pullmeoutalive | I disturb my town;

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I disturb my town;

[ with Makoto letting her know that he'd be close by her venue of work for the day, she'd thrown herself into the job with even more energy than her usual; the Producer had been awed and exhausted just watching her by the time it had ended.

She's just heading back to the car, pulling out her phone to call--

And that's when she hears a small, familiar voice. Ren...?

When she speeds up her steps, it's to find not just Makoto and his siblings, but some very disgruntled-looking high-school boys crowding them. ]

Hey--! What's going on?!

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[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.]

I'll support you too! I'll be the loudest one at your swimming competitions, I promise!

[ Makoto. ]

[...Makoto.

But he just laughs sheepishly.]

I'll look forward to that, then. Though I don't know if I can cheer with as much energy as you have.

You don't have to. Remember, I could feel your support just fine from onstage!

[...mm. She's so cute. So he just nods, sighing a bit and relaxing.]

Then I hope I'll always be able to support you.

[...when you're onstage.

...but he can't bring himself to add that, because he wants to support her offstage too.]

[ and because he doesn't clarify, he's rewarded with that flush reappearing on Makoto's face, and a surprisingly shy nod.

... While the producer is just continuing to chuckle as he drives. ]

T-thanks.

[it's the combined blush plus chuckling from their driver that does Makoto in; he blinks, looking startled, and then blushes too and looks down, rubbing the back of his neck.

A-ahem.]

Right...It's no problem.

[eheh....heh. whoops.]

[ the rest of the ride is likely spent in awkward camaraderie, but Makoto's still smiles and cheer once they're out of the car and she's leading the way up the stairs. ]

It's not very big, so I hope I didn't give you the wrong idea...

[ but there's Kotori, calling out a greeting from her desk, and there's the board with all of the crammed schedules, and the couches, and a certain ribbon-wearing bear.

Makoto crouches down to say hello to this one, adjusting the ribbon with a fond smile. ]

I'm back!

[A ribbon-wearing bear...adorable. He is somehow not surprised--it could very well be hers, since she can't take it home with her father as he is. So Makoto is just amused. But he does look around appraisingly, finally offering her a smile.]

It seems like a very welcoming place.

[and he pauses to admire those crammed schedules too.]

Ah...how popular...

[ there's some knot of tension that lightens when he approves, though she hadn't known it was there in the first place. But then she's looking at the schedules, grinning. ]

Once we managed to pull off our first live, the work really came piling in. It's why I can't visit you as much as I'd like to.

Looking at this...

[He just shakes his head at the schedule, and then offers her an honestly touched smile.]

I appreciate the time you spend with me even more.

[She obviously doesn't get much free time, so...]

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