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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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. ]

[...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.

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?

[..........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...

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. ]

[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.]

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

...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.]

Well, if it's a promise...

[ she's mollified. ]

I'll believe in you, then.

[...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!

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

You'd have a hard time letting me down!

[...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...

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

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.

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

[...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.

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

...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.]

... [ 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!

[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]

[ 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. ]

[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.

[ ... 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.

[....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.

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

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