( caramel, vanilla and berries. those are the notes that fill the room with the warm, sweet scent of the tea maple has prepared. not only does she bring the teapot and enough cups for any club member who may stop by, but she also brings enough sugar that she's sure add and hiyori would both be proud, even if it won't necessarily all be used during this trip alone. she hadn't known much about the club itself up until now, aside from the fact that ranger seemed to be in it, but it's never too late to learn.
so, whether you're a member or a visitor, she probably won't be able to tell. she greets any student who makes themselves too comfortable in the workshop during club hours with a smile, (unless your name is shin tsukimi,) clasping her hands together with a small tilt of her head. )
Would you like some tea?
✂ sewing room, nurse's office
04/14–04/22 — open
( when she isn't in the workshop, and it's not yet time to return to moon four, there are two places left where she spends her time.
primarily, there's the sewing room. she seems to have picked up a new project recently—a black coat that's missing the left sleeve entirely. depending on when you visit, you can find her tracing patterns from the right arm, comparing fabric textures, and working on sewing a new sleeve entirely onto the jacket. she's happy to work on this alone, though the jacket itself is probably pretty recognizable. periodically, she takes a break to work with more colourful material, though it's usually after hours that spring greens and sky blues come out.
otherwise, the last place to find her would be the nurse's office. her own first aid skills may not be as extensive as hiyori's or ranger's, but she has been asked to help keep an eye on things, and especially those locked cupboards in the back of the room. she's happy to field any questions, provide simple care or fetch fresh first aid supplies for others, and any visitors can be sure to leave with a piece of candy if well-behaved. she's just as happy to deal with any "problems" that might arise though, so it's probably not a bad idea to keep that last meeting in mind. )
[ It takes Ranger a moment to register the question. There's a small chip set out before him, one that which appears to have been broken. He's started the process of repairing it, but it's difficult with such a delicate piece of equipment. There's no need for him to, as it won't see use again, but it's something to do aside from working on the similarly damaged Dynamo.
He's stopped working though, and is staring at the workbench in front of him. There's a red stain before him, and he knows he's found the red bird of happiness - no, it's the white butterfly he was looking for, but its turned black and now it lays in the desert and he can't find it any longer, and so al that's been left of his wishes for happiness is a blood red pool that promises its forever out of his reach.
If he glances off to the side, he can see that he had taken a pair of pliers, a hammer, and a box of nails at some point - he's going to rip off the fingernails and tear out teeth, but that's just the start, there's still hammering in nails one joint at a time and so so much more, so much pain and so much sacrifice and then he can find happiness, then he can be safe, then no one will have to worry or be said or regret because someone else will have taken care of the problem for him - ]
Oh... Sure. Whatchya got?
[ He doesn't want anything sweet. The thought makes his stomach churn, and certainly that's because he knows it won't bring him the sweet dreams that he so wishes to see. ]
( busy as always... ranger is always so busy, isn't he? occupied with this or that as he is, he lives up to his title of being asunaro's masterwork to the utmost. but it's not necessarily his work ethic that maples admires so; it must be his kindness, she thinks. he works hard because he's kind, and because of the care he has for those around him. it's something that she's had the opportunity to see shine the most here, like a distant family member who she only now has the opportunity to grow close to—and they are family, aren't they? in their own little way. cousins, perhaps, could be a good word for them; they may not have been made by the same people, but those people were connected all the same.
family... that's how she imagines the feeling.
maybe that's why it makes her so happy. being together with him, being helpful to him—her eyes light up over something as simple as accepting an offer of tea. )
This one is called St.Petersburg.
( an earl grey blend, ranger might recognize from the kitchen. it could be a little sweet for his taste, but she's already pouring. when she sets the teapot gently aside, maple takes a step back with her hands folded neatly in front of her so as to allow ranger the space to take however much sugar or cream he sees fit, and her attention wanders absently over to the setup he has laid out on the workbench in front of him. lingering for a moment, she gives a light, thoughtful hum before returning her gaze to ranger himself. )
[ If he had that concept, he might be able to realize that their dynamic isn't all that unlike one of family. Their bond is too unique to be called a friendship, but it doesn't seem to fit any other criteria. It's like family, something that none of them could truly be said to have. Even Hiyori was raised with the intention of being used for the game, and so his relationship with his family can't quite be called normal.
There's a flicker of green in the corner of his eye, the sight of a person walking past to the door, and his heart nearly stops. His head turns, and there's no one there. His mind fills in the gaps. Komaeda had only been in here for a moment, but they would meet up later. His eyes linger though, and the desire to chase after him nearly overtakes him - to see him, to spin him around and confirm that he's there, that there's no blood pooling in his mouth or dripping down his body. He has to be sure, he has to--
The hand holding the teacup shakes a little before settling. He can feel it on his back, cold from how long it had set. Cold blood, a cold and unresponsive body, but that's just his imagination, and everything is fine. He's putting sugar in the tea, just a smidge, just a splash of cream. It's a little sweet, but not overly so, and so he doesn't mind it. ]
Oh... It's a tracking chip. I guess it'd be easier to just make a new one, but that seems wasteful, so I thought I'd see if I could repair it.
[ As for what he intends to do with it if he can, who knows. But he can't stand incomplete projects, nor broken ones, and so this is as good of a point of focus as any other. He takes an experimental sip of the tea to see if it's too his taste. He'd used less sugar to compensate for the slight sweetness, and he finds it just right for that. ]
I don't think I've had this one before. It's not bad.. [ Another sip. ] ... Caramel and vanilla?
( maple nods, and naturally she's pleased by the question as well. she's interested in his projects too, of course, but she's no scientist herself; a normal girl, with normal hobbies, but a girl who feels with her whole heart nonetheless. it's for that reason that she can't help it—there's something that's caught her attention, her concern, for more insistently than the conversation itself has. )
That's right! I'm glad, Ranger, but... is something wrong?
( the slight tremble of his hand, the linger of his gaze, they're small details—minor, and hardly relevant to the topics at hand of tea and tracking chips. even so... even so, it just doesn't feel right for her to ignore such a thing. her gaze is earnest as she meets his, bright and kind, but with a sharp perceptiveness to them as she searches for an answer in his eyes.
on one hand, it can't be said to be entirely unusual considering the circumstances; ranger already lost one friend when maple had only just arrived, and now add and komaeda as well. it must be hard, she thinks, so it wouldn't be strange for ranger to show some of that, no matter how reliable he may be. even stone has its limits before it begins to crack, right? but if it's ranger, she doesn't want him to feel like he needs to hide those things. there are people who care about him, and it's with worry clear in her eyes that she presses. )
You seem distant... like your thoughts are somewhere else. If there's something on your mind, you can tell me.
[Shin's not expecting to be hit in the nose with the smell of tea as he lopes into programming club, laptop tucked under one arm and the other hand on top of it. His stride stutters a little when he spots Maple; he can't say she doesn't have a right to be here, this club is as much for AI as it is for tinkerers, but he's hoping if he powerwalks to the spot that by long habit is 'his', that she won't notice him... like a t-rex, you know. He is not this lucky. She doesn't look pleased to see him at all... if he says yes, is she going to pour it on him?]
M-maple... Ahaha, I'm good, thanks...
[He tugs his scarf a little away from his neck with a hand... the limply dangling ends are still tattered and ripped, breaking the array. Activating it would be a bad idea... not that it's been shown to help when it comes to Maple, but it makes him feel that little more vulnerable.]
( it sounds sincere enough. maybe a little more wistful than truly sad about the fact, but the tea isn't only for him anyway. this just means more for ranger, and for helena to enjoy. maple lets her comment hang in the air for a long moment though—probably uncomfortably long, before she continues. )
Are you feeling better, Shin?
( it's only polite to check on someone's health at a time like this, and especially so when you know that they've been hurt in the recent past. though, in maple's opinion, she doesn't feel ready to forgive shin yet; any injuries to him have about as much to do with her as if he had tripped into the bookcase so far as she's concerned. it doesn't mean that she can't wish him well without taking responsibility, though. )
[He's definitely sweating as the silence pointedly stretches out, and even more when it ends, because that's ever so sweet a threat as he ever heard it... matching her outfit and name. He's got his other hand firmly tucked in his pocket, stuck strained smile curving up his face.]
F-fine... just a bit bruised.
[He's still sore and straining himself searching for Helena and Nanami isn't helping. He's not been taking Midori's medication either, hiding it in the crawlspaces so he's not easily tempted by it... Life has been suffering lately, for Shin. He probably has a cracked rib or so and really should be taking those pills for the sake of his breathing, but his ability to Trust Like That is through the floor after all the examples of tea spiking... not mention just that going to Midori for comfort even by proxy feels like losing.]
( matter-of-fact and to the point. she was simply made to be strong, so of course she would be.
the fact that shin had gotten himself caught up in such a thing was unfortunate, and really, it shouldn't have been possible at all. the technicalities though—her refusal to glance in his direction, the fact that it was a scarf the blades tangled up in, and not the tender surface of his flesh—it's the little things like those that allowed for such an oversight to occur. that's alright though, because as he said, he does appear to be more or less fine. as a precaution though, she decides to follow it up with a little more advice. reassurance, really. )
I'm glad. If you're not feeling well at any time though, make sure you come by the nurse's office. Hiyori is a very talented doctor, you know.
[when things have dispersed, there's someone she needs to find. someone who sought her out in a similar state, and it's time to return the favor. classes, she's glad this was only a review day, something she could afford to skip, and instead goes looking for Maple.
she knows some spaces where Maple might go, and starts checking, making her way through campus. and finally, when she hears her, she knocks gently on the doorframe, trying to not startle her.]
( for now, it's the nurse's office she can be found in—the gentle tapping of her heels against linoleum floors as she makes her way back and forth in the small room, organizing medicines and first aid supplies that never seems to stay where it's put. it can't be helped in a school like this, but she does wish that the other students wouldn't be so suspicious of hiyori, who can help them with anything at all should they need it.
the steps and shuffling both pause though, when helena taps against the doorframe, and the response that comes is quick and easy. )
Of course, Helena, I always have time for you. Here, why don't you come take a seat?
( luckily the nurse's office has a couple of those. )
( maple doesn't hesitate to follow helena's request, and there's a brush of fabric against a seat across from her as maple takes it, hands folded neatly in her lap. )
I'm alright. Did I worry you? I'm sorry...
( she cuts off here, unsure of what to say, and pausing for a moment's thought. her lips purse, her gaze drops, and there's even a soft little exhale to accompany the hesitation. it's a difficult thing to explain in detail; something that her cognition processes, something that she feels as if her own synthetic heart were aching, but whenever she grasps for the words to express it, it's like curling her fingers around wisps of smoke. she seems to make a decision soon enough though, settling on something to say, even if it doesn't feel fully satisfying. )
[ it's barely teetering on being an hour past the meeting dissolving. although it wasn't really neatly ended, but that isn't surprising considering how it started and developed. dito himself arrived late and bailed early — which is to say that he did his job and left, mostly.
he hadn't headed straight back to the dorms, considering he's very much trying to avoid running into any of the other students who were inevitably going to do the same. he's been jumped at more than enough for one day, thanks.
so it's a little later when he eventually makes his way back to moon room 4. he doesn't even know if he's the first one back or not for this room in particular. when he swings the door open, it's not the usual familiar figure he's blinking at. but still familiar nonetheless. ]
... Oh. It's you.
[ at this point, he's not even surprised to see her here. she's here a lot. dito doesn't give a shit anymore, more or less acclimated those midori keeps closest to be in his same living vicinity at any given time.
— except she'd really stirred up the meeting this time, so dito idly wonders if that's why she's here.
he undoes his belt, tossing his spear aside on the floor. he doesn't need it here, and he knows maple won't mess with him unless he offends her first. he'd learned his lesson a long time ago about that, and he wonders if some people at the meeting may have learned the same lesson today. dangerous women are just not something dito is interested in messing with — especially when it's more fun to see them go off on other people. he'd be lying if he said he wasn't entertained about her flipping out at the meeting; it really drew attention away from him, which was convenient as far as he's concerned. ]
( it's only a momentary glance that she spares in dito's direction as he enters. while she may normally be more inclined to chat, today she... isn't feeling so talkative. the discovery, the dust, the discussion they had all shared, and the distress the others had put her through—it's tiring. all of it is exhausting. dito won't bother her though, and she doesn't wait for the spear to be discarded before turning her attention elsewhere again.
seated in one of the chairs by the window, it's the wisteria tree in the courtyard that's captured her gaze for now, chin resting in her hands and expression a little bit wistful in turn. while she doesn't see the purpose in pestering dito today, however, after a moment's hesitation she does nod in response to the question. it doesn't need to be said why she comes to this room, but she supposes she'll be waiting for a while this time; it can't be helped, considering the circumstances. )
I think he must be looking after Nagito with Ranger...
( and as much as she wants to see him, to be by his side, to help them, she knows that it's better for her to wait here. she just can't bring herself to intrude when even she understands that she's caused the two of them trouble earlier. not only did ranger have to step in to calm her down after all, but hiyori as well.
for now... she should give them the space to take care of him. that's what's important. )
[ that tends to be forgotten or ignored, he's well noticed by now. he rolls his eyes though, not further bitching about all of that as he approaches the shelf in particular he keeps all of his own articles. he ends up grabbing a bag of natto chips he'd gotten earlier in the week from the vending machines, popping it open loudly before carding his fingers through his fringe to push it back as he approaches his favorite pile of pillows to sprawl on.
he watches maple for the few seconds he spends not speaking, just popping a chip into his mouth and blinking at her curiously. ]
( of course she looks terrible—one of her very first friends is dead. even that single comment alone is enough for her gaze to sharpen, attention snapping back to dito as her expression shifts. sadness, anger, regret, frustration; it seems like she's having difficulty deciding which one she's supposed be, though it does eventually settle into something insulted. with furrowed brows and lips pursed in a frown, maple huffs. )
If you don't have anything nice to say, Dito, you shouldn't say anything at all. It's your fault anyway.
( petty, like a child, but if he doesn't want to be nice then why should she? )
( he's not sure how he ended up in this situation, to be honest. room sun four, he'd been told, that's supposed to have been his room from his first stay at this school. he doesn't have any reason to doubt the fact of course, but when he turns the handle... well, one moment he's turning it, and the next it's the hardwood flooring against his cheek.
he wants to get up.
he tries to get up.
...
internally, some small part of him thinks it would be nice if he could at least speak, ask for a little bit of help, or explain an incredibly awkward situation to anyone who might stumble upon him. as things stand though, not a single muscle in his body seems willing to listen to him, so here he lays. )
[ Nanami happens to be the one to stumble upon Amami's awkward predicament in the form of attempting to walk down the hallway. She had been making her way to the common, but her heart stops for a brief moment as she thinks the worse upon seeing the body on the floor.
Fortunately, the steady rise and fall of his chest tells her that the victim is still alive, though looking around she can't see any reason for his predicament. Aside from the loud thump, she hadn't heard anything either.
After staring for a good several seconds in an attempt to formulate a response to the situation, she crouches down next to him. The faint concern present on her face leaks into her voice as she questions him in a soft voice, ]
( oh... okay. yeah, okay. this is... hm, this is not the idea situation in which he wants to meet someone, especially knowing he's as popular as he is right now, but alright. the problem is, after an extended bout of staring, she decides to crouch down next to him.
on some level, something inside him is bristling with alarm. he's vulnerable right not. he knows that.
on the other, there's also like, a level of embarrassment he doesn't think he'll ever get over in this lifetime.
the pause on his end is only momentary though, before he blinks. and then again. and then again. he's just blinking at her a whole lot, because it's kind of all he figures he can do right now. maybe he should blink in morse code? would she know that? considering it... )
[ It takes a few moments more, but she's able to piece it together. ]
Oh... Were you trying to go in? The doorknob has a trap in it. It should wear off after a little while... I think.
[ She looks up to the doorknob, placing her hands on her knees before pushing herself up. She adjusts the dial, and there's the click of a lock before she opens the door. Komaeda had given her the code before, but he had also mentioned that Ultimate had been staying in this room before. It seems that he was watching it for him... Maybe this is him? It's a new face, and not one that she recognizes. The alternative is that he's simply a new student who made a mistake.
Whatever the case may be, he had mistakenly tried to open the door. She doesn't think either of the two will be upset if she brings him in. She crouches down by him again, that faint look of concern still there. It must be terribly frightening to be left so vulnerable, trapped in one's body and unable to even move. ]
( he'd better not be, judging by the look on maple's face. sure, there's been much to worry about — the aftermath of the speed dating event, all kinds of strange occurrences, and what happened with ranger as well, but... the anxiety is clear in her voice as she peers through the door to the room, making no secret of her uncertainty. )
There's something I wanted to talk to you about...
[ something has brought her distress, a budding agitation that can't go ignored, and there's only so many uncomfortable itches that she can't scratch alone. he greets her with a smile, but there's concern in his voice as always. ]
Ah... what is it, Maple-chan? If it's about the prizes, I'm getting ready right at this moment.
[ there's a rather large rock on the table with an envelope taped to it, he's on it. ]
( how to approach it... here's where she struggles. it isn't as though maple has ever had a problem with being direct, but such a question — it isn't based in belief that there should be doubt. she doesn't at all feel as though she's been neglected. she doesn't at all doubt her own personhood, even if she does accept that she may be a person who has less value than others. that's simply the way the world works as an ai. but still, there's something to it that leaves a bitter taste on her tongue, keeps her eyes on the ground and her expression petulant.
[ whatever it is, the question lingers on the edge of her tongue. the date gives the allusion that things are well, but he doesn't reject in to avoid invoking her wrath. it's with a smile that he stands up, smoothing the tail of his doctor's coat from his lower back, down against his ass before patting down the side.
satisfied with this, it's best to meet her worries without disparaging what small tells that she offers him. ]
It has been awhile, hasn't it?
[ which reflects poorly, and makes helena's prior statement hold water? not at all, as those words are followed up with something else. ]
Things sure have been busy for us.
[ it's not a lie, and there's a tired sigh right after as he walks over to maple, standing tall before her petite frame. ]
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open - rip add
04/22 — workshop | sanity: 4
He's stopped working though, and is staring at the workbench in front of him. There's a red stain before him, and he knows he's found the red bird of happiness - no, it's the white butterfly he was looking for, but its turned black and now it lays in the desert and he can't find it any longer, and so al that's been left of his wishes for happiness is a blood red pool that promises its forever out of his reach.
If he glances off to the side, he can see that he had taken a pair of pliers, a hammer, and a box of nails at some point - he's going to rip off the fingernails and tear out teeth, but that's just the start, there's still hammering in nails one joint at a time and so so much more, so much pain and so much sacrifice and then he can find happiness, then he can be safe, then no one will have to worry or be said or regret because someone else will have taken care of the problem for him - ]
Oh... Sure. Whatchya got?
[ He doesn't want anything sweet. The thought makes his stomach churn, and certainly that's because he knows it won't bring him the sweet dreams that he so wishes to see. ]
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family... that's how she imagines the feeling.
maybe that's why it makes her so happy. being together with him, being helpful to him—her eyes light up over something as simple as accepting an offer of tea. )
This one is called St.Petersburg.
( an earl grey blend, ranger might recognize from the kitchen. it could be a little sweet for his taste, but she's already pouring. when she sets the teapot gently aside, maple takes a step back with her hands folded neatly in front of her so as to allow ranger the space to take however much sugar or cream he sees fit, and her attention wanders absently over to the setup he has laid out on the workbench in front of him. lingering for a moment, she gives a light, thoughtful hum before returning her gaze to ranger himself. )
What are you working on now, Ranger?
sanity: 7
There's a flicker of green in the corner of his eye, the sight of a person walking past to the door, and his heart nearly stops. His head turns, and there's no one there. His mind fills in the gaps. Komaeda had only been in here for a moment, but they would meet up later. His eyes linger though, and the desire to chase after him nearly overtakes him - to see him, to spin him around and confirm that he's there, that there's no blood pooling in his mouth or dripping down his body. He has to be sure, he has to--
The hand holding the teacup shakes a little before settling. He can feel it on his back, cold from how long it had set. Cold blood, a cold and unresponsive body, but that's just his imagination, and everything is fine. He's putting sugar in the tea, just a smidge, just a splash of cream. It's a little sweet, but not overly so, and so he doesn't mind it. ]
Oh... It's a tracking chip. I guess it'd be easier to just make a new one, but that seems wasteful, so I thought I'd see if I could repair it.
[ As for what he intends to do with it if he can, who knows. But he can't stand incomplete projects, nor broken ones, and so this is as good of a point of focus as any other. He takes an experimental sip of the tea to see if it's too his taste. He'd used less sugar to compensate for the slight sweetness, and he finds it just right for that. ]
I don't think I've had this one before. It's not bad.. [ Another sip. ] ... Caramel and vanilla?
perception: 18
That's right! I'm glad, Ranger, but... is something wrong?
( the slight tremble of his hand, the linger of his gaze, they're small details—minor, and hardly relevant to the topics at hand of tea and tracking chips. even so... even so, it just doesn't feel right for her to ignore such a thing. her gaze is earnest as she meets his, bright and kind, but with a sharp perceptiveness to them as she searches for an answer in his eyes.
on one hand, it can't be said to be entirely unusual considering the circumstances; ranger already lost one friend when maple had only just arrived, and now add and komaeda as well. it must be hard, she thinks, so it wouldn't be strange for ranger to show some of that, no matter how reliable he may be. even stone has its limits before it begins to crack, right? but if it's ranger, she doesn't want him to feel like he needs to hide those things. there are people who care about him, and it's with worry clear in her eyes that she presses. )
You seem distant... like your thoughts are somewhere else. If there's something on your mind, you can tell me.
sanity: 7
perception: 15
sanity: 2
*mean girls voice* and none for shin tsukimi bye
M-maple... Ahaha, I'm good, thanks...
[He tugs his scarf a little away from his neck with a hand... the limply dangling ends are still tattered and ripped, breaking the array. Activating it would be a bad idea... not that it's been shown to help when it comes to Maple, but it makes him feel that little more vulnerable.]
crying... yeah
( it sounds sincere enough. maybe a little more wistful than truly sad about the fact, but the tea isn't only for him anyway. this just means more for ranger, and for helena to enjoy. maple lets her comment hang in the air for a long moment though—probably uncomfortably long, before she continues. )
Are you feeling better, Shin?
( it's only polite to check on someone's health at a time like this, and especially so when you know that they've been hurt in the recent past. though, in maple's opinion, she doesn't feel ready to forgive shin yet; any injuries to him have about as much to do with her as if he had tripped into the bookcase so far as she's concerned. it doesn't mean that she can't wish him well without taking responsibility, though. )
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F-fine... just a bit bruised.
[He's still sore and straining himself searching for Helena and Nanami isn't helping. He's not been taking Midori's medication either, hiding it in the crawlspaces so he's not easily tempted by it... Life has been suffering lately, for Shin. He probably has a cracked rib or so and really should be taking those pills for the sake of his breathing, but his ability to Trust Like That is through the floor after all the examples of tea spiking... not mention just that going to Midori for comfort even by proxy feels like losing.]
Quite a swing you have there, ahaha...
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( matter-of-fact and to the point. she was simply made to be strong, so of course she would be.
the fact that shin had gotten himself caught up in such a thing was unfortunate, and really, it shouldn't have been possible at all. the technicalities though—her refusal to glance in his direction, the fact that it was a scarf the blades tangled up in, and not the tender surface of his flesh—it's the little things like those that allowed for such an oversight to occur. that's alright though, because as he said, he does appear to be more or less fine. as a precaution though, she decides to follow it up with a little more advice. reassurance, really. )
I'm glad. If you're not feeling well at any time though, make sure you come by the nurse's office. Hiyori is a very talented doctor, you know.
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after meeting, 4/12
she knows some spaces where Maple might go, and starts checking, making her way through campus. and finally, when she hears her, she knocks gently on the doorframe, trying to not startle her.]
Maple? Do you have some time to talk?
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the steps and shuffling both pause though, when helena taps against the doorframe, and the response that comes is quick and easy. )
Of course, Helena, I always have time for you. Here, why don't you come take a seat?
( luckily the nurse's office has a couple of those. )
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[she'll come in and sit, to make Maple feel at ease about things, but it's not her comfort that's important right now.]
Maybe...you can sit too? I know the meeting was a lot to deal with.
[an echo of when Maple had done the same for her, kind concern for its own sake.]
I just got worried for you, and wanted to see if you were all right.
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I'm alright. Did I worry you? I'm sorry...
( she cuts off here, unsure of what to say, and pausing for a moment's thought. her lips purse, her gaze drops, and there's even a soft little exhale to accompany the hesitation. it's a difficult thing to explain in detail; something that her cognition processes, something that she feels as if her own synthetic heart were aching, but whenever she grasps for the words to express it, it's like curling her fingers around wisps of smoke. she seems to make a decision soon enough though, settling on something to say, even if it doesn't feel fully satisfying. )
I've never lost a friend before, you see.
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04/12 evening after meeting
he hadn't headed straight back to the dorms, considering he's very much trying to avoid running into any of the other students who were inevitably going to do the same. he's been jumped at more than enough for one day, thanks.
so it's a little later when he eventually makes his way back to moon room 4. he doesn't even know if he's the first one back or not for this room in particular. when he swings the door open, it's not the usual familiar figure he's blinking at. but still familiar nonetheless. ]
... Oh. It's you.
[ at this point, he's not even surprised to see her here. she's here a lot. dito doesn't give a shit anymore, more or less acclimated those midori keeps closest to be in his same living vicinity at any given time.
— except she'd really stirred up the meeting this time, so dito idly wonders if that's why she's here.
he undoes his belt, tossing his spear aside on the floor. he doesn't need it here, and he knows maple won't mess with him unless he offends her first. he'd learned his lesson a long time ago about that, and he wonders if some people at the meeting may have learned the same lesson today. dangerous women are just not something dito is interested in messing with — especially when it's more fun to see them go off on other people. he'd be lying if he said he wasn't entertained about her flipping out at the meeting; it really drew attention away from him, which was convenient as far as he's concerned. ]
You waiting for him?
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seated in one of the chairs by the window, it's the wisteria tree in the courtyard that's captured her gaze for now, chin resting in her hands and expression a little bit wistful in turn. while she doesn't see the purpose in pestering dito today, however, after a moment's hesitation she does nod in response to the question. it doesn't need to be said why she comes to this room, but she supposes she'll be waiting for a while this time; it can't be helped, considering the circumstances. )
I think he must be looking after Nagito with Ranger...
( and as much as she wants to see him, to be by his side, to help them, she knows that it's better for her to wait here. she just can't bring herself to intrude when even she understands that she's caused the two of them trouble earlier. not only did ranger have to step in to calm her down after all, but hiyori as well.
for now... she should give them the space to take care of him. that's what's important. )
Did you need something, Dito?
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[ that tends to be forgotten or ignored, he's well noticed by now. he rolls his eyes though, not further bitching about all of that as he approaches the shelf in particular he keeps all of his own articles. he ends up grabbing a bag of natto chips he'd gotten earlier in the week from the vending machines, popping it open loudly before carding his fingers through his fringe to push it back as he approaches his favorite pile of pillows to sprawl on.
he watches maple for the few seconds he spends not speaking, just popping a chip into his mouth and blinking at her curiously. ]
You look pathetic, by the way.
[ how to talk to women™ ]
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( of course she looks terrible—one of her very first friends is dead. even that single comment alone is enough for her gaze to sharpen, attention snapping back to dito as her expression shifts. sadness, anger, regret, frustration; it seems like she's having difficulty deciding which one she's supposed be, though it does eventually settle into something insulted. with furrowed brows and lips pursed in a frown, maple huffs. )
If you don't have anything nice to say, Dito, you shouldn't say anything at all. It's your fault anyway.
( petty, like a child, but if he doesn't want to be nice then why should she? )
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04/22 - nanamin
( he's not sure how he ended up in this situation, to be honest. room sun four, he'd been told, that's supposed to have been his room from his first stay at this school. he doesn't have any reason to doubt the fact of course, but when he turns the handle... well, one moment he's turning it, and the next it's the hardwood flooring against his cheek.
he wants to get up.
he tries to get up.
...
internally, some small part of him thinks it would be nice if he could at least speak, ask for a little bit of help, or explain an incredibly awkward situation to anyone who might stumble upon him. as things stand though, not a single muscle in his body seems willing to listen to him, so here he lays. )
...
yesss i'm so excited
Fortunately, the steady rise and fall of his chest tells her that the victim is still alive, though looking around she can't see any reason for his predicament. Aside from the loud thump, she hadn't heard anything either.
After staring for a good several seconds in an attempt to formulate a response to the situation, she crouches down next to him. The faint concern present on her face leaks into her voice as she questions him in a soft voice, ]
Um... Are you alright...?
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on some level, something inside him is bristling with alarm. he's vulnerable right not. he knows that.
on the other, there's also like, a level of embarrassment he doesn't think he'll ever get over in this lifetime.
the pause on his end is only momentary though, before he blinks. and then again. and then again. he's just blinking at her a whole lot, because it's kind of all he figures he can do right now. maybe he should blink in morse code? would she know that? considering it... )
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Oh... Were you trying to go in? The doorknob has a trap in it. It should wear off after a little while... I think.
[ She looks up to the doorknob, placing her hands on her knees before pushing herself up. She adjusts the dial, and there's the click of a lock before she opens the door. Komaeda had given her the code before, but he had also mentioned that Ultimate had been staying in this room before. It seems that he was watching it for him... Maybe this is him? It's a new face, and not one that she recognizes. The alternative is that he's simply a new student who made a mistake.
Whatever the case may be, he had mistakenly tried to open the door. She doesn't think either of the two will be upset if she brings him in. She crouches down by him again, that faint look of concern still there. It must be terribly frightening to be left so vulnerable, trapped in one's body and unable to even move. ]
I'll take you inside now, okay? It'll be okay.
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roll: 19
@killed - idk may
( he'd better not be, judging by the look on maple's face. sure, there's been much to worry about — the aftermath of the speed dating event, all kinds of strange occurrences, and what happened with ranger as well, but... the anxiety is clear in her voice as she peers through the door to the room, making no secret of her uncertainty. )
There's something I wanted to talk to you about...
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Ah... what is it, Maple-chan? If it's about the prizes, I'm getting ready right at this moment.
[ there's a rather large rock on the table with an envelope taped to it, he's on it. ]
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No, I know that you'll handle them.
( hiyori's on it. nothing to worry about here. )
It's just...
( how to approach it... here's where she struggles. it isn't as though maple has ever had a problem with being direct, but such a question — it isn't based in belief that there should be doubt. she doesn't at all feel as though she's been neglected. she doesn't at all doubt her own personhood, even if she does accept that she may be a person who has less value than others. that's simply the way the world works as an ai. but still, there's something to it that leaves a bitter taste on her tongue, keeps her eyes on the ground and her expression petulant.
what she decides to go with in the end is: )
Can we go on a date?
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satisfied with this, it's best to meet her worries without disparaging what small tells that she offers him. ]
It has been awhile, hasn't it?
[ which reflects poorly, and makes helena's prior statement hold water? not at all, as those words are followed up with something else. ]
Things sure have been busy for us.
[ it's not a lie, and there's a tired sigh right after as he walks over to maple, standing tall before her petite frame. ]
A picnic, the pool?