strongroots | [thecity] inbox

Yeah. Actually...

[ She pauses to lick her ice cream again. Sometimes one needs the comfort of vanilla and chocolate together before talking about less happy things. ]

When my grandpa died, my dad took over the restaurant, but it wasn't the same. It was struggling pretty hard, and my dad wasn't as good a cook. So when I got... scouted, more or less, I thought about what would help my family out most, so I wished to win the lottery.

And I did, but my grandma and my mom... accidentally took the money I won and went on a really long vacation with it.

[ "Accidentally." ]

So the reason I became a Magical Girl kind of disappeared, just like that. [ With a soft huff that might be a laugh, except it's more rueful than amused. ]

There are things you're not told about that contract, too. I don't know if it was worth it in the end, but I can't break it, so I might as well keep going, right?

[ """"""Accidentally""""""

Holy shit.

Which Robby is having to bite his inner cheek on, because he knows what that's like. Horrible family situations, even if none of his circumstances were ever like that. But living on little to no money because it mostly all gets spent on other habits--

Yeah. Robby knows a lot of accidents like that. ]

I dunno--finding a way out of it sounds like a goal. [ Though... ] But how long does the contract go for? That wasn't the end of it? The wish?

[ Defeat the monsters, get the wish, the end (sorry for your shitty family)? ]

[ Robby really just finding a way to make her talk about the things she really doesn't want to talk about. It's almost like an art form. ]

... The way it works is that by taking the contract, your life kind of becomes tied to the monsters'. You have to kill them to keep yourself going.

But what they don't tell you is that the monsters--Witches, we call them--were originally Magical Girls in the first place. Ones who overdid it or got overwhelmed by their own bad feelings.

So...

[ She really is doing her utmost to just speak calmly about this. ]

Right now, the only way to end the contract is to die, I guess. On my terms or theirs.

[ Sorry that one's natural curiosity for what they don't understand leads them obliviously down into worse and worse news.

Which, really, sorry. Because while Robby's been able to semi-accept this situation of people (girls in particular?) gaining powers through some...magical means, the actual full extent of the situation makes him pause as soon as Tsuruno means her dying, his eyes trained on her and nowhere else. ]

What? [ She'll die--or get overwhelmed or--feel too bad? Robby understands the words, but hardly the correlation; it's only death that he understands, and having no out.

Maybe he's taking it to its extreme? Maybe she just means she's stuck in a really shitty contract with no immediate end, but still-- ]

But... there has to be an end to it. How many of the monsters are there? Who would make a contract like that?

[ What purpose is there in that? His questions come one after another, but not in rapid fire; but in how the absurdity of the situation hits him, from one point to the next. ]

It's a cycle.

[ He looks at her and she stops walking, taking a deep breath. ]

This... honestly, it's like a talking stuffed animal, called Kyubey, looks for girls who really need something for one reason or another, and offers to grant their wish. All they have to do is fight Witches.

But once they find out the truth or if they use too much magic, there's a really strong chance they'll turn into Witches themselves and go on rampages. So then more Magical Girls get recruited, then more Witches appear, and so on and so on. I don't really understand the whole deal beyond why, except apparently the whole process generates a ton of energy that Kyubey wants.

We were trying to find a way around it, but it's gotten complicated again.

[ She shakes her head, now flat-out staring at the ground. ]

I'm sorry. This is... just what I've been dealing with. I didn't want to get anyone involved. And I know it sounds insane and probably way more than you wanted to know, so if you want, we can call it here.

[ It's not something that he can just understand, is the thing. What Tsuruno's saying, even if the words might make sense (even if 'a talking stuffed animal called Kyubey' doesn't really make sense). But understanding it, that's put aside to the last of what Tsuruno says, and Robby doesn't care about getting it. ]

What? No. [ He's moving in to stand in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder, the other taken up by the ice cream (and the stuffed toy just hanging out under his arm). His eyes on her, even if she might still be looking down, leaving just the silly purple hat for him to see more than her face. ]

I'm not running away from something like this. If you're going through this, then--I want to know.

[ Even if he can't do anything about it, and he knows he can't. Who can? But it's the thought of Tsuruno being here, carrying that problem with her all this time that Robby focuses on foremost. Has she been worried about it? Even in a place like this.

But who could let go of it, even here? ]

You don't have to carry this alone. Any of this. [ He sweeps a look around their surroundings, the city. ] I know I can't understand what you're going through with your contract... but if I can be here for you now, and give you someone to talk to?

[ He reaches up from her shoulder, touches the side of her head with her pulled back hair. ]

I know how much not feeling alone can mean. And I'm right here, whatever you need.

[ It's exactly what she'd told Kaveh--that not everyone was from a place where things like this happened. Honestly, the majority of Japan was about as normal as Robby's life likely was. Hardly anyone knew. Hardly anyone was supposed to know, and Tsuruno had kept all of this to herself with the reassurance that at least some of her friends knew exactly what it was like. There was really no way for Robby to understand it, and she'd thought that... Well, when something feels like too much, who's going to blame you when you want to avoid it? The least she can do is offer that much.

But he... ]

Robby...

[ It's startling, enough to get her to lift her head a little, to meet his eyes. She looks like she's on the verge of tears, but also entirely surprised. Touched. Because this... even knowing everything, he still wants to be there?

It's true, he can't understand. But the fact that he knows this, admits this, and still says he wants to do what he can, for her...

Maybe he doesn't have to get everything. He gets the most important thing, because he'd just said it. ]

Geez...

[ Her laugh trembles a bit, but she's trying. Thankfully, she's gotten through the majority of her ice cream, but parts of it are still dripping from the cone to the ground, forgotten. ]

If you make me cry after I fought the mascara trying to look cute for you, you're taking responsibility.

[ He laughs, hollow at first, but his smile is sincere as it spreads across his lips. ]

I can accept that. [ A mascara streaked Tsuruno. ] C'mere--

[ That is, have a hug on Robby, one-armed and going across Tsuruno's shoulders. It's not a long thing, and he doesn't press himself too closely to her; it's just a friendly gesture, something that he feel fits to give a friend (you're on a date with) when they're talking about getting teary-eyed.

A nice treat that doesn't disturb the remains of their ice cream cones, before or after he withdraws. ]

We can keep talking about everything--our lives, this place, or we can save it and beat each up in the bumper cars first, if you wanna get your mood back. What do you want?

[ He asks it too, like a demand, your choice. Even adding, with a smile: ]

Tell me.

[ So nagging! ]

[ It doesn't have to be a long thing. Just a hug at all is unexpected, but she appreciates it, one arm raising briefly to curl her fingers into the back of Robby's jacket before they part again.

And she shakes her head with a stronger laugh. ]

So bossy.

[ Wow. ]

I still don't know if you can handle me yet. And... [ She hesitates, then offers him a brighter smile. ]

I want to get to know you better, too. Robby Keene's honestly pretty special.

[ Speak about someone being sweet on you. It's not everyday Robby hears that--or ever, and he can't help the shy grin it inspires, the shake of his head to send it away. ]

There's not a lot of people who'd say that about me. [ Even so, he did tell her to say what she wanted. So- ]

You know a place we can sit 'round here?

[ And if so (or, regardless), he'll offer his free hand again. He can probably walk and talk along the way. ]

I told you when we met, didn't I?

[ And she takes his hand, leading him to a bench that isn't exactly right by any of the rides but has a good view of the lit-up Ferris Wheel slowly turning. They won't have to yell to be heard, at least, and she lets their joined hands rest on the bench between them. ]

I'm not an "every day" kind of person. But if there aren't a lot of people who'd say that, I'll just have to say it more.

[ And with that, the ice cream cone is finished and she seems to have relaxed a little more, glancing at Robby. ]

... I apologized earlier, but... I think I should've said "thanks." This hasn't been anything I've been able to talk about all that much.

[ He thinks he remembers saying something about keeping an eye on her if she was going to make sure everyone else didn't lose their minds, but, well--there's no point to. He's keeping his word, though, isn't he?

He'll try to, at least.

The plush gets sat down on the other side of him, to glare its little red eyes at the flattened, dirt ground. His hand free of the cone by then, and he wiped his palm on the side of his jean, then lets it lay across his lap. ]

It's not the easiest, [ Robby remarks. ] Most of us are strangers from different worlds stuck somewhere...we still don't know wants from us. But... are you okay?

[ He's looking at her, brows dipped with a concern that comes over his expression. ]

If your life has something to do with the monsters where you're from-- the Witches? [ He's just remembering that word, here. ] Have you been feeling okay? Didn't you say they got changed by feeling too overwhelmed?

[ Sorry, Tsuruno, but you're getting the concerned boy( )friend treatment right now. But he wants to take what she said serious. ]

Yeah. [ She'd taken his hand with her right one, but now she shows him her left; there's a silver ring on her middle finger, one with a orange gem embedded in the center of it. ]

Right now, in this place, a lot of my magic is sealed. In a way, that means I can't really use it at all until that seal's broken somehow. So that's one risk down.

It might still be a problem if my emotions get too negative for too long, but if that happens, if I'm at risk, this gem will turn black. I've gotten pretty used to thinking as positively as I can, even with everything that's happened, so I don't think I'll be in danger anytime soon. [ Ideally. ]

If anything changes, I'll figure it out. [ Which is a very Tsuruno response. But, after a pause, she squeezes his hand. ]

And I'll tell you.

[ She gets magic jewellery? Damn, he should have paid better attention, even if there's no way he would have ever known she--or anyone, really--was carrying a magic ring. It's not something most people (read: normal ass non-magic people) question.

But Robby appreciates that addition there at the end, and gives their held hands a fond wiggle. ]

If you need cheering up, I'd say I already offered myself up for that role. [ Pretty much, and his nose crinkles as: ] And wasn't there something about you liking my smile...? I'm a good pick for the job!

[ Yes, boasting about himself to get a positive reaction out of her, and sounding proud to boot. He's showing he's up for the task, see! ]

[ Just wait until it's Not a Ring.

But that does make her laugh, because this is truly not where she thought they would end up after them yelling at each other by a university pool. ]

Now you're putting in your Cheering-Up application? I'm really going to have to be super dramatic about saying your life at this point, with all the work you've been putting in.

[ A little exhalation once her giggling dies down. ]

But seriously, if you ever need or want anything from me, say the word. I want to support you too, you know?

[ Says the girl who announced she was going to sweep him off his feet (totally platonically) (heroically, even)

But her good mood is infectious, a small laugh coming off from his lips. ]

Well, you're already doing a lot. I know I said it, but I really wasn't thinking about coming out here, but you made it a good night. I haven't felt this good in a while--even with the not-so-happy parts.

[ But there's a reason why even that feels like a positive, the reason his smile inches a little warmer across his face. ]

But it's nice, feeling trusted. And, uh, I should do better about trusting people too. I mean-- this place is pretty insane for you too, right?

[ Please let it be crazy even for a Magical Girl (TM)? ]

Oh, yeah. Mannequins being familiar faces and not-real memories happening and the stuff at the bank and being stuck in a city that apparently lost all its people before we showed up here and no actual animals...

[ She says this a little wryly. ]

Definitely insane.

[ But hearing him say the night was still good, even after everything she told him... it keeps her warmer smile right where it is, her gaze softening a little.

And then she reaches up to take off her hat, placing it with great care beside her before she hops to her feet, lightly tugging Robby up with her. ]

Here, I wanna try something. Trust me?

[ Okay, so he deserves that response for asking--but it is also a relief, in some small way. Feeling totally out of his depth because he doesn't have a life surrounded by monsters or by extraordinary abilities?

It helps to hear, really.

But, she wants him standing? It takes that tug to get him to follow, watching her curiously, but more so with her request. Trust me?

Well, he can't say no now, can he? He nods at her, in a gesture of go ahead--whatever it is she wants to try. Robby doesn't have a clue. ]

[ Tsuruno grins at him, a little mischievously... right before she swiftly hooks a foot around his ankle and yanks to knock him backwards.

But she still has one of his hands and the other is going to press against his back to support him, in a very improvised dip. Even without the majority of her Magical Girl strength, she is incredibly confident in her ability not to drop him.

And she doesn't! She peers down at him instead, and just before she shifts him upright again-- ]

I wound up coming here with a lot of people and I did enjoy it. But, you know...

I had the most fun coming here with you. Thanks for throwing me off-balance first!

[ Oh to be young and innocent, a young man called Robby Keene, waiting obliviously with so much trust in his heart on a fair maiden's request...! ]

--W-whoa--!

[ Only to be FUCKING TRIPPED TO THE GROUND, MATE!!!

Okay, not all the way down, but also how the hell is this girl keeping a hold of him? Not that this is Robby's first thought, mind: his mind, after being a blank static after being tripped up, and then continue to being so once his sight actually adjusts to see Tsuruno, is on the thought of what the hell?

Wide-eyed, startled--and then not immediately different when she manages to pick him back up. Sorry, he needs to get his senses back together, with the sound of her talking in his ears, but his brain only just finally catching up with everything by the end. A hand on her shoulder out of instinct, and his body finding its balance again.

And he laughs, a sputter at first, short and shocked--and then he gets his own grin on his face, spurred on by the moment, or is it the blood rushing to his head?

He leans in to give her a light peck on the lips, despite his mouth that can't stop smiling from ear to ear. ]

You're welcome.

[ Oh to be young and innocent, a young lady who just trip-dipped a young man to let him know he could trust her or to just do it for the heck of it, a play on sweeping him off his feet, perhaps...!

But then he's upright again and laughing and they're grinning at each other like idiots and he just--kisses her.

There's quite a lot that goes through her mind, a little too fast for Tsuruno to process, beyond oh and something like keysmashing and a small part of her wondering if this is still a friend thing, do friends kiss on dates, but she's aware her face is already flushing just from that very fleeting bit of contact so she does the mature thing of...

... Plunking her forehead against his shoulder so he can in no way tease her for blushing. ]

[ There's a few unexpected reactions here, but Robby's still in the high of whatever that friend-dip put him in, and his own bold actions. He isn't sure on a deeper level what any of this means, only what he would like to do.

And when she rests her forehead against his shoulder? Well, he guesses he'd like to wrap his arm around the back of her shoulders, place the other against the back of her head, and stand like this for the moment that Tsuruno wants to; angling his cheek so it touches the tip of her hair (good thing she ditched the hat for this), and taking some comfort in embrace he's given.

He could tease her, but he won't. He might not even say anything, unless they're like this for too long. Then he might just say, a smile in his voice: ]

I like handling this.

[ Her, if this is what being able to handle Tsuruno Yui means.

(He'd actually like to kiss her again, but, you know.) ]

[ She'd only ditched the hat so she didn't risk it falling on his face when she'd implemented the dip plan, but this is actually kind of pleasant. Her genius(?) plan had worked; he's not teasing her, just holding her, which is not really doing anything for the way it feels like her pounding heart is rising from her chest into her throat like it's on an escalator.

Ideally, she'd say something cool in response to his comment, but Tsuruno is way better at sincerity and blurting things out than anything suave or flirtatious, which gives Robby the advantage here. Instead, she lifts her head slowly, catching his eye.

The immediacy of the blush has died down at least, but she still looks a little dazed, eyes lowering to his mouth almost instinctively before lifting again.

Okay. It's fine. It's fine? Maybe she'd actually imagined it (she knows she hadn't). ]

Yeah? Sure that's not just the blood rushing to your head?

[ Maybe people just do weird things when they're giddy?? She says it softly, though. Whatever this is, whatever this moment is supposed to be, they're still in it. ]

[ She lifts her head, and Robby moves his head and the hand on the back of her head to allow her room; the hand dropping somewhere around the small of her back, and his head tilting to look at her. A valid question posed, really, but it doesn't put Robby off. ]

I won't regret anything. [ There's a certainty, if softened by his sincerity, to his response; gaze dropping to her mouth, but returning onto her eyes. But this isn't just about his wants, or his decisions. ] If this doesn't feel right later on, I'll still stick by you.

We're finding out. [ Right? asks his tone. ]

[ Finding out. Okay. So it's like having a hypothesis and testing it out by introducing several factors to it and if the hypothesis doesn't hold water, then it's not as though anything necessarily changes. So the hypothesis is... what? Robby being able to handle her in a context that isn't exactly friendship? Tsuruno figuring out her feelings regarding the guy who whapped her with a milk bottle a few months ago?

Is she worried about this? A subtle shifting doesn't mean anything fundamental has to change. Robby just said it himself, that he won't regret it. If she thinks--no, if they think it doesn't feel right, their friendship shouldn't have to fragment.

There's a lot to think about, but maybe it doesn't have to be right now. It's hard to think when Robby's right there anyway and they're gazing at each other and this is probably all her fault for initiating this in the first place, but--

What happens if this does feel right and that doesn't change? What's past the stability of friendship?

Tsuruno takes a breath. Later. ]

I do want to. Find out, I mean.

[ Right, her tone answers. ]

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