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]

[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.

[jitensha]

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. ]

[makotoned]

[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.]

[jitensha]

[ 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...

[makotoned]

[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?

[jitensha]

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

[makotoned]

[....how is he supposed to

that's

..........erm. RIGHT OKAY FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE.]

You weren't imposing at all! It was the least I could do for all of your help.

[and he can't even say that this suits her better because...she looked really cute in his hoodie......]

[jitensha]

Which reminds me... have you decided what you're going to do with the kitten?

[ they need a safe topic. INTUITIVELY, SHE KNOWS THIS... ]

[makotoned]

[...GOOD. yes. this is a safe topic. And he just is a bit glum at that, but at the same time, he manages a smile, because it's better for the kitten...]

I probably will have to find a home for him. I can't keep him, and if we leave him outside, he could get into trouble again.

[jitensha]

Maybe there's someone around your neighborhood? That way, even if he's adopted, you'd still be able to see him.

[ and she's pretty sure Makoto's got a lot of affection for that kitten. ]

[makotoned]

[...mm. She's so onto him, isn't she? But he just smiles, nodding.]

That sounds like a good idea. I'll have to ask around tomorrow.

[But for now, more importantly--]

I'm sorry our day together ended up being so...wet.

[jitensha]

That's a funny thing for a swimmer to say.

[ and she even raises an eyebrow, followed by a sigh. ]

Like I said, the weather wasn't your fault. I had a lot of fun with you anyway, so didn't it still work out in the end?

[makotoned]

[..........oh.]

Aha...I don't know if that's exactly the same...though you're always welcome to come to our practice sometime. It's pretty laidback, so you could swim with us.

[...but phew, that's a relief. He just nods, smiling.]

I'd say so. I had a lot of fun too, so...

[jitensha]

I'll have to drop by again when the weather gets warmer! Just don't get sick before then, okay?

[ and she says it sternly, but there's some concern there. He'd been out in the rain longer than she had, and to plunge into a river... it really was a good thing he'd been able to warm up first. ]

[makotoned]

[Ah...true enough. He just chuckles sheepishly, but nods in agreement.]

I don't think Haru would forgive me if I got sick during swimming season...So I'll do my best for sure.

[...his priorities might be a little skewed.]

[jitensha]

Don't do it for Haru-san's sake, do it for your own! Your own health is definitely important!

[makotoned]

...Ah. Right.

[He's even more sheepish at being called out for it like that. Eheh...]

I'll take care of myself, I promise.

[And still go to swim practice and such fun things.]

[jitensha]

Well, if it's a promise...

[ she's mollified. ]

I'll believe in you, then.

[makotoned]

[...aw. She really is that concerned for his well-being, huh...? In that case, he'll definitely have to take care of his health.

He nods firmly.]

I wouldn't want to let you down, so...you can definitely trust in me!

[jitensha]

[ and surprisingly... that just makes her laugh. ]

You'd have a hard time letting me down!

[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.