pullmeoutalive | It never rains in California

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It never rains in California

[ the weather had been nice on her end, when her last job of the day had wrapped up. And Makoto still had a good chunk of day left over, so after a call home to let her mother know where she'd be, and a text to her fellow Makoto to make sure it was okay, she'd hopped the train.

... And then it had started to rain.

A lot.

Luckily, she has a baseball cap this time, which helps, although once she's off the platform (and subsequent bus) and out in the weather, there's little hope for the rest of her staying dry in this downpour. Then the question became... where was she even supposed to find Makoto? Swimming practice couldn't happen, unless they had an indoor pool... should she ask around town? Was it that tiny of one? Or maybe she should just cave and call him. ]

I probably should... this weather isn't exactly making it easy to spot anyone.

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[ she's not, this is natural energetic friend behavior, gosh Makoto!!

But she'll follow along amiably, after pausing to give the kitten a few swift pats. ]

There's... three kids total, right? I bet dinners get really lively.

[He chuckles, leading the way through the dining hall.]

They can be...thankfully, Ren and Ren listen pretty well, when they aren't bickering.

[He does love them, after all. And onwards through the house...! Parents and little kids' rooms and--]

And over here is my room.

[ ... oh. Makoto has read enough manga to know that going into a boy's room seems to be the Final Threshold, of sorts. But that was completely different when said boy was a friend, and was only showing her around, like she'd asked.

So she shouldn't be flustered at all! ]

Pardon the intrusion...

[ even though he's right here. ]

[And suddenly she's a bit less full of energy, and he's not sure what brought that on, but he does look at her curiously, pushing open the door.

Of course, his room is nothing special; it's pretty clean, with a few swimming medals of various sorts hanging around, along with some pictures of his friends. What there is, sitting there scattered along the floor, is his video games.

And he sighs.]

Really, now... they should at least pick up after themselves if they want to play...

[ it's hard to explain a maiden's heart to a boy, so she doesn't bother trying, instead giving the room an inquisitive examination. The medals are greeted with an impressed blink, the photos a softer smile.

The video games... ]

So you play them? That sounds like fun!

[He glances at her thoughtfully. He hadn't thought that there was really anyone who hadn't played a video game this day and age, but the way she says it--]

Ah, sometimes, yeah. My little siblings enjoy them too.

[...]

Do you not get to play video games?

I've done it a couple of times, with the twins-- ah, Futami Ami and Mami, they're idols too.

[ a pause, and then there's that it's embarrassing but what can you do smile. ]

But my dad doesn't think much of them and says they're not manly at all, so I don't play them at home. Even arcade games are kind of hard...

[....ah. That seems...a little sad.

But Makoto just gives her a smile, because she looks like she needs one.]

Well, if you want to play, I have them here...I don't know about what's manly or not, but at least they're fun...?

I don't care if they're manly or not! [ with a huff, because if anything can make her grumpy (besides Iori), it's just thinking of her dad. ] Like you said, if it's fun, it's fine!

[...aw. And he blinks at her, and then tilts his head.]

Do you want to play, then? We still have some time until everything is dry anyway.

... I might be really bad, though. But I think I'm a pretty fast learner, so if you're up to it--!

[ look at her, trying not to be too excited. ]

[He chuckles, nodding and moving to turn on the system.]

I'm more than happy to wait until you've learned how to play. I'm sure this'll be fun.

[He's not super competitive, okay, he knows how to deal with people who aren't great at playing.]

Of course!

[ and true to her word, Makoto will definitely be attentive. And at least she won't lose and/or die as much after several highly determined attempts. ]

[And she's definitely competing with him by the time they get into the game.

Makoto's not that competitive, but he has to try to win when he sees how determined she is.

So cue some very attentive playing...!]

... You... [ yeah she's definitely into it. ]

You're not gonna get the win so easily this time!

[...! And he frowns, and then looks quite a bit startled.]

E-eeh?

[And he drops the controller and can't help but laugh, Makoto-chan's victory quite a bit impressive to him.]

You weren't kidding about being a quick learner.

Ehehe! Once I put my mind to something, I don't give up!

[ but gloating isn't her style, so she adds ]

But you were really tough to beat! My fingers have gone numb...

[ Makoto just how hard were you button-mashing. ]

[...ah. She's pretty graceful about winning too. Not bad at all, huh.]

You were hitting those buttons pretty hard, huh? Maybe we should take a quick break then. Your clothes should be dry, in fact!

One moment!

[And he's going to just get to his feet and jog down the stairs to gather those clothes.]

... He really doesn't sit still either, huh...

[ Makoto gives off an aura of gentleness and warmth, a very solid presence. But when she thinks about it... he's also very active, which should really be at odds with how patient he is, but it seems to suit him. ]

He's not really what I expected, is he?

[And Makoto, down gathering her clothing--sneezes.

And hopes he isn't getting sick (he is) and just that someone is talking about him (she is).

But he does gather that clothing and hurry back upstairs, smiling at her and offering her the still-warm laundry.]

There's a bathroom right down the hall for privacy, if you'd like.

Thanks, Makoto-kun! [ and she's more than happy to accept her clothes. ] I shouldn't keep hogging your sweatshirt, so hold on--

[ and off she jogs, chipper as always. Being dry and in good company can do wonders for a mood. ]

[And he chuckles faintly, watching her go, and then sits on his bed and sighs, content. It's amazing how much of a boost on his day just having Makoto-chan around can be...

he never would've thought that a single person could change your entire enjoyment of a day, but there you go...

It helps that she's so cheerful and energetic and...well, adorable too. Yes, definitely adorable.

Except he should probably not think of her in his hoodie or he'll definitely be blushing when she gets back and that'd be bad so instead he focuses on cleaning up the video game.]

[ it doesn't take long to change, but she knocks on the doorframe anyway, just to avoid surprising him when she peers back into the room--

... And blinks. ]

I would've helped...

[And he blinks, looking up at her, and smiles.]

Technically, it was my siblings' mess to begin with, so I don't mind.

Feel better in your own warm clothes, Makoto-chan?

Your clothes felt pretty comfortable, too! But like this, I'm not imposing, so-- yeah, I do feel a little better.

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