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[ At first, it's not entirely apparent that everyone is gone. It's not really unusual for Ann not to see her friends for a few days at a time; despite their closeness, thick as thieves and the such, they do have their own lives and hanging out on a daily basis just isn't in the proverbial cards. But she hasn't heard their voices over the ley lines, and when she went to check up on Akechi and Ren, they weren't home. Neither were Yoshizawa or Haru.
She's searched, of course, to no avail. Her time is spent wandering; mostly, right now. Hanging outside the apartments, Kichijoji... and no luck.
When she's not in those places, she's at Heavenly Leblanc, sitting at her usual booth, staring towards the door as if expecting her friends to just walk through, laughing and telling her about some grand adventure that they had the audacity to go on without her. That's probably all it is, right? ]
She's searched, of course, to no avail. Her time is spent wandering; mostly, right now. Hanging outside the apartments, Kichijoji... and no luck.
When she's not in those places, she's at Heavenly Leblanc, sitting at her usual booth, staring towards the door as if expecting her friends to just walk through, laughing and telling her about some grand adventure that they had the audacity to go on without her. That's probably all it is, right? ]
[ Okay, it's been long enough now to establish that yes, her friends are gone and they are not coming back. She's already voiced this to Seto, at least, that she'd assumed the worst, and she hasn't reported back to him in at least a week. She hasn't even really been home in that length of time, instead opting to search far and wide. There's no trace of them, or that they even still existed within this realm, and so now it's time to face reality.
The last time this happened, it'd only been temporary and it had only been Ren and Akechi. She'd been a complete and utter mess; and it was embarrassing, especially to cry in front of Seto like that. It's something that she's vowed not to do again, which is why she's kept to herself in her search the last week or so. Now, she's just feeling tired and numb, but at least she's not crying anymore. She's just ready to... move on.
It's how she finds herself back in front of Seto's apartment door, knocking several times. ] Seto? It's me.
The last time this happened, it'd only been temporary and it had only been Ren and Akechi. She'd been a complete and utter mess; and it was embarrassing, especially to cry in front of Seto like that. It's something that she's vowed not to do again, which is why she's kept to herself in her search the last week or so. Now, she's just feeling tired and numb, but at least she's not crying anymore. She's just ready to... move on.
It's how she finds herself back in front of Seto's apartment door, knocking several times. ] Seto? It's me.
[ Ann may have accepted the fact that all of her friends have [hopefully] gone home, but that doesn't really mean that she's entirely over it. It's why she's in Mementos right now, exploring; looking for clues. Because if her friends are anywhere in this place? Anywhere at all? It would definitely be here. Especially Ren. She's already checked this place once, but now she's just feeling irritated, and there's no one to really vent her frustrations to because everyone who would understand is GONE and they are the source and so she's opted to take it out on this stupid place.
Akechi's sword has done quite the number on the walls, she's realizing -- he'd mentioned something about doing damage, and how he'd heard screams. She wants nothing more than to take her whip, poised at her left hip as per usual when she travels around, and beat the ever loving shit out of these walls right now. Make it scream and wail just like she wants to right now but won't. She doesn't know what the long term effects would be, and while she gives exactly zero fucks about herself, she does care about the well being of the rest of the unfortunate souls stuck in this place.
This doesn't mean that she isn't on high alert, of course; whenever she wanders Mementos she automatically goes into Phantom Thief mode. So the second she hears a noise from behind her, she's on it, whirling around to face whomever it may be, and the look on her face clearly reads she's not here to fuck around. ] Show yourself.
Akechi's sword has done quite the number on the walls, she's realizing -- he'd mentioned something about doing damage, and how he'd heard screams. She wants nothing more than to take her whip, poised at her left hip as per usual when she travels around, and beat the ever loving shit out of these walls right now. Make it scream and wail just like she wants to right now but won't. She doesn't know what the long term effects would be, and while she gives exactly zero fucks about herself, she does care about the well being of the rest of the unfortunate souls stuck in this place.
This doesn't mean that she isn't on high alert, of course; whenever she wanders Mementos she automatically goes into Phantom Thief mode. So the second she hears a noise from behind her, she's on it, whirling around to face whomever it may be, and the look on her face clearly reads she's not here to fuck around. ] Show yourself.
Edited 2021-03-03 07:49 (UTC)
[As it so happened, Ann managed to find a time when Seto was actually home since she hadn't been the only one searching all of this wasteland for someone. He'd known that the disappearance of her loser-friends had troubled her deeply, but her subsequent absence had bothered him more. Sure, he genuinely had liked maybe... one or... two of her friends? Er, make that one? Maybe? Cough, but he wasn't all that torn up about the idea that they returned home. There was still some question as to what many of them would be returning to since their world wasn't exactly a prime vacation destination, and it had been wrapped in it's own turmoil which threatened the thieves mortality. Still. Priorities.
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.
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.
[ When Ann Takamaki doesn't want to be found, she makes sure she isn't found. Many, many months of Phantom Thievery have taught her all sorts of skills, and this happens to be one of them for better or for worse. This is a mission that she'd ensued on alone for a reason, after all -- besides, it wasn't worth dragging poor Seto into more than he already was. And she wasn't about to smother him with her ridiculous overly emotional outbursts a second time, he'd been through that once before, and honestly she really wasn't sure if this was going to be another thing where they left and came back again.
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.
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.
[Never had the young affluent ceo missed his surveillance satellite technology more than when his girlfriend became the next missing person. Kaiba wasn't sure if her suspicions about her friends departure had relieved some of his anxiety or simply piled onto it later. Likely the latter. Sure, it wouldn't have been the first time Amamiya and Akechi had spontaneously taken off but it was peculiar for the girls to join them. If everyone from their sector was being targeted for removal then it could have only been a matter of time before Ann followed.
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.]
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.
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.
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.
[ Ann knows he would have begrudgingly joined her if she'd asked him to, he's good about that. But the fact of the matter is that she really didn't want to shove that baggage on him again. Unfortunately, she'd done it anyways, just a different set of worries and emotions. She hadn't really taken into account that he'd think she'd gone missing too, of course, especially when his logic is correct -- if certain individuals were being targeted, it could have been her, too.
At least he's also right about something else -- her devotion to him is entirely unwavering, and will remain that way for the foreseeable futurehe'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 out yet. ]
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.
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
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.
[Whether either of them realized it or not they'd apparently shared luggage now, which was exceptionally hard for Seto since Ann had a bad habit about caring about other people. 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.
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.
Edited 2021-03-03 23:59 (UTC)
[ At least they've been successfully reunited, that much she's grateful for. Her efforts to find her friends had been in vain, but Seto is still here, and that's... what matters now. Out of everyone here, he is who she has bonded to the most which is honestly hilarious, and that's not going to change any time soon. They may be polar opposites and have their little tiffs every now and then, but at the end of the day he makes her happy and keeps her grounded. And she's grateful for that.
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.
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.
Edited 2021-03-04 00:16 (UTC)
[It was a good thing she didn't state that first bit out loud because it would have been a prime opportunity to sling some sarcasm. ..And why were we successfully reunited exactly? Maybe it was because I was where I was supposed to be!. Yeah, landmine skillfully averted. Considering his obstinate and caustic nature it was a wonder that Ann was able to see past it. Conversely for a technological genius he didn't have much in common with her either and yet in some strange way she brought him joy.]
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.
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.
[ Seto, please. She knows for a fact that if the tables were turned and it was Mokuba he was looking for, he'd have taken up arms and flipped every piece of trash, every rock, every person to find him. And she hopes that he knows that if it were him who disappeared, she'd be searching just as vehemently for him as she had Ren and the others, too. ]
...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.
...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.
[if only]
[Damien, at this point, is not so naïve. this isn't the first time, lately, that he's lost -- it's just his fucking luck that that trend would continue. first Melinoë, the first person he's loved since his ex-fucking-wife, then Akechi, his surrogate son, then Ren, one of the few people to actually see him]
[of course. of course]
[he says nothing, then, when he slides into the booth across from her. he just pushes a bottle of wine and a glass over the table towards her, Tifa's underaged drinking rules be damned. he imagines she's grieving, too]
[Damien, at this point, is not so naïve. this isn't the first time, lately, that he's lost -- it's just his fucking luck that that trend would continue. first Melinoë, the first person he's loved since his ex-fucking-wife, then Akechi, his surrogate son, then Ren, one of the few people to actually see him]
[of course. of course]
[he says nothing, then, when he slides into the booth across from her. he just pushes a bottle of wine and a glass over the table towards her, Tifa's underaged drinking rules be damned. he imagines she's grieving, too]
[ She's really hoping this is some fluke. That they'll all show up again, just like Ren and Akechi had before. It hasn't been that long, after all. It could happen, a small part of her wants to think and desperately believe. The more logical part of her brain has her thinking otherwise; this feels different. It was only Ren and Akechi the last time. The addition of Haru and Yoshizawa this time around have made her feel more than a little anxious, and as a slightly flighty person as is, it's another reason she's been on the move nearly non stop save for the few hours she reserves for naps.
The more cynical part of her whispers terrible things, they left you, or they found a way home and didn't want you to come. She knows, of course, that isn't the case. They'd never do that, especially Ren and Haru. But the thought is there, surfaces every now and then and spikes her anxiety with things like frustration and misplaced anger.
She's so out of it she almost doesn't notice Damien at first. Not until there's a wine glass and a bottle of the good stuff slid towards her, and she blinks, quickly looking up and over at him and offering him a small, tired, sad smile.
He's noticed, too, then. ]
Thanks, Damien-san. Pretty quiet around here, huh?
The more cynical part of her whispers terrible things, they left you, or they found a way home and didn't want you to come. She knows, of course, that isn't the case. They'd never do that, especially Ren and Haru. But the thought is there, surfaces every now and then and spikes her anxiety with things like frustration and misplaced anger.
She's so out of it she almost doesn't notice Damien at first. Not until there's a wine glass and a bottle of the good stuff slid towards her, and she blinks, quickly looking up and over at him and offering him a small, tired, sad smile.
He's noticed, too, then. ]
Thanks, Damien-san. Pretty quiet around here, huh?
[he flashes her a smile in return, though it's a brief thing, just as tired. it doesn't reach his eyes]
Give it a few days. I'm sure that boy will be back in here, trying to drink himself to death. [Blue, he means. last time Ren and Akechi went missing, Blue was drunk behind the counter. he ignored him, then. he might join him, this time]
Give it a few days. I'm sure that boy will be back in here, trying to drink himself to death. [Blue, he means. last time Ren and Akechi went missing, Blue was drunk behind the counter. he ignored him, then. he might join him, this time]
Ah... I hope he'll be okay. I guess we'll have to keep an eye on him.
[ Because, honestly, the last thing they need is alcohol poisoning becoming a thing here, okay. Also, she's learned from accidental experience that hang overs are not a fun situation to be in. ]
...It's not just the boys this time, you know. [ Since she knows that Damien's noticed, too. She's not sure how well he knows -- knew Haru or Yoshizawa, or if he'd even met them, but. ] The two girls from our world aren't here anymore, either. I went to check on them but...
[ She glances off to the side and chews on her lower lip for a few seconds. ]
...I haven't given up hope just yet, and I'm not going to stop looking. But I don't... think they're coming back this time. It feels different.
[ Because, honestly, the last thing they need is alcohol poisoning becoming a thing here, okay. Also, she's learned from accidental experience that hang overs are not a fun situation to be in. ]
...It's not just the boys this time, you know. [ Since she knows that Damien's noticed, too. She's not sure how well he knows -- knew Haru or Yoshizawa, or if he'd even met them, but. ] The two girls from our world aren't here anymore, either. I went to check on them but...
[ She glances off to the side and chews on her lower lip for a few seconds. ]
...I haven't given up hope just yet, and I'm not going to stop looking. But I don't... think they're coming back this time. It feels different.
[That's different. Mokuba is his only brother- 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...
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...
[Damien hums -- right now, he could give a fuck about Blue]
[doubly so when she mentions the girls having gone home, too. he didn't know Haru, but -- ] Yoshizawa's gone? [ -- there goes his best hope of having his leg fixed. well, he supposes, now, that desperate times call for desperate measures. he has something in mind on that front, but he'd been sitting on it, trying to perfect it] Shame. [a beat] Sweet girl.
[that was totally his only interest, yep]
[doubly so when she mentions the girls having gone home, too. he didn't know Haru, but -- ] Yoshizawa's gone? [ -- there goes his best hope of having his leg fixed. well, he supposes, now, that desperate times call for desperate measures. he has something in mind on that front, but he'd been sitting on it, trying to perfect it] Shame. [a beat] Sweet girl.
[that was totally his only interest, yep]
[ So different, yes~ Really, it's the most different EVER, said no one. Either way, she's just glad that they are together again, and as she's officially called her search off... she doesn't plan on straying away from his side again any time soon. ]
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?
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?
Yoshizawa-san is also gone, yes. Along with our other friend, Haru... everyone except for me seems to have disappeared. I'm feeling a little betrayed right now, honestly.
[ Not really. Mostly. She's got mixed feelings about it even though she knows Ren wouldn't willingly leave her here. ]
Admittedly, I didn't really know Yoshizawa-san that well. We got to work together a few times at home... we went to the same school briefly, too. But she was a very sweet girl. Is? She is. She's not here, not... dead.
[ She hopes. She's almost positive, at least. The last time, Ren and Akechi had gone home, so that's where she'd like to think they all went back to. ]
[ Not really. Mostly. She's got mixed feelings about it even though she knows Ren wouldn't willingly leave her here. ]
Admittedly, I didn't really know Yoshizawa-san that well. We got to work together a few times at home... we went to the same school briefly, too. But she was a very sweet girl. Is? She is. She's not here, not... dead.
[ She hopes. She's almost positive, at least. The last time, Ren and Akechi had gone home, so that's where she'd like to think they all went back to. ]
I know you're fond of saying that- but this world is always shifting and introducing new dangers you might not have even considered. [Is he rationalizing? He sure is] ... [Muttering something that didn't at all resemble 'you're welcome', he allowed the conversation to advance.] Of course you wouldn't think so.. but I'm sure. He was never any fan of mine. [Infusing the conversation with his usual brand of paranoia.] I can believe the overprotective brother figure angle. [Being... and overprotective brother] Is there really? [Glancing down the hallway he wasn't surprised when both this and the next subject tapered off]
[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.
[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.
Edited 2021-03-04 03:08 (UTC)
Yeah, but I'm still not seeing anything too major, either. Unless the big scary boogie man is coming to get us, and even then, I'm pretty sure we can punt him -- or her -- to Mars. [ RATIONALIZING SM...ASHINALIZING. ] Ren worries a lot about his friends. I think sometimes... he takes the role of our leader a little too far, though. We had more than one conversation about that while he was here. [ Conversations, arguments, whatever. It doesn't matter now. ] ...Yeah. There's a lot about him that I never told you. I didn't dare, because of Ren, and because... I dunno. It didn't seem right while he was here.
[ 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?
[ 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?
You are as impossible as ever. [Narrowing his eyes and glaring daggers at her flippancy. They both knew he was a hypocrite since he never hesitated to go adventuring on his own...] I guess. [Tiring of talking about Amamiya] Glad you set him straight. [Lips quirking up at that since he couldn't imagine her backing down too easily over that one] .. Combined with the scant information I picked up about him from my own observations I can't imagine that it's anything good.. but.. later. [Trying to help her draw this to a conclusion while they were still in the Merlaut]
[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?
[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?
Would you have it any other way? [ Damn right he's a fucking hypocrite. This is why they work together so well, clearly. ] You're right, it's not. It's complicated.
[ 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.
[ 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.
Edited 2021-03-04 08:00 (UTC)
It's just me, Ann.
[She slid out of the shadows of the hallway that she'd been slinking through. She officially hated coming down to this place, but sometimes you had to sleep, perchance to dream. When she was down here, she tried to keep entirely to herself, to just let her conflicted emotions tear at her in privacy, away from anyone.
Since her purification, however, there'd been ... a shift. Her jealousy wasn't welling up to insane levels. It was just... there. Like she could look at the way 'Panther' filled out that bodysuit she wore, and be jealous of her figure. But it didn't go beyond that momentary pang, that irritation that she didn't think she was pretty enough to pull it off. Her eyes didn't glow a fierce green and balls of energy didn't flow. Instead, there was just the weird empathic sensations she picked up and other power.
So... she hazarded a chance to show herself, walking towards her quietly.]
So... of course you know. You ok?
(OOC: Would you be ok with her Empathy working on Ann? Because she's "Purified," she can't use her jealousy powers at this time. But! She can give her a blessing, and who doesn't need a buff in Mementos?)
[She slid out of the shadows of the hallway that she'd been slinking through. She officially hated coming down to this place, but sometimes you had to sleep, perchance to dream. When she was down here, she tried to keep entirely to herself, to just let her conflicted emotions tear at her in privacy, away from anyone.
Since her purification, however, there'd been ... a shift. Her jealousy wasn't welling up to insane levels. It was just... there. Like she could look at the way 'Panther' filled out that bodysuit she wore, and be jealous of her figure. But it didn't go beyond that momentary pang, that irritation that she didn't think she was pretty enough to pull it off. Her eyes didn't glow a fierce green and balls of energy didn't flow. Instead, there was just the weird empathic sensations she picked up and other power.
So... she hazarded a chance to show herself, walking towards her quietly.]
So... of course you know. You ok?
(OOC: Would you be ok with her Empathy working on Ann? Because she's "Purified," she can't use her jealousy powers at this time. But! She can give her a blessing, and who doesn't need a buff in Mementos?)
Parsee...
[ Immediately, Ann visibly relaxes, all tension in her shoulders dropping as she turns to completely face the other woman. Something's changed, and it's noticeable enough to get Ann's thoughts to shift away from Mementos and her friends for a little bit, at least. ]
I'm... I'm okay. They're better off. [ Mostly. She just wants to know what happened and she wants to blame Mementos, but right now, there's other things preoccupying. ]
...But what about you? I haven't seen you in a while.
[ ooc; go for it!! :D ]
[ Immediately, Ann visibly relaxes, all tension in her shoulders dropping as she turns to completely face the other woman. Something's changed, and it's noticeable enough to get Ann's thoughts to shift away from Mementos and her friends for a little bit, at least. ]
I'm... I'm okay. They're better off. [ Mostly. She just wants to know what happened and she wants to blame Mementos, but right now, there's other things preoccupying. ]
...But what about you? I haven't seen you in a while.
[ ooc; go for it!! :D ]
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