime Sailor Moon's speech-giving pose as best she can. She doesn't keep it up long. "Anyway. Since you know what the story actually is there - tease away."
Mai pauses in her stacking of utensils, and looks down at the table. "You get used to it. Some of them don't know better, or are just going with the crowd, or any of a host of reasons... I'm liable to get things said about me anyway. Might as well have it happen for a good cause." She gives Eri a small smile - and then, abruptly, grins. "Plus, it would have been worth it even if just for the expressions on his classmates' faces when the aloof Mamoru Chiba was visibly happy."
The phone deserves examination - and Mai lets out a low whistle. "I hadn't realized that one was out yet! I'm falling behind again...okay, I'm definitely dragging you with me whenever I finally get my karaoke chance, because I want your suggestions." She grins, and gets up from the seat - stacking bins full of wrapped utensils along with the spare ones and the handful of dirty dishes.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
Eri could definitely relate to that. Except once she made friends she sort of dove in head first, while Mamoru has been taking the cautious approach. As she tries to mime Sailor Moon's pose, Eri giggles again, "That looked.. just like her! But yeah." She didn't want to say too much more on the subject of closest friends because, what she had planned next with Mamoru? It's something that Mai couldn't find out about. Ever, as far as she was concerned. Though if Mai did.. she'd find a way to deal with it.
Eri pauses though, as her expression becomes flat for a moment, then she eventually points at Mai, "Yeah Mai-chan, but you deserve to have /good/ things said about you. Not just 'shrugging off terrible things' to 'take one for team Mamoru'. Not saying he thinks that, just.. everyone else, should know how special you are, alright? And I don't mean special just because you.." She makes motions pointing to her wrists as if to mimic the Magatama elements, then flaps her hands to try to mime Kagutsuchi. "....but because you're a genuinely good person. People who aren't, don't give people like me a chance." It's flawed logic in a lot of ways, but lately, she was feeling a lot like that.
Fortunately the Karaoke discussion turns away from that quickly, as Eri blushes, "Uh, just make sure it's a private lounge! You've heard me sing and I'm pretty sure that I'd attract Mikoto and every cat within ten kilometers if I did it in public."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Hands full of restaurant supplies, Mai can't quite fold her arms in confrontation. She settles on a serious look, if one partly concealed by her burden. "They should. Give people like you a chance, that is. Because you know what, Eri-chan? I think you're a pretty good person yourself." She gives Eri a smile. "After all, you help me out with a lot of things - speaking of which, are you sure everything's okay after that whole business you cleared up? I don't want you getting in trouble for my sake."
Abruptly, before there's a chance to give a full answer, there's a call from across the restaurant. "Mai-chan! We're just about ready to close up over here - how's your end?"
Mai calls back. "Utensils are all wrapped, I just have to wipe down this last table!" Then, quieter, to Eri: "Looks like we're about ready to lock up - thanks for keeping me company for the last hour. As for karaoke - I love singing, but just in front of friends. A private lounge it is - though you might still attract a wild Mikoto." She grins.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (8)] has posed.
"If they won't, then I try not to let it bother me. What do I need them for anyhow? I protect them, they act like jerks and never get to know." She takes a deep breath, "Anyhow, thanks Mai-chan." The nagging question though was what she 'wanted' from them, and well.. Mai was right on that, she did want them to give her a chance. But she tried to distract herself away from such thoughts of what she wanted.. by trying to ward off any worries, "That? Yeah. Don't worry about that. We have sort of an understanding between each other." After all, Aoi had a little sister. She at least seemed to understand the concept of family.
Wild Mikotos? Eri stands up, and starts gathering her things, grinning at Mai, "You make her sound like some sort of random encounter in Pokemon or something. Anyhow, I'm going to start heading back to the dorms. See you later for study group, we'll talk about the details of me sitting for Mikoto-chan later."
<Pose Tracker> Mai Tokiha [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mai smiles - but while it's warm, it doesn't reach her eyes. "We have people who care about us, and ignore what anyone else says. Right?" A bit more detail given - and Mai's clearly worried about what that 'understanding' might involve, given that demons were involved - but she nods. "All right. But let me know if there's anything you need, okay?"
Mai sets off with an armful of restaurant supplies and a laugh. "Sounds good - and sometime I should tell you about how we met, because that's not far off. You have a good night, Eri-chan!"
Linden Baum is now closed for the evening. Please come again another day!
