2024-03-13 - Food, Foxes, and Fledgeling Friendships
| Title: Food, Foxes, and Fledgling Friendships | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Kyouka invites Setsuna over to discuss the events with the recent orphan attack, but also to test out a new recipe. Then, Akari makes a surprise appearance with an even more surprising gift. | |
| Who: | |
| Where: Kyouka's House - Shitamachi Low City (Shitamachi Low City) | |
| OOC - IC Date: 3/13/2024 - Thursday, May 05th, 2016 | |
.**************************** Shitamachi Low City *****************************.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Shitamachi Low City +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The traditions that the Shitamachi cultural region keeps alive were ancient
long before the Shogun turned the fishing town of Edo into Tokyo, "Eastern
Capital." The area has evolved greatly since then, but though Shitamachi is
a highly modernized metropolis, its traditions somehow coexist with bullet
trains, research universities, and electronics markets. The occasional
person in kimono and sandals will wait at the crossing alongside salarymen
in business suits. Compared to Yamanote, there are more bicycles, family
businesses, and food carts, and fewer scooters, corporations, and
convenience stores. Certain wards in Shitamachi can be just as dense and
urbanized as anything in Yamanote, but there's a tendency toward low-rise
apartment complexes in the residential areas, and office buildings rather
than office towers in the commercial.
The distinction between Shitamachi and Yamanote is messy, both
geographically and demographically, but significant enough that it remains
the most significant cultural divide in Tokyo. Shitamachi people, as a
whole, take themselves less seriously, and have a stronger sense of
community that feeds upon their active street culture of markets, shops, and
festivals. They may not be fashionable, but they are /fun/. The Juuban
public schools, undistinguished but in some ways better off for it,
exemplify this plebeian joie de vivre quite well. The Shitamachi dialect is
less distinct than it used to be, but it is still a force to be reckoned
with, with a broader, less refined, and more energetic sound to it than
standard Japanese.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It's been a few days since the surprising reappearance of Akari and Strike Wolf--and Kyouka's impromptu decision to wield him again, if only temporarily. The impulse to do so had given her a lot to think about, those few days, and she'd confided in Setsuna what had happened to get hr take on it.
And she'd been feeling... weirdly okay about things, since then. About that, at least. There were some other things still weighing on her, but somehow... she had a sense the magic thing would work itself out.
Somehow.
But she hadn't invited Setsuna over just to talk about magical girl business. There had been another, grander purpose in mind as well.
She's testing new recipes!
She'd been busying herself in the kitchen as she talked, readying a few smaller bite-sized portions of taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry with different fillings. She'll accept help if Setsuna is willing, but otherwise is comfortable talking and cooking at the same time.
"... and that's about all of it. We helped her to safety, she dropped the barrier and fixed her leg up, and then she just... took off."
She puts several different smaller taiyaki on two different plates, and carries them over to the kitchen table, setting one plate down for each of them. "So... Strike Wolf is doing okay, but I'm still not sure what's up with Akari. Anyway, lemme know what you think. I've been trying a few different recipes.
She's just at home, so she's only got a t-shirt and jeans on, along with her old hairstyle. And an apron, which she hangs on the back of a chair before sitting.
Meanwhile, Wolfy is lounging, after having been rebuked for begging food, though he'll certainly pay attention to Setsuna if she takes an interest in him.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It was a surprise to hear about all that! But Setsuna Higashi listened, and now she's hre. It's good to feel 'okay'; it's nice to feel that things will work out. But--
It's also nice to feel... snacks!
Setsuna is happy to wait for the recipes to be tried and done, though she will help by getting out dishes for Kyouka and so on, doing her part. And as they talk--
"It's hard to take when your assumptions are challenged," Setsuna says. "I remember feeling that way..."
She has a lot of memories, now. But Setsuna in turn is dressed up a little more; she's always like that, though, in a fancy red top and jeans. No shoes, because she's inside of course.
She gave Wolfy attention earlier! Now it is Food Time and not Dog Time.
"So how do you feel about it?"
A pause. "These look good, too."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Wolfy was very glad to receive attention earlier, eagerly greeting Setsuna with happy barks, a tagging tail, and plenty of nuzzles and attempted face licks.
Kyouka appreciates the help with getting plates out. "Thanks, Setsuna-chan!"
But having your assumptions challenged... "Yeah... I had to do a lot of soul searching about what I wanted, but... I think I always knew the answer, I just... had to let myself believe it, I guess." She looks at Setsuna thoughtfully as she recollects having a similar experience.
Given what they've talked about regarding her past... "Yeah, I can imagine..."
She grins as Setsuna compliments the snacks. "Thanks. Dig in, while they're still hot."
But she considers the question. "I guess... I feel like the right thing. Both in protecting Akari and giving Strike Wolf back. Even though I don't think she's honoring the deal... I dunno. If I'd decided to take Strike Wolf back, I don't think she could've done anything about it, but..."
She picks up a taiyaki and considers it for a moment. "That's not how I'd want to do it. Taking him more or less by force, you know?" She takes a bite out of the treat and savors the flavor in her mouth for a moment.
"Mmm."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna likes dogs. ...She didn't always.
"You're welcome," she says of the plates, and then nods, thoughtfully, as Kyouka explains. "Sometimes it's like that," she agrees. "You know... but you aren't ready to believe it. Until something changes. Until someone makes the difference."
But of course, Setsuna knows how that goes.
"I will!" Setsuna says, and noms. She can talk after Kyouka actually answers her, and after chewing. ...It does take her a moment.
"Yes," Setsuna says. "You 'could' have. But it wasn't the way you wanted to do it..."
"You didn't want to 'take' him, even if it would've let you do what you wanted to do."
"Mm!"
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Wolfy is happy to see just about anybody. It's kind of his thing. But it's especially better if they also happen to like dogs.
"Yeah, this... whole thing has been kind of a wild ride, you know? Finding out magic exists, and doing... all the things I've done." She takes a deep breath to center herself and then sighs. "I used to tell myself it was just... a temporary thing for so long, you know? Maybe I was protecting myself for when I knew I'd have to give it up."
Until someone makes the difference... She nods. "Yeah." And she considers for a moment. "... Thanks, again, for reaching out all the way back then. I dunno what I would've done, back then, without someone to talk me through things."
"Yeah, exactly. The way I see it, we're supposed to prevent people from being selfish like that, right?"
She's still figuring out what being a Magical Girl really is, but... she feels like that much ought to be true.
Wolfy, meanwhile, perks his ears up from where he's curled up on a doggie bed, and gets up, slowly wandering his way over to the front door, sniffing... and then he starts growling and barking angrily.
The last time he did that... was at the party.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
"Yes," Setsuna says. It has been wild, she's sure. But what she said... "Mm. Yes."
"You're welcome," Setsuna says again, a girl of fewer words than Kyouka. She means those words, though. "I'm glad that I could help."
"...No," Setsuna thinks. "I don't think it's what 'magical girls' are supposed to do. ...But I could see it being what 'people' should do. It's..." She trails off, "It's possible to take it too far. But we can decide who we want to be, at least."
But Wolfy starts growling...
Setsuna frowns. She looks towards the front door, and reaches for her phone at her pocket--for her Linkrun.
She doesn't move to transform, but just in case.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka's fine with Setsuna being of fewer words. She's fought side by side with her numerous times, she knows what she stands for, and that's fine.
But she offers a minor counterpoint, and Kyouka considers that, and then nods. "Yeah, fair enough. At the very least, it's not the kind of magical girl I want to be." Is she still a magical girl, though, without a device to transform with?
She'll figure something out.
Kyouka frowns as she looks over to Wolfy. "Hey-- Wolfy, come here, boy." She glances to Setsuna, and sees she's gone for her Linkrun, and nods to acknowledge it, then gets up to walk over to the door.
"Wolfy, heel. Come on, boy." She pulls Wolfy away from the door, looks through the peephole--
--and suddenly yanks herself back a few steps. "Sh--"
Kyouka turns to Setsuna, hissing out in a low volume. "It's her. It's Akari!"
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna isn't going to judge semantics for the moment; Kyouka wants to be a magical girl, and wants to be a particular way of being a magical girl. That's good enough.
But Setsuna takes her hand away from her Linkrun when Kyouka says who it is. She isn't worried that Akari is going to attack, considering.
Sure, it's possible. But it doesn't seem likely.
"Then let her in," Setsuna suggests. "I'm sure she has something to say."
A pause. "...I'll follow your lead."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna doesn't seem to be worried, and neither is Kyouka, not really. Not considering what Akari did the last time she was here. And what else could The Phantom Fox possibly want from her, anyway? She already has Strike Wolf.
... A thank you might be nice, at a bare minimum...
She nods to Setsuna as she says she'll follow her lead. "Right. Though I'm not asking you to leave the room just to discuss magic business with her." Not that she'll out Setsuna's magical girl identity or anything, but... it'll at least let on that Setsuna knows about magic.
"Wolfy--" The dog is still growling (and probably pretty fairly too, considering), but Kyouka grabs him gently by the collar. "Back. Follow." The extra firmness gets through, and Wolfy allows himself to be led back to his doggie bed. Kyouka points. "Lay down. And stay."
Wolfy does so, laying down but not curling up like he was before, still watching.
"Good boy."
Kyouka returns to the door and opens it. Akari is there, red hair, black dress, and lab coat. The ears and tails are hidden, but... Strike Wolf is there, hanging around her neck.
Akari quickly holds up her hands in a placating gesture. "I'm just here to talk!" she blurts out quickly. "Honest."
She looks somewhat tired, and... far less certain of herself than the last time Setsuna (or Cure Passion) saw her.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
"That's all right," Setsuna says. "My identity isn't a secret to the people it's most dangerous to know." Labyrinth. They know her identity better than her adoptive parents do. ...Something she doesn't always feel good about.
But Wolfy allows himself to curl up, and Setsuna watches him. "...I'll protect her," Setsuna assures Wolfy. As if he can understand. And maybe he can.
But Akari comes to talk, and, "Then we can all talk."
A pause. She can't invite Akari in, of course. But she does listen. Even she can notice the changes in her.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka looks to Setsuna and nods. "Right. Just... checking." She can imagine that being a former dark general doesn't... make you a lot of friends. Not from that side, at least.
Wolfy gives Setsuna a little whine, but... he's staying put. Does he understand? Well, his owner and his owner's friend seem confident enough, so... maybe that helps.
Akari's eyes flick over to Setsuna when she speaks up, and she frowns. "Look, can we talk in private? ... Away from your dog?"
Kyouka steps back and shakes her head. "Nah. She knows about me, you, and Strike Wolf." She leans against the arm of the couch, crossing her arms. "So whatever you gotta say, she gets to stay."
Kyouka's not being her most hospitable and welcoming in that moment, but, well... that's something you have to earn, after attacking someone in their home.
Akari glances about the room, looking over Kyouka, Setsuna, and Wolfy--though her gaze very briefly latches onto the taiyaki. But she quickly snaps her gaze away from that.
There's a moment before she speaks again, as if trying to think of what to say. "May I... come in?" That's how you politely ask to enter a place, right? She doesn't really practice that skill all that often.
Kyouka nods, and the foxwoman steps in, shutting the door behind her.
Wolfy offers a low growl in greeting, but doesn't get up.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It sure doesn't! But she has friens, all the same.
Setsuna does know. And Setsuna nods back. "I have no intention of leaving."
But then... She asks to come in, and does come in. Setsuna notices the taiyaki...
She does not offer, at this time.
"I won't interfere, so long as everyone operates honestly." A pause. "...But I don't think your intentions are bad at this point," she says to Akari. "That they ever were. But you came to talk."
"So I won't stop you talking."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyou,a definitely counts Setsuna as one of her friends.
Akari pauses, when Setsuna speaks up, looking her over. The way she confidently implies that she could in fact, interfere if she wanted to... and knowing that Kyouka has, in fact, made a lot of powerful friends... she balks, just a little. (It would be easier to see if she had her ears and tails out, but she still flinches a little, regardless.)
"... Thank you," she says, after a long moment. She says it a bit awkwardly, like sincere gratitude is a foreign concept to her.
There is a small snort of disbelief as Setsuna declares she doesn't think her intentions were bad, but she doesn't elaborate on that as she looks to Kyouka.
"I..." she only gets one word in before she pauses.
Kyouka quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't create a conversational opening for her.
Akari finally grunts in frustration. "Look, just..." She pulls Strike Wolf out from around her neck and just thrusts him at Kyouka. "Here."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
And likewise!!
Setsuna doesn't really notice the balking or the flinch. She's just not that good at reading people these days, especially people she doesn't know. But she does notice the pause... which suggests she had to think about what she was going to say.
Setsuna has to think about most things she wants to say.
"Were they?" Setsuna asks, as if it's strange nnot to believe something obvious. "I don't like how you went about it, though."
And then... she presents Strike Wolf to Kyouka.
Setsuna looks at Kyouka. It's hers to respond to that.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
There's another glance, towards Setsuna, as she asks that very simple follow-up question. And then she averts her gaze away. "... I was... working on the best information I had at the time."
Strike Wolf finally chimes in, then. <Akari.>
The woman sighs. "Look, I'm just... used to operating in a certain way." That's moderately more truthful, though it's not really an explanation... nor is it a direct answer to Setsuna's question about her intentions.
Kyouka, for her part, just blinks in stunned silence. It takes her a few moments to come up with the very eloquent response of "... what?"
Akari scowls in frustration. "I'm just... I'm giving him back. Just, take him back before I change my mind, okay?"
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
"Yes," Setsuna says. "That's what I thought."
She knows darkness; she knows malice. She doesn't see it in Akari, no matter how she may seem to act. Sure, Strike Wolf chimes in, but--
"Right. And that way didn't end up working for you."
But Kyouka and Strike Wolf...
"You should explain," Setsuna prompts Akari.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari huffs. She's still holding out Strike Wolf, and her arm might be tired, but she's trying to do... some version of the right thing here, so she keeps her arm held out.
"It was working just fine," she scowls in annoyance. "I just..."
She has to swallow a serious amount of pride with her next admission. "... wasn't ready to deal with you and..." She's addressing Kyouka with 'you', but her eyes flick to Setsuna for a moment before returning to Kyouka. "... and all of your 'friends.'" She means other magical girls.
"That's fine and all," says Kyouka finally, "But that still doesn't answer the question of 'What are you doing?'"
Does Kyouka feel bad tossing Akari's question back at her like that?
Maaaaaaybe a little.
Akari lets out an exasperated sigh and finally lets her hand drop for a moment. "Look, Strike Wolf needs an operator--" she grits her teeth for a moment. "I'm sorry, a partner, and... despite being an untrained brute without a proper magical education--"
She catches herself and looks down. She mumbles something that might be a 'sorry' and tries again. "You and he have... proven effective. So... You can work together. No conditions. I'll..." she hesitates a moment, but continues quicklyl. "I've cleared it, with my master. So just... do your thing, okay?"
Kyouka actually looks uncertain as she glances to Setsuna, as if trying to get her read on the situation. "... What do you think?"
Then, to Akari: "What's the catch?"
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna does not think it was working just fine. She gives the Judging Eyebrow, accordingly.
"...If she didn't mean it, she'd have no reason to come here," Setsuna says when asked what she thinks. "She already had Strike Wolf."
Pause. "I think she's being unpleasant but she's sincere."
But there may be a catch.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari tries not to notice that Judging Eyebrow. (But she definitely does, by the way she is trying so hard not to look at it.)
"That's true," Kyouka agrees with Setsuna, then looks back to Akari. "You did hae Strike Wolf already. Why are you so keen to give him up now?"
Kyouka called her out as being a person who likes to make deals, and Akari is finding herself in a very, very awkward position: trying to convince someone of sincerity when she's used to just sweet talk everyone to get what she wants.
But Setsuna calls her out for being unpleasant, and Akari snaps back, "H-hey! I'm trying to do a nice thing, here." This is from a person who is definitely not used to doing 'nice' things.
"Look, there's no catch, I just..." She thrusts her hand out again. "Look, my master and I worked really hard on this device, and I just--I refuse to let excellent craftsmanship like this be wasted."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna is very good at judging facial expressions. That is to say, facial expressions that are judging. Not always so much the other. Still...
"You are trying," Setsuna says. "Which is why I'm advising that Kyouka accept your offer."
"..I think she's doinng her best, but she's probably not going to be able to give you an entirely straight answer."
"...She's too proud. I used to be that way, too. I still am, sometimes," she admits, to be fair. "...But she wants you reunited, and she's making it happen. So... if you want him back..."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari is normally great at reading people... that she knows she can haggle with or make a bargain with.
This is outside of her wheelhouse.
The foxwoman actually seems to relax a little bit when Setsuna gives her opinion, that she's trying. It... means a lot, for some reason, to have someone acknowledge that. She knows she's not great at this but...
It's hard to undo habits in the blink of an eye.
But Kyouka nods at Setsuna's assessment. She's of a like mind, honestly, but to her there's one voice that she values most highly, at least on this particular matter.
"Strike Wolf? Is this legit?"
?There is barely a moment to consider before Strike Wolf responds with a calm and collected, <Affirmative.>
The girl nods, and reaches out to take Strike Wolf, slipping him around her neck. "Alright then." Whether she wanted him back wasn't ever in doubt. She smiles down to the device, "Welcome back."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna, while not great at intricate social cues, is also somewhat hard to read herself. (Or very hard to read, if you ask Miki Aono.)
But she does recognize sincerity, she thinks, and she is willing to say so. Strike Wolf seems to agree, so...
Setsuna smiles. "It's good to see you together again," she says.
Then she pauses. "...This shouldn't be the end of it, though."
She waits a moment for that to sink in, "...You should continue watching over Kyouka-chan and Strike Wolf," Setsuna says to Akari. "You don't want to leave your Device unattended... and you do care, even if you don't want to show it."
"And I think Kyouka-chan should let you, too."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka puts her hand around Strike Wolf's standby form, taking a deep breath as she feels that connection reestablsh itself...
And she opens her eyes. "Something's different about you, buddy." She drops her hand and looks to Akari. "What did you do?"
Akari, hands now free, shoves her hands back into her lab coat pockets. "We finished his construction--mostly, at least. You'll find he's a lot more capable than he was before, Strike Wolf can fill you in on the details."
Setsuna says that Akari should keep working with them, and she nods quietly. Then turns, as if to leave. "... Strike Wolf knows how to contact me. Let me know if you need anything, and... I'll get out of your hair, now."
Kyouka looks uncertain, but looks down to Strike Wolf. "Well, if she's willing to help, then... sure. If that's okay with you."
Strike Wolf is silent for a moment as Akari reaches the door. She's got her hand on the doorknob when he finally speaks up.
<Clara, wait.>
A moment later he adds, <You should tell her.>
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Something's different... yes. Setsuna recognizes it, when they talk about it; a finished Device. The difference that that can make. But--
Akari makes to leave. And Strike Wolf speaks up again.
"..."
She doesn't interfere, this time.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari--or maybe Clara--has her hand on the doorknob, and her head hangs when Strike Wolf calls her by the other name. "... How long?"
<Since activation of administrative credentials.>
She sighs. "You really think she'll listen, after..." Her free hand gestures vaguely. After the everything that's transpired between them.
Strike Wolf's gem form shimmers with an inner light as he replies, <Affirmative.>
Kyouka looks down to Strike Wolf curiously, and then up to Akari, and remains silent.
Akari herself is silent for a long moment, but finally she takes her hand off of the doorknob. But she doesn't turn away from the door or even move to look directly at Kyouka.
"... My real name is Clara--that's the name my master gave me. But I'm used to working under aliases." She closes her eyes for a long moment.
"Strike Wolf was stolen, as I've said before, from our lab. I... wasn't there, that day. I was carrying out some errands for my master. When I returned, I found our lab ransacked, and..."
In a much quieter voice she admits, "... my master, Amalie Zeigler... was missing. She's still missing."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna waits. And she waits. And she listens.
Clara...
Setsuna is quiet, at that. "...I'm sorry," she says. "That must have been very hard."
She was missing. She is missing.
Setsuna looks at Kyouka.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Clara just nods a little as Setsuna expresses her sympathy. There's no bravado left in her, now, by the way her head hangs, how she isn't looking at anybody directly.
Kyouka might have put her life on the line to save Akari's life, because magical girl, but there's a long way to go to make up for her other behaviour. Sure, giving Strke Wolf back is an excellent first step in rebuilding trust, but it's going to take more than that.
And she gets it, in the form of an admission.
And her expression softens instantly as she considers that. She can make a few educated guesses, based on just that. "... do you have any support?"
Clara shakes her head. She did have Strike Wolf, which... she'll never admit was helpful, in its way, but... not anymore.
Kyouka's uncrossed her arms, resting them behind her on the arm of the couch she's leaning against. She looks to Setsuna. "... What do you think?"
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
There wouldn't be, would there? Setsuna recognizes well that point, where there's othing left. And she sees it in Akari--in Clara.
It may take more than a llittle while to really establish trust, but...
"I think."
Setsuna looks directly at Kyouka. "You already told me the kind of magical girl you want to be," she says.
"I think you should be her."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka smiles just a little as Setsuna calls back to her own words, and nods. "Yeah, I did, didn't I?"
She seems to weigh it for a moment, and then looks down to Strike Wolf. "... You sure about this, buddy?" Strike Wolf prompted Clara to reveal that for a reason, and Kyouka's pretty sure she knows why.
Strike Wolf gives his customary, <Affirmative.>
Kyouka nods. "Alright then." She pushes herself up to a standing position and walks over to the table, sitting down. "Hey, Clara."
The woman looks up, and glances over. "... What?"
The magical girl just picks up her plate and shifts it over, so it's halfway between her and the empty seat next to her. "Do you like taiyaki?"
Clara just blinks, staring, and there's a much longer pause before she replies. "... What?"
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka picks up the half-eaten taiyaki she'd started before Clara arrived. "Grab a seat. It's getting cold."
"I don't..." Clara finally turns, looking in disbelief. "... what are you doing?"
"Inviting you to share some taiyaki. You can give me an opinion, I'm still working on the recipe."
"No, but... why? After... after everything I put you through, you should be kicking me out. Why would you invite me to... to sit with you, to give me food?"
Kyouka shrugs. "'Cause I'm gonna help you."
Clara opens her mouth, and then closes it again as she tries to formulate a reply. "... With what?"
"Hey, when I found Strike Wolf, all I wanted to do was return him to his creator. But now that I know she's missing... I'm still looking for her, just for different reasons." Kyouka looks over to Setsuna. "What do you think? Will the others help?"
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It is getting cold. Setsuna moves back over to take a seat as well, without so much as a blink at what Kyouka says. It's what she expected, after all.
"Food is a good way to establish friendship," Setsuna says. "Even if you didn't have it beforehand."
She nods, then. "Yes," Setsuna answers Kyouka. "I think they will."
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka grins a little more as Setsuna comments on the wonders of good food for establishing friendships. "Definitely. Couldn't agree more." And when Setsuna confirms the others will help, she nods. "Good."
"So..." Kyouka pushes the chair next to her out with a food. "Have some taiyaki. And we'll talk it out."
Clara might as well be frozen by the door, not moving away from it still. "Are... are you..." Her eyes drop to Strike Wolf. Quietly, she asks, "Is she being serious?"
<Affirmative.>
Strike Wolf was a lot like Kyouka was, Clara reflected. Forthright, willing to help. And entirely way too willing to extend help to a stupid lonely fox like her.
And the taiyaki... there had been someone else who offered her food, once, without expecting anything in return.
Clara slowly took a step closer, and then another, until she was almost at the chair. And after a moment of hesitation, she sat down. She folded her hands in her lap, looking down at them, before glancing up, just a little, to look at Kyouka and Strike Wolf. "... Thank you. Both of you."
Then she slowly picked up a taiyaki and bit into it. And closed her eyes as she enjoyed the flavors playing out over her tongue.
"Mmm."
