pullmeoutalive | I disturb my town;

[There is that sense of fragility...and Makoto has never been one to leave something that isn't quite right alone. And he doesn't want to move away anyway--there's a sense of comfort in being able to have her this close, and to know for a fact that she is definitely okay.

So he sighs in relief and nods.]

Me too... [And he chuckles, because--]

Thanks for coming to our rescue, Makoto-chan. You just never stop being amazing, do you?

[ she really should worry about being seen being hugged in public, but right now, she can't bring herself to care. So long as she keeps her face at least partially obscured-- well, it's not a busy area right now, anyway. ]

... No, it's really not that amazing. [ with a soft sigh. ] I can't think of any other idols who would get into a brawl like that... if it were Azusa-san, there probably wouldn't have been a fight at all.

[He blinks at that. Is that...what all of this is about?

And so he just sheepishly pauses and laughs quietly and--]

I tried to talk them out of it, but...I should've realized they were looking for a fight all along. At least for Ren and Ran's sake.

[But thankfully, Makoto-chan did.]

It's not your fault. [ it's the firmest she's sounded since the fight had ended, peering up at him with a little frown. ]

... And I probably shouldn't focus on it, either. [ she knew better. ] I don't think they'll be back, and you're all safe, so that's what matters.

[...ah. And he just chuckles, smiling at her and nodding.]

Thanks to you, everything turned out okay. Don't forget that, alright?

[And then he finally lets her go, turning to go collect Ran and Ren.]

We should probably get the kids, since they were so excited to see you.

Oh--!

[ she's both chagrined and flattered, falling into line beside him. ]

It's been awhile, hasn't it? I was looking forward to seeing them too!

[Since she took care of him, really...but he just smiles, nodding, as they walk to the nice old lady who had been clearly enjoying entertaining Ran and Ren.]

It has been, but I'm really glad we could come up today. I wanted to thank you too for everything you did before when I was sick.

[HE JUST needs to thank her forever okay no big deal.]

You really don't need to thank me for that... I was happy I could help, at least a little.

[ but then she's switching her attention to the twins. ]

Ren! Ran! Long time no see!

[And the twins are all over her, chattering excitedly and so happy to see her--

But Makoto just watches, smiling, and thinks about how easily she dismissed that despite how much work she did for him then. Because...no matter how often he says it, it never stops being true, does it--

Makoto-chan is amazing. And he doesn't know how he ended up this lucky, to be able to be close to her like this, but...

He's determined never to take it for granted.]

[ she's more than happy to see them, hugging them as best as she can and trying to keep up with all the chatter. It's not the first time she's been envious of Makoto for having such cute siblings, but this arrangement isn't bad either. Getting to see them all is making the encounter from earlier seem more and more like a bad dream.

But then, getting to spend time with Makoto had always had the effect of making things seem not so bad, now that she thought about it. ]

Oh, right... did you guys have anything planned, or did you want to drop by the office?

[It's good to see her smiling again, at least. That's a slow improvement from how this trip started.

But he just chuckles, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.]

I can't say we have any particular plans, so...

[Anything is fine by them...!]

We should have enough room in the car for everyo...

[ ... oh she just left the producer behind. ]

U-um, but we should probably backtrack! I think he's probably still waiting by the car!

[...ah, that's just like her, isn't it?

He laughs at that, nodding and reaching for the twins' hands.]

Lead the way, then.

[...though he does have to wonder. "He"...?]

[ things Makoto should clarify, but forgets to-- oh well.

It's apparent enough when there's that young man in a suit and tie waiting by the car spotting them as they draw closer. And running up to Makoto in a relieved frenzy while she's laughing apologetically and trying to reassure him.

What a professional Producer. ]

[...yeah even seeing a suited young man doesn't really...explain anything to Makoto...

And honestly he's just blinking and watching and very confused indeed--

Until he hears her say "Producer" to him, he...can't help but be a little concerned. For some reason. Concern...? Is that right?]

Oh, sorry! Let me introduce you! [ and she's seizing the man by the hand and tugging him over. For his part, the man merely looks politely confused. ]

Makoto-kun, this is my producer. And this is Tachibana Makoto-kun and his siblings, Ran and Ren. They're very important people to me.

[Ah, he's the producer. Suddenly all makes sense, and he smiles and bows his head politely, making sure his siblings at least attempt it.]

It's nice to meet you.

[...but he's got plenty to think about, like why that was such a relief, and oh dear...

That's really not a good sign at all.]

You're more than welcome to come to the office, too! I can't wait to show you around!

[ the producer is already laughing and telling her to calm down, after greeting the siblings properly. Even more miraculously, she obeys. ]

[...it is miraculous. Clearly the producer has some sway over her--which is remarkable all on its lonesome.

Makoto just smiles though, because as always, he loves her enthusiasm.]

I'll look forward to it, then. It's a bit like a home for you, right?

It definitely is!

[ oh, look at her enthuse, even as she nudges them all towards the car--and yes, one of the kids can ride passenger, if they so choose. ]

Even my dad doesn't know I'm an idol, so it's nice to have somewhere to go to where I don't have to hide anything and everyone's willing to work together.

[...living a life where even your parent doesn't know that you're an idol...that seems terribly lonely, he can't help but think. Especially because she doesn't always get to do what she wants as an idol as is...

She deserves better than sacrificing her identity to make everyone happy--and yet that's a hypocritical thought, and he recognizes it. Still...it seems so much more important when it comes to Makoto-chan.

Regardless, Ran gets to the passenger seat first, and after a brief dispute which Makoto quickly resolves, the rest of them pile in.]

Ah...thank you for this, by the way.

[He wasn't expecting a ride and all and--wow this was a really poorly planned trip, no matter it all went crazy.]

[ before Makoto can answer, tucking herself in next to him and by the window, the producer does it for her with a light laugh-- and adding that he just hadn't expected Makoto to be bringing any young male friends by. Really, she was the least likely candidate-- ]

Produceeeer! Don't word it like that!

[...oh whoops. and Makoto just chuckles at that, tilting his head.]

Well, regardless of the likelihood, I'm certainly a fan.

[ which just earns him a smile, and then him turning around in his seat to share some kind of Intimate We're Having A Moment Stare with Makoto-- who actually colors and shakes her head, almost defiantly.

Another laugh, and then, "Well, I'm glad she has you. Please continue to support her." ]

You're starting to sound like a dad...

[And he doesn't miss the silent exchange, but well...he doesn't know exactly what it means, so he just chuckles at their vocal exchange instead.]

It's good that you have someone looking out for you like that. But I definitely will, I promise.

[...because he's a very big fan, yes.]

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