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]

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.]

[jitensha]

You've got a connection, so I don't blame you!

[ and she's already breathing in deep, happily stretching as she sets out once more, with good company. ]

Well, aim for here, but he's bound to have a home, no matter what.

[makotoned]

[And her clear enjoyment just of something so simple as walking with him...well it makes him content as well. He breathes in too, following her lead, and sighs as he relaxes.]

Mm, definitely. It'll be nice to see him off the streets, I think.

[jitensha]

You won't get too lonely without something so cute to cuddle?

[ ... okay, she can't help but tease a little. ]

[makotoned]

[.............and he blushes and looks a bit embarrassed because--]

I-I wasn't cuddling with him, just playing with him while I waited for Haru every morning...!

[jitensha]

[ ... he really is so cute. ]

But he really looks cuddly... I can't believe you weren't even tempted!

[makotoned]

[...and Makoto looks at the kitten at that, as if analyzing him and her words together.

...and sighs.]

You're right. He's really adorable. I've never actually tried picking him up before today though.

[jitensha]

... You made incredible progress today.

[ solemnly. ] Make sure you cuddle him before you have to give him up, then!

[makotoned]

[......ah. And, well, he can play along--he just nods solemnly as well.]

I will remember to cuddle him before I give him to his new home.

[jitensha]

[ she responds with a salute, about to add something else-- but wait did they already reach... ]

... Already here, huh?

[makotoned]

[It's somehow more of a disappointment than he thought it'd be. Which is silly, because well...]

I'll have to come visit you in return soon. And I'll call you to let you know about the home search for him, of course.

[...and it's almost like he's trying to reassure himself with these words that they won't really be apart that long.]

[jitensha]

I'll be waiting, then! [ although waiting was more a princess thing than a Makoto thing, but if it's for something like this... if it's for Makoto-kun, she thinks she can be a little more patient than usual. ]

Thanks again, for walking me here.

[makotoned]

[She'll be waiting for him, huh...? And he smiles at that, nodding.]

I won't keep you waiting for too long.

[And since her train seems to be coming up...the best he can do is smile as happily as he can.]

Thank you for visiting, Makoto-chan. [and, well, it just slips out--] I'll miss you until next time.

[jitensha]

[ the look she gives him is startled, a little blindsided-- because she is. She hadn't thought about it, but he says it so easily, and that's when it occurs to her. She'll miss him too.

... When had she started looking forward to seeing him so much? She was always happy to see her friends, but somehow... this feels different. ]

Y-yeah... [ she's replacing her hat on her head now, tugging the brim down in embarrassment as she offers him a final smile. ] I won't let you miss me for long!

[makotoned]

[And he offers her a final smile too and just a nod at that, bidding her farewell and seeing her onto her train--

so that he can be utterly embarrassed in peace. Granted, it's not so strange to say to a friend, right? He'd said that to Rin when he'd left for Australia.

But still, it...seems different. And as he walks on back to start looking for a home for the kitten, he's...definitely blushing--but he's smiling, too.]