003 - Gathering

[kokuyoyo]

Who: Any and all Awakened characters
What: An invitation for a meeting of the Awakened in anticipation of the newest countdown.
When: June 23/24, especially during the latest applenet post
Where: Chikusa's school apartment at Green Valley
Other: Consider this a mingle log for all Awakened characters to talk freely about the newest batch on the app, the new countdown, and when they get their sweet new duds again!


Ciro Bonavida's apartment is rather easy to find. Not only are the instructions left at the pawnshop written in a neat and clear hand, but the school apartments have a directory of their own, of course. While some of the older members of the group might normally draw a raised eyebrow, well... It's Solstice. The apartments aren't as filled as they normally might be in some areas with their occupants out partying, and the parties that are happening inside draw all sorts. No one, in this particular instance, will look twice.

As a bonus to make sure there's no doubt at all, the door on Ciro's apartment has a small paper sign taped to the front. My roommate is OUT! Around it, small happy sheep are drawn. Apparently he's taken inspiration from someone...

Any one of the Awakened who come over can do so as early as they like and stay to the following morning, if they want- Chikusa is fairly certain that Ciro's roommate is going to stay out for a good long while and isn't worried. Still, for anyone staying overnight (a necessity if they want to stay up for the app post to come up), he'd rather it if you went to crash at one of the many parties going on in the apartment buildings... He doesn't have room for everyone, you know, especially since none of you jerks are coming into his bedroom if he has any say about it.

As a bonus, every Awakened is treated to hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or iced tea in one of Ciro's many... many... mugs. Enjoy.

Comments

[kokuyoyo]

Out of anything he could have expected, a hair ruffle wasn't even on the list, and Chikusa goes still. For a second, there's only a couple of bemused blinks from wide and confused eyes. Ciro's memories say this isn't unusual or strange, but... Ciro's memories seem so distantly foggy now, overlapped by Chikusa's stronger ones.

Eventually, all he can muster up is a confused nod as he lightly touches his hat. Sorry, Makoto, you've gone and broken him.

[transient_specter]

"... Sorry. I used to do that to Kanon when we were younger..." He shouldn't have done that. He doesn't really know Chikusa. But he can't help but feel similarly...

[kokuyoyo]

"It's.... fine?"

Chikusa doesn't sound fine. He sounds very and incredibly lost, fingers still curled up near his hat.

[transient_specter]

"... I won't do it if it makes you feel uncomfortable." You gotta work with him, Chikusa.

[kokuyoyo]

Listen, what the hell is 'working with someone'? Still, he seems to be trying to sort out his words, making sure no one is nearby. This seems far too vulnerable, and he doesn't trust even half of the people in this room.

"...No one's ever done it before."

[transient_specter]

He drops to a knee, looking up at Chikusa seriously. "... Listen, Chikusa. It's not bad to try new things sometimes. But if it ever makes you feel uncomfortable, or that you don't want it... you can say something." Not... like he would. But it's the advice he's given to Kanon before. "Promise me that you will, all right?"

[kokuyoyo]

That Makoto drops to a knee seems to bewilder him further, shoulders a little tense as he tries to understand what's happening. The only person he can recall caring so much so openly would be.... Sawada Tsunayoshi, he guesses. He hadn't known what to do then, either.

Finally, he manages a silent nod.

[transient_specter]

"... All right." His memories say this is his little brother, but Chikusa isn't his little brother. He knows that. They both know that. But it's easier just to treat him like he is, because if he doesn't then his heart hurts. It's not the same relationship as with Kanon, but it's similar, and it's enough to make him want to keep the boy safe as much as he can, even if he knows that's not reasonable. He stands, giving the boy's shoulder a brief squeeze.

"... Do you want me to make anything for you to eat?" He doesn't know a lot of recipes, but Gen knew some. So it'll probably be fine. It won't be fine.

[kokuyoyo]

"...I'm not hungry." Which would be enough for Chikusa, normally, but he pauses, gaze staying steadily focused somewhere near Makoto's elbow. "Seeing his name.... I don't have an appetite anymore." Too much nervous energy thrums through him, now. Besides, it's the middle of the night. With any luck, his stomach will remember it needs breakfast in some hours.

"Anyway... There's the others to talk with... Right?"

[transient_specter]

"I guess. But I'm concerned about you." Still. Let him fuss, Chikusa.

[kokuyoyo]

Makoto will get to fuss, if only because a brief bluescreen happens again at the upfront admission of care. After a few awkward seconds, he comes back to himself. "I.... could have more hot chocolate?"

[transient_specter]

"All right. I'll go make some for you." And he shuffles off to do just that.