Who: Ann Takamaki + YOU! (and a few closed prompts probably)
What: Learning that her friends are no longer within the Void and coming to terms with it.
Where: Various locations.
When: This is a catch all; so, throughout the month of March.
Content Warnings: None yet! Will be updated if necessary.
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So when he heard her voice on the other side of the door, there was a slight delay, before he yanked it open testing it's hinges. He wanted to scold her, the words burning to be expelled from his lips but seeing her there he just knit his eyebrows tightly and silently pulled her into a crushing embrace.
With one hand to her waist, and the other to the back of her neck he pulled her in close resting his head on top of hers. He quietly but tersely uttered a single word]
.. Idiot.
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At first, she's not sure he's home, but then the door flies open and she's almost certain he's about to snap at her, and really, she can't blame him. An entire week without a check in was probably not the best move to make, and really, she'd be pissed off too if the roles were reversed.
She sucks in a breath, clearly about to just stand there and take what she deserves, but something delightfully unexpected happens -- instead of getting snapped at, she's suddenly pulled into a tight embrace. She may not be boo-hooing over the sudden disappearance of her closest friends, but she's still ridiculously sad. But Seto is the one person here who brings her true happiness whether he realizes it or not, he's the light at the end of what feels like an endless tunnel, and being back in his arms feels like home.
She wraps her arms back around him and nestles her face into the crook of his neck, closing her eyes and allowing herself to finally relax. For the first time in a week, she's happy, and the sting she still feels eases up. While she may not quite be properly ready to verbalize just how strongly she feels for him just yet, it's obvious that she absolutely adores him. She hopes it's obvious, at least.
And while he doesn't say it just yet, either, she already knows that he feels the same way. It's why she just nestles closer, her fingers lightly digging into the material of his coat because friends or no friends she's right where she both wants and needs to be. ]
I'm sorry, I should have come back sooner to check in. I missed you.
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What fueled his mixed emotions was the fact that hadn't he told her before that she didn't need to hide her emotions from him? He might not like them or be well versed but he hated the idea of being left out of the loop. Not that he reveled in the idea of traversing the countryside looking for those jerks but he might have if given the chance.
Maybe. As it turned out he had to scour the world for someone anyway in a perpetual game of cat and mouse.Let's face it, Kaiba was also angered to have a weakness of his own revealed as he yanked her into his arms. He might not have said as much, but clearly she had become an important figure in his life.
How dare her make him experience feelings that he didn't have to.Things like abandonment, loneliness, and loss. Still he never managed to formulate his ire into words that didn't make him sound pathetic and clingy so this is what she got. Her response to the gesture at least let's him know that she is still just as devoted to him- even if her stupid friends temporarily redirected her attentions elsewhere.As soon as tracking devices exist, this gurl is getting one...]I thought you might have joined them Takamaki. [Trying not to let his voice falter in any way. LOOK- he missed you too, but he's not weak. He would have been fine. Alone. Again. Probably.
Not at all. With the threat of illness lingering about in the void he probably should figure out to be a little more open... but...he did say what was bothering him just without gushing. Should be enough.]no subject
At least he's also right about something else -- her devotion to him is entirely unwavering, and will remain that way for the foreseeable future
he's stuck with her whether he likes it or not.She already feels loads better just being back at his side; as much as she loves and adores her friends, what she feels for Seto is on an entirely different level, and that is something that she's entirely able to recognize, even if she's not about to just blurt it outyet. ]No. I just... wanted to be sure they were actually gone. I went as far as I could through Mementos, too, but they're just gone. [ She doesn't sound very upset, at least. Mostly, she just sounds like it's something that she's accepted at this point, and for the most part, she has. It's a lot easier to accept things when she's so comfortable in his arms. ] You're not gonna get rid of me that easily.
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Like that is a terrible quality, and a phenomenon unique unto her. Logic or no, she somehow defeated the odds and remained here.At least she seemed to be in a better state of mind now, then when this had all started. One of them should be. His grip eased up a bit as if he was sure now that she wouldn't phase out from under his fingers at a moments notice.] ... [Good riddance. Eh- he couldn't say that.] I get that much. [Sorry or something?] Not a trace, huh? [Say something comforting... something... comforting...] I don't think there were any false assumptions that I was that fond of them, but for your sake.... you know. [#nailedit. With that he tried to slip free from the hug to lean against the door frame, studying her for any collateral damage from her efforts]
Good.
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When he pulls away, she does allow him his freedom, dropping her own arms back down to her sides and shaking her head at him. ] Without a trace, yeah. Some of their stuff is still here... but that's about it. [ His words have her blinking, and she... gets what he's trying to do here. It's why she flashes him a small but genuine smile -- her friends had been reluctant, but he had genuinely tried, and she knows that. ] I know. I appreciate the fact that you tried for me... I know it wasn't easy. I know they didn't make it easy. [ She's not entirely oblivious, after all, being a little bit stuck in the middle of it. ]
...Are you busy right now? There's some stuff at Ren's place that needs to be... dealt with, and I can't think of anyone better to help me handle it. Uh, also, there's probably stuff we can put to good use, too.
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I noticed that too.. [You know, when he went there looking for her. It was a subtle way of emphasizing all the additional hardships he'd endured because of her ghosting him for a week. The sad part was, that he had tried to get along with her friends in some capacity, he just wasn't very good at it. The most success he'd had with Haru, who he could relate to on some scale due in no small part to her similar background and affable nature.] They really didn't. [It had been an awkward place for her to be in trying to mediate between both sides]
Not with anything that can't wait. [Not keen on letting her out of his sight so easily again] .... [To this suggestion a smirk crossed his lips] .. and you prevented me from doing something similar a few months ago, now it will be with your approval.
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...Ah. You went there, too, huh? [ She laughs a little nervously, suddenly looking sheepish because yes, she does feel a little guilty for giving him the run around, but her intentions had been good. ] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to leave you in the dark. I just got really invested, and I didn't want to drag you around on a fruitless search. [ Even though he. Went on one anyways. Oops. ] I know they didn't... and I'm sorry about that. I think they kind of egged each other on. [ Haru and Yoshizawa, at least, were the easier two to get along with. But she knows very fucking well that Ren and Akechi tended to gang up a little, considering she knows them and also, she'd been present. ]
I just don't really trust anyone else to go through some uh... sensitive things. [ And Seto isn't stupid enough to blow them to bits. She blinks again, and then pouts, but that only lasts for a few moments as she suddenly glances off to the side, humming. ] That was different... [ Well. Sort of different. Probably. Looking back at him, she smiles and takes a step closer, leaning up on her toes to lightly kiss his cheek. ] Yes, you have my approval to pillage to your hearts content this time around, although I dunno how much of it will really interest you or not.
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suck it Noah-and it's Seto's personal responsibility as guardian to look after him.It's not that different, the man is splitting hairs. He would 100% have done something similar without waiting for allies or a consensus on a search pattern or plan. That he isn't as certain about, but given her internal radar she probably owuld have succeeded in finding him within the first five minutes.]I certainly did. [His words almost sounding honeyed as he spoke, unnaturally so. Her laughter was enough to clue him in that his meaning had been interpreted correctly and that was satisfactory.] Whatever. That was then, this is now and I don't care to live in the past. [Translation: Kaiba was going to let her off the hook] I'm fairly certain Amamiya detested me from the start- but to Akechi it was more like a game but it fueled the proverbial fire. [It is what it is] There was always something about that guy that seemed... off.
[Quirking an eyebrow up at that] .. Why does that give me a sinking feeling? Just what were they concealing in there Ann? [Oh look! You're Ann again!] It was, admittedly. I didn't expect them to return then either, but you must have thought it possible underneath .... everything else. [The sobbing and emotions that he doesn't want to openly reference. The kiss encourages him to relax further.] Likely- not much but there might be something reusable. You know- I'd be letting them down if I didn't take over more of their personal property given the assumption Akechi posed before about extending my apartment into Amamiya's former living quarters. Nevermind it being the most advantageous in terms of location...
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Ahaha... you didn't have to worry about me, silly. I can take care of myself! Not like there's a whole lot of actual threats here right now, anyways. [ The biggest 'threat' that she can see at the moment is that weirdo infection shit, but, she's been lucky so far, and she's not even sure that counts. ] Hey, that makes two of us~ Thanks. [ She's actually relieved he doesn't seem too peeved at her right now for the stunt she'd pulled. ] I don't think so... Ren isn't... really the kind of person who holds onto those feelings. He knows my background, and I think he was just pulling the protective older brother card for the most part. [ ....probably. That's what she's going to roll with, at least. ] Akechi-kun... it probably was a game to him. Ah, there's some things that we should talk about, concerning him, actually...
[ Now that he's not here, and anyways, she knows that Seto won't say anything if she asks him not to. He's proven good at keeping secrets. ] I'd rather not say anything out loud. Just come with me and I'll show you. [ She doesn't SEE anyone else here, but the walls are thin, man. She's also appreciating being on a first name basis again! ] I did think it was possible, and I was right. But... I don't think so this time around. Is it bad that a small part of me thinks that maybe they ditched me here? [ She laughs again, although it's a little hollow because she feels guilty for even thinking something like that when she knows that they wouldn't do that. Especially Ren. Ann moves to stand properly at his side, falling back into her usual habit of looping one of her arms loosely through his. She's missed this. ] Ah, of course you would. I'm sure they'd be happy to hear that. [ She snorts, unable to help herself, and she gives his arm a light, reassuring squeeze. ] Don't let it get to you. Akechi-kun is just like that... hey. Speaking of locations, there's something I wanna talk to you about, too. But maybe a little later... are you ready to head out?
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[He could be discrete on some things] Alright. [Shrugging] Lead the way. [Giving her the courtesy of escorting him to their domicile since technically he shouldn't have known where it was. It's not like he ever visited before they left.. and yet.. he had searched for Ann there...] Now you are just overthinking it. [Not thinking those dweebs would leave her on purpose- not unless they thought it was for her benefit. They might be annoying, but not malicious. He allowed her to do as she wished, linking them together via their arms.] We can't have that. [Delighting in her amusement as his attempt at levity] Mm, and later I expect to know just why he is like that.. [Oblivious but inquisitive he cocked his head to one side and peered down at her regarding the last throwaway line] ... Sure, I'm ready.
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[ But now he's not, and anyways, it'd be better if Seto were aware just in case Akechi did show up again. Maybe he could understand why Akechi is the way he is a little better. ] No problem~ [ And lead the way she does, once she knows he's going to let her link their arms together. She's missed walking with him like this, and it's nice to fall into some sense of normalcy. Also... how did he know where they lived, huh... ] Maybe. I can't help it, though... but I'm not mad. I'd rather be here with you, anyways. [ Not a lie, either. Especially since she's entirely certain that her friends should be... somewhat safe at home, if Ren had told her the truth before. That the maniac trying to play God was gone and things were back to normal. ] Sure can't, it'd really mar their legacy~.
[ She's glad he isn't pushing at her last response, at least right now, they make their way through the various areas, winding here and there until they reach their destination in the Kichijoji District. She leads him up to the apartment that once held two of her friends, and from her pocket she retrieves one of the m a n y lock picks made by Ren himself and proceeds to just sort of... casually pick the lock on the door. When she hears it successfully click open, she straightens and turns towards Seto. ]
...Be careful where you step, okay? You'll see why in a sec. [ Again, the walls are thin, and besides, she'd rather just let him see these stupid explosives himself. So she pushes the door open and gestures for him to enter -- it's certainly a lot larger than their last apartment, and it's clean and neat and decorated with flowers and molotov cocktails. Once Seto's inside, she steps in after him and shuts the door, sighing. ]
...Do you see why I didn't want to say anything out loud earlier?
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[Either way it was better to have more information than less, since he would like to know what he was dealing with here. It hadn't been all that hard to narrow down the general location of the new apartment but it had been a trick finding the specific flat. Those buildings were their own mazes. As they walked along she proceeded to talk lightly about her insecurities.] It's strange, I'll grant you that but I wouldn't go assuming anything. You could just as easily still be here because whoever is running this experiment decided you were the most suitable candidate. [Which also isn't a pleasant thought] If only there was a pattern.. [.. but there wasn't. A couple might get booted out, or one of the pair, or neither. Plus Haru and Kasumi hadn't any such association at all.. so relationship status wasn't a factor] They did that themselves.. [The tri-mushroom phallus was left to stay.. in other words]
[There were at least three subjects now he got the impression were of a more secretive nature, that one about locations being one if them. He could wait. When they arrived at the apartment he had the courtesy not to roll his eyes as she picked the lock. I mean... presumably he'd let himself in before...] You know- the balcony was open right? [Not everyone feels like scaling buildings or dropping from one precipice to the other, Seto]
I'll be careful. [How bad can this be. Shooting her a final look, he shrugged and breezed past her into the room. You know what wasn't in sight of the balcony entrance? ALL THIS ARSENAL RIGHT HERE. He stopped short, his mouth gaped open as the sheer amount of firepower in this room]
They needed to hire a new decorator... [Recovering his composure] What sort of an idiot lives in a earthquake zone with all these potential explosives just strewn about like decorative doilies?
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[ Later, though, like he said. There's more to do right now, and she can explain it while they work. Probably. If she doesn't get really distracted by other things. ] Maybe. Either way, I'm sad... but not really upset, if that makes sense? Now that I know that they could have very likely gone home and aren't in any danger. At least, not in danger here. Or dead. [ He probably knows what she means in any case. Still, what he said did make sense. ] ...can't really argue that. [ She probably... can think of exactly what he's talking about. Except isn't the shroom dick Ren's fault? Even if Akechi did put him up to it...
Whatever she had on her mind is suddenly gone as Seto makes that remark about the comment, and she pauses mid-step for a split second, blinking up at him. ] Yeah, it is... [ It's then that she squints at him, looking ridiculously skeptical. ] Seto Kaiba, did you... actually scale this building and break into their place to look for me? [ There's a pause, and then: ] That's really sweet! Also, super dangerous, you could have fallen!
[ Or you know, triggered one of these explosives that he... hadn't seen up until right now. As he walks in ahead of her she winces a little bit as his reaction, although it's not quite as bad as she was expecting. She locks the door behind them to prevent anyone else from deciding to try and bust in, at least, as she finally makes her way into the middle of the room to join him at his side. ]
A new decorator... yeah, agreed. But not... an idiot. Ren is the leader of the Phantom Thieves, he was always making weapons like this at home too because they were a necessity for us. He started making these when Mementos appeared, he wanted to be ready but... even I know this is a little overkill. And a 'little' is an understatement.
[ There's enough firepower here to knock out this entire building, she thinks, and this is just what they can see. This doesn't include the weapons... ]
I don't really want to just get rid of all of these, though. What if we do need something like this down the road? We have no idea what this place, or whoever is running it, intends on doing with us. But I don't really know where to store anything like this either without anyone accidentally setting them off.
[ Walking over to the bed, she plops down on it and frowns. ]
At the very least, there's stuff here that isn't really dangerous, either. Ren's games and his gaming system are still here, and also, I think there's a coffee maker around here somewhere, too. And... there's weapons that I am definitely taking with me. Those are all that I'm really interested in.
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Mm, it makes sense, in a way. Plus the news isn't as fresh as it was a week ago. [Time was the healer of all wounds or something terribly cliché like that that he wouldn't bring himself to vocalize.] The void decided to keep the best of the best. [Meaning himself and Ann respectively] It wouldn't change my opinion if you made the attempt. [Just so you know, also- guilt by association!]
[He didn't supply any additional information as he waited for her to draw the appropriate conclusions. When she got there he sounded decidedly smug about it] You say that as if it would be at all difficult... for me. [Recalling their first official date where he'd waited for her on top of a roof. It really shouldn't be too surprising that he could pull this off as well] I think the greater danger is sitting here unguarded in this room.
[Blah blah blah- he tuned out at "Ren isn't an idiot". You can be smart in some ways and a fool in others. Amamiya seemed to embody this phenomenon perfectly] Seems premature to me, since nothing works exactly the same way here, but.. whatever.
[To her statement about wanting to hold on to some of these he gave her a stern appraising look]
Why doesn't that entirely surprise me, though the thought of you with all these incendiaries doesn't offer much peace of mind. [Though he'd seen her in the nightmares exemplifying how lithe and graceful she could be..] Somewhere not populated in a controlled climate with proper ventilation... Good luck with that. [With how unpredictable this place was]
[Walking cautiously around the room, he perked up at coffee maker]
It wouldn't matter to them if that appliance happened to go missing itself. [The games could be useful too] At least they let a few decent items. So, if we're dividing up their possessions, you're taking the weapons and explosives, anything else? [Look- he's giving you first pick]
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Yeah... I guess it's just a really strange feeling mostly, now. But they're exactly where they need to be. I just sort of want to know why they all disappeared at once, and while I want to blame Mementos, I know it likely has nothing to do with it. Then again... [ She glances off to the side suddenly, shifting a little uneasily. ] I didn't mention this when they were still here, but Akechi-kun said that he was in Mementos, and he was tearing into the walls... while he was doing that, apparently he and Ren heard screaming. In fact, the last time I was here, we had a group meeting about heading there to uh... beat the shit out of it. The boys voted yes, and the girls voted no, so it didn't happen. We were more concerned about what would happen above ground, to everyone else...
[ Which is still a legit concern, because she noted that the place hasn't patched itself up yet, either. There's still serrated, gaping holes in the walls from where Akechi's saw blade tore it open. She stands up from her seat on the bed, sighing. ] I guess they did, lucky us, huh?
[ Okay, the mental image of Seto scaling the building like some sort of trench coat wearing Spider Person is hilarious, and... yes, she can see him doing it, too. Because he has No Chill. ] I know it wouldn't even be slightly a challenge for you... just please be careful, okay? I don't want you to get hurt, especially for something as dumb as me. [ She means that, too, dude... she knows how you are... ] But, you're probably right.
[ A sigh-- ]
Yeah, okay, whatever, but it's not bad to be prepared, either. And I'm not keeping them all, just a few. I just... need to figure out how to disarm the rest of them. The ones I'm keeping, I'll probably bury at the beach or whatever... or maybe I'll hide them in Mementos. ...Thanks. I'm going to need luck to get all of these out without anyone noticing. I don't want these falling into the wrong hands, and you're the only person here I trust 100%... so you're the only one allowed to know about these.
[ Also, she doesn't want to cause any sort of panic, or have people pointing the finger at them and calling them fucking terrorists or something. Sadly, she can see it happening. While he makes his way around the room, Ann's headed towards where Akechi's saw blade is resting up against the wall, and she picks it up. It's pretty heavy, and she's not even sure she can wield something like this, but... ]
Mm, no, I don't think they'd care. [ She stares down at the blade in her hands, humming. ] No. The weapons and explosives are the most important things to me, because they're dangerous and I don't want anyone else getting their hands on them. Also, I may need these weapons someday. I wonder if any of Ren's guns are still here...
[ She finally lifts her gaze from the heavy sword, instead throwing her gaze right back over in his direction. ]
Speaking of friends, I met Yugi the other day. He seems very sweet, and I like him a lot. How do you feel about having someone from home here now?