Mm. For guys, I guess there's only me, Saotome, and Leech in contention. Saotome certainly doesn't seem the type.
I haven't spoken to Shipman at all yet. I think that'll be fine. Yuri... today was the first time. We connected over books, but she would have also seen you helping me, and the two of us sitting together during the trial.
You probably know her better than I do. Should we be worried?
[The sleight weight of her against his arm is a surprise, still, but he'll get used to it. He's done it before.]
None at all.
[After a pause, he turns his hand palm-up.]
I'll keep playing the timid one. You've already shown yourself to be the pursuer, and I think I'll come off more believable if I still seem reluctant to show my feelings. That's how I am naturally, anyway. [Aqua tilts his head slightly, considering her.] But I'll do my best to fluster you, too, at the right times. Does that work for you?
[He's not going to tell her he could kind of tell.]
I think that could lend it more realism, actually.
While we're being honest, I do have experience. Doesn't that make it more interesting, if the one showing interest is the one for whom it's all new, while the object of interest has his past weighing on him?
Yeah, but they're both a decade older than us. To them, we're kids. They'll see what they want to see.
[Aqua considers the angles.]
I don't think you need to do much different. I'm the one who needs to start responding. [Hmm.] I'm healing well enough, so start leaving my side more often in public to talk with others. I'll gaze after you. If I start finding reasons to return to your side, too, we'll convince them we're together in a matter of days; actually, they'll probably believe they're aware of it before us.
Longing looks between lovers… hm~. I suppose you’re right. Everyone will see what they want to see. They usually do.
[ she gets an idea, smiling. ]
A few days from now, I’ll give you something of mine. Something others have seen me wear. A hairband, or something similar. Make sure to keep it with you.
[Well, there's the hoodie he arrived in. As long as that's been washed, it's perfectly intact. There's his school blazer; he's wearing the rest of the uniform today. We've just said RIP to his AQUA 🐟 shirt, so of the outfits that are "his," there's. Well, shoved to the back as much as possible, there's a white lab coat remaining, but that isn't really the vibe we're going for, is it.
[ it’s the hoodie she gravitates to; she likes the idea of having a cozy hood to hide in. She reaches for it, running her fingers over the fabric thoughtfully. ]
The fact that you had an ulterior motive to look after me these past few days doesn't make the help any less needed. I owe you, if nothing else.
Besides... what kind of guy would say no to a cute girl in need? I'm already the type who goes along with what I think others want. You laying it out like this makes it easier.
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I haven't spoken to Shipman at all yet. I think that'll be fine. Yuri... today was the first time. We connected over books, but she would have also seen you helping me, and the two of us sitting together during the trial.
You probably know her better than I do. Should we be worried?
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[ her tremulous “please shut the fuck up” from the trial left an impression ]
As long as we don’t get too involved with her, I think it should be fine.
[ “we.” Already, like they’re a team. Humming, she leans against him. ]
We’re going to have to make it seem real. That should be no problem for an actor, right?
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None at all.
[After a pause, he turns his hand palm-up.]
I'll keep playing the timid one. You've already shown yourself to be the pursuer, and I think I'll come off more believable if I still seem reluctant to show my feelings. That's how I am naturally, anyway. [Aqua tilts his head slightly, considering her.] But I'll do my best to fluster you, too, at the right times. Does that work for you?
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she tentatively puts her hand in his, nodding in answer to his question. ]
I should tell you honestly, since I’m involving you like this …
[ a sigh. ]
I don’t have any dating experience at all. I like to think my act the past few days has been believable, but…
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[He's not going to tell her he could kind of tell.]
I think that could lend it more realism, actually.
While we're being honest, I do have experience. Doesn't that make it more interesting, if the one showing interest is the one for whom it's all new, while the object of interest has his past weighing on him?
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[ tilts her head back, smiling at him. ]
We’ll give it our all.
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Deal.
1/2
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Not yet, you don't.
[But he'll let her hold his hand until she either does or pulls away.]
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[ his attention makes her blush; eventually, she does let go. ]
… how do we pace this, around the others? Leon and Luis have to be convinced, too, and they’re sharp.
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[Aqua considers the angles.]
I don't think you need to do much different. I'm the one who needs to start responding. [Hmm.] I'm healing well enough, so start leaving my side more often in public to talk with others. I'll gaze after you. If I start finding reasons to return to your side, too, we'll convince them we're together in a matter of days; actually, they'll probably believe they're aware of it before us.
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[ she gets an idea, smiling. ]
A few days from now, I’ll give you something of mine. Something others have seen me wear. A hairband, or something similar. Make sure to keep it with you.
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A token, huh.
Something I can wear would be good. Then it's easy to carry around, and others can see it.
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[Choose your favorite Aqua 'fit...]
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You’re making this all so easy for me. I’m almost suspicious.
[ with a hum she moves toward the wardrobe, opening it to browse her options. ]
Making me actually consider his clothes, how dare you
Then let's say Pratibhouse also provided this number and something like this.
Aqua watches her over his shoulder as she looks.]
Of my motives? Or something else?
I was definitely gonna ask so you’re welcome
Why be so accommodating, otherwise?
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Besides... what kind of guy would say no to a cute girl in need? I'm already the type who goes along with what I think others want. You laying it out like this makes it easier.
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… just don’t go betraying me later on.
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[By the time Lortel lifts her head again, his gaze has fallen away. In his mind's eye, the sky is a dark and distant, watery, rippling thing.
Aqua Hoshino has no reason to betray her.]
Don't worry. Barter is an important part of the industry; I take my deals seriously.
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Instead she returns to his side, watching him pensively. ]
Good. [ holds out a hand for him to shake. ]
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