It never rains in California

[jitensha]

[ 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.

Comments

[makotoned]

[...o-oh. How does she have so much faith in him and is so cute...all at once....?

He really doesn't know at all, but...it certainly is a very warm feeling, to be depended on that much.]

Hopefully you aren't giving me too much credit, ha ha. Though that kind of makes me want to try even harder...

[jitensha]

Then that's fair, isn't it? You always make me want to do better than my best.

[makotoned]

Really?

[He's honestly surprised by that, and it shows, but--

A moment later, he's a bit embarrassed (and also a great deal touched).]

Well, that's great to hear.

[jitensha]

You know... I've been wondering this, but you don't give yourself a whole lot of credit, do you?

[makotoned]

[...that startles him.]

E-eh?

[He blinks, but then chuckles and shakes his head.]

Oh, it's not that exactly... I mean, I certainly hope I do my part.

[jitensha]

You do, but you always look so surprised when I point it out!

[makotoned]

...Is that so...

[He doesn't know how to respond to that, and it's pretty obvious that that's the case.

So eventually he just...sighs.]

I guess that's because...it's surprising to hear.

[look his friends suck okay.]

[jitensha]

... [ that just makes her frown, before she clenches a hand into a fist and holds it against her chest. It shouldn't be surprising. Why was it that here was yet another amazing person who couldn't see just how amazing he was because no one had bothered to tell him? Even Makoto had received compliments-- though not exactly the kind she'd wanted, the majority of the time. ]

Then... [ she nods once, decisively. ] I'll tell you. I'll keep telling you, whether I have to call you or text you or tell you to your face, until you're not surprised at all!

[makotoned]

[You've got a lot of work to do, Makoto, because he's absolutely startled by that, shown by how he just gapes at her a moment.

And then he stumbles and stutters his words because he's just that overwhelmed by what she's suggesting--]

Y-you don't have to do that, Makoto-chan, that's just...Isn't that a bit too much effort?

[alksndlkas]

[jitensha]

[ was it really that much? If Makoto's surprised, it's only because of how staggered he looks, but she's obviously made up her mind. ]

Maybe so, but if anyone's worth the effort, it's definitely you!

[ SO THERE. ]

[makotoned]

[HE HAS BEEN SLAIN.

MAKOTO-CHAN WAS HIS KILLER.

A KILLER WITH PRAISE.

but he really doesn't know how to deal with this.]

That's...too much....

[he's so, so overwhelmed right now.

But he regains control of himself enough to smile at her.]

Thank you though, Makoto-chan. You're a really good friend, and I'm lucky to have you.

[jitensha]

[ ... did she break him. She at least seems to come down from her adamant attitude, blinking at him. ]

I just don't think there's anything wrong with cherishing the people around you.

But I'm lucky, too.

[makotoned]

[....ahhhhh. And he just...smiles and nods slowly.]

Of course...Well, thank you. I really appreciate it--everything you've said and done for me.

[jitensha]

It's no problem! [ and she's smiling so cheerfully that it can't possibly be anything but the truth. ]

[makotoned]

[....and he just....smiles, scratching his cheek and nodding.]

In that case....thank you.

[And he blinks at the clock, sighing a bit, though he still smiles.]

Will you let me walk you back to the train station?

[Because it's...getting dark.]

[jitensha]

At this rate, you're really going to make me feel like a lady... [ with a quick laugh. ] But I'd appreciate the company!

[makotoned]

[...and that makes him chuckle, shaking his head.]

You are a lady, Makoto-chan. I'm always happy to do whatever I can for that.

[jitensha]

... Thanks.

[ it's a little softer, but it's heartfelt. She can't always put feelings into words without it emerging awkwardly, but this kind of treatment makes her feel... special? Is this how girls typically feel when boys treat them like this? ]

Should we get going, then?

[makotoned]

[He's oblivious to what's going on in her head, but he does not easily when she asks. He's happy to escort her to the train station, hopefully with a much more enjoyable walk.]

Definitely. It seems to have stopped raining, so...hopefully this will be a bit nicer of a walk.

[than looking for a kitten in the middle of a downpour.]

[jitensha]

You mean we'll be actually walking instead of running like crazy?

[ EGADS. ]

[makotoned]

I know it seems a little crazy but...I sure hope so.

[And a chuckle at that, because Makoto, your energy is just off the charts.]

[jitensha]

That's fine! More time to make the most of it, right?

[ that energy just never dies. ]

[makotoned]

[It's so overwhelming in the best way....

but as they go downstairs, Makoto just scoops up the kitten on their way up and smiles.]

I think so too. This visit sure went fast...

[With all of that craziness...]

I'll probably look for a home for this little guy on the way back.

[jitensha]

Keep me updated! Hibiki could probably help, but you'd have a hard time visiting him every day.

[ and she's already giving the kitten a fond scratch behind the ears. ]

[makotoned]

[And that gets a relieved nod.]

If nobody wants him here, I'll be sure to ask for her help. It's most important that we find him a home--

[...]

But I wouldn't mind being able to visit him.

[It's a sheepish admittance, even as they walk down the road. It's already getting dark, but at least everything is fresh and clean from the rain.]