aterat | January Catch-All; Open and Closed

[They were there when he turned a corner, the group of four automatons. He'd been heading back to his own apartment after getting some supplies for a dinner he'd hoped to share with someone when they came upon him. He'd taken to not carrying a weapon with him when he traveled in the city and these little guys seemed to mean business. That point was driven home pretty quickly when the little mechanical men pulled out an ax, a staff that glowed with magic, and a bow with little arrows.

Shinjiro raised an eyebrow at the spectacle. He'd seen a lot of strange things, but windup robots that wanted to kill him were a new one.

Unless they were Shadows, but they didn't seem like it. There was something decidedly less…he couldn't put his finger on it exactly, Mitsuru would know, but that didn't seem to matter at the moment. Instead, he dropped the bag of groceries he was carrying, looking left and right for something he could improvise as a weapon and finding one, though thoroughly unconventional. He reached to his right, taking up a heavy-hafted snow shovel and smirked, but before he could speak, one of the little assholes did first.]

Excited to crush something, are you? That is what you're good at.

[Joshua had heard something about little metal monsters being out on the prowl and the local citizens seemed almost terrified as the information was relayed to him.

This made him briefly think back to the story about the Night of Flames. And while this wasn't anything like that, it still steeled his determination to protect these innocent families.

It wasn't long before he found what he was seeking of course. And there was someone else there with some sort of weapon. Coming up to stand beside the other, he nodded with a smile, using a line he'd heard from Clive once or twice as he set his left hand on fire.]

I'm here to even the odds, any objections?

Nope. [Shinjiro hadn't really expected to be joined by anyone, but he brandished his weapon either way. He was used to working with others, but also working alone. Not that he wanted to deal with the little metal mouths without backup.

He didn't know what they were capable of.]

Just don't get in my way.

[The tiny machine wielding a shield and sword laughed mechanically.]

Worried you'll lose control again?

[His grip tightened.]

Fuck off. [And he charged ahead, shovel leading, batting aside the shield-wielding machine, sending it flying into the wall of an adjacent building with far more strength than he looked capable of.]

I promise I won't.

[That was said with something of a smile. But then the other's expression changed into something determined. So Joshua just nodded and summoned a hand full of fire. And while he wasn't going to get in this person's way, he could help. And so Joshua threw a fireball onto one of the other metal creatures and drew his sword.]

[It was a promise the kid with the fire magic would hope he kept as a wicked smile spread across Shinjiro's like when the fireball made contact. Evidently, the little bastard didn't like magic, or at least not Joshua's, and it stumbled, dropping it's tiny spear in the process.

Shinjiro diverted course, bringing the snow shovel around hard in an arching swing that sent the reeling machination flying into the opposing wall where it burst into springs and sprockets.]

Piece of cake. Who's next?!

[Joshua watched as his opponent dropped and then he looked over at Shinji with the snow shovel and watched the thing go flying. That put a smile on his face.]

That was impressive.

[Until he thought he heard metal tapping.]

We may be in for more company.

[ Shinjiro's strength was awesome to behold, it was true, but so was his anger and his bloodlust. He didn't like starting conflicts, but he wasn't afraid of finishing them, and the idea that more of the little assholes were coming to join the fray brought a wicked smile to his face. ]

Bring it on. The bastards won't know what hit 'em.

[ He turned at the approaching sounds, brandishing the snow shovel as though it were something far more impressive. ]

Who's next?

[Joshua half smiled at the other's words for they brought Clive to mind. The expression worn too recalled thoughts of his brother. Calling on a Fire spell, Joshua guided it onto their opponents and moved into the fray.

Looking around, he pointed.]

That line of them there seems to fit the bill.

Good.

[ Shinjiro wasn't a man who went looking for a fight, but he sure as hell was willing to finish them. His Persona afforded him the greatest strength of any of his friends at the cost of having nothing but physical abilities at his disposal, but it suited him well. He was a straightforward fighter. If they wanted a battle, he'd damn sure give them one.

He lowered his stance, a slight smirk crossing his face as Joshua's fire ignited one if them, its mechanical footfalls slowing as its internal parts turned to slag. He didn't close his defenses or anything so skilled as that. He trusted the brute force of his attacks would cover any lack of discipline on his part.

And he was right. The first of the line of new attackers connected with his brandished street sign, getting flung back into another approaching from behind. It seemed, though, for every one he took down, another two sprung up behind them. ]

Stubborn bastards.

[Joshua readied a fireball again but the one he already had going was working. So he resorted to using more fire and his sword skills, keeping an eye on his companion as healing magic was available to him. He only paused when he heard the other man speak and he smiled.]

That they are, but then so are we.

You're damn right.

[ With a plan to make quick work of the rest of their new guests, he lowered his axe for just a moment, pulling a shining pistol from a holster on his hip and placing it to his temple. ]

Let's end this.

[ Before any sort of protest can occur, he pulls the trigger. A burst of energy explodes from the end of the pistol and Shinjiro's eyes glow vibrant blue. ]

Come on, Castor!

[ The eruption explodes from what seems to be the top of his head, a whirl of more blue energy that coalesces into a hulking figure behind him, astride a strange, horse-like mount. Shinjiro's body tenses as he shoves the pistol back into its holster, then gripping his head. The figure grasps the spearhead protruding from its chest and twists it, Shinjiro's grunting in pain as it does so, and then he hefts his makeshift weapon again, blood tripping like tears from one eye.

He shouts a battle cry and charges ahead into the fray, jumping up and bringing the weapon down with a concussive blast of impact, sending a wave of sheer force into the approaching mammots, sending them flying in all directions. He waits to make sure none of them are getting up before he goes to stand, steadying himself with the shaft of the sign as he does.

The figure dissolves as he breaths heavily, wiping the rivulet of blood from his cheek. ]

Assholes.

Joshua had no idea what his companion was doing, but the pistol to his head had him a little worried even if he had no real idea as to what was going on.

His blue eyes widened as the new figure seemed to come out of nowhere. Even in battle as Joshua had locked swords with one of his opponents temporarily, it had him stop for the briefest of moments.

Finishing his opponent with a flurry of Fire magic, Joshua made sure that this figure's work was uninterrupted. And after, he approached his battle companion even if careful to still stand a small respectful distance.

"What was that?" Did they have Eikons of sorts here too?

He already felt Castor's regeneration restoring his wind and he looked back to the guy who'd jumped in to help him, taking in his appearance for the first time. It wasn't too weird, sort of fantasy and old school, but considering where they were currently living, it wasn't exactly out of place. He knew a lot of the faces of the people who'd come from other worlds, though, even if he didn't know their names, and this one was new.

"Kind of a long story." One didn't simply explain Persona. "You new?"

Joshua was somewhat disappointed at the answer he received, but it wasn't any of his business. He wouldn't appreciate questions if his Eikon had appeared and so it was just as well.

He then nodded. "I am new, and I suppose it must be obvious."

No one else here dressed as he did. Compared to them he definitely looked like he was a man out of time or place or both.

"Only 'cause there ain't many of us." And Shinjiro made it a point to at least know the faces of the people who'd arrived here from other worlds. You never knew when it was important to know someone, and everyone dressed weird here.

"I ain't sayin' I won't tell ya, just not here." He deserved that much. He did have his back, after all. "Besides, I never met anybody who can use magic without a Persona." So color him curious.

[He wasn't even sure she'd want to spend the evening with him, but that didn't stop him from putting together a meal. He went with something traditionally shared on New Years, simple stir-fried buckwheat noodles in a light sauce and a few bags of groceries to make a New Year's bento for them to share.

He at least hoped she was home as he knocked gently at the door to her apartment.]

[ Mitsuru wasn't precisely expecting company, then again when was she ever? She wasn't precisely a social person and lately she'd poured all of her energy into her job. Which was so very Mitsuru of her. Change out one single minded focus for all her energy for another.

At least she was home.

She opened the door wearing a long oversized pink knit sweater. Yusuke had suggested she try to expand her wardrobe some and so she'd bought this. It looked more like a dress on her than anything and she hadn't gotten quite bold enough to wear it out. Inside it was warm and cozy though. She looked a bit surprised to see Shinjiro there but offered him a smile. A genuine one. ]

To what do I own the pleasure?

[He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting when he knocked on her door, but Mitsuru in a knit sweater wasn't it. He didn't know what to say at first, just looking her over.]

Uh...

[He cleared his throat.]

...It's New Year's Eve.

[ She shifted a bit awkwardly and then tugged at the sleeve of the sweater. ]

Oh, you're right, it is. I think I'd completely forgotten about that...[ she stepped to the side and gestured ]

Would you like to come in?

[ The place was fairly unremarkable, very clean save for a few items of clothing strangely thrown on the floor as well as an apron. They looked like what most of the serving staff at the Tavern wore. There was also a small tea set out in the living room on the coffee table that clearly got quite a bit of use. ]

[Shinjiro was a pretty observant guy most days, when it was in regards to his friends in particular.]

...is...that apron yours? [That didn't mean it was easy for him to think of her waiting tables at a tavern.]

[ She paused and moved a hand awkwardly to brush her hair out of her face. ]

Ah, yes...I had been meaning to tell you but...[ She'd been busy and she'd wanted to offer him something. Speaking of.... ] I have something for you, [ She went over to her table and picked up a pouch filled with coins. ]

This is for you.

[He didn't take the offered coin purse, instead frowning at his friend.}

What's that for?

[ She frowned right back at him. She'd worked hard and had originally intended for this to be a much more impressive ceremony but this should be fine, right? ]

Since we arrived here you've taken care of us for the most part. My skills were...shamefully lacking when it came to operating alone in a world like this. I thought it was only right that I attempt to gain employment and repay you.

Or we could've talked it out. [Not that either of them were any good at that. He sighed, shaking his head.]

Keep your money, Mitsuru. We're friends. Besides.

[He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly before making his way to her kitchen to busy himself and to avoid looking at her as he continued.]

I liked it.

Talked about what? [ The idea that there was even something to talk about was really not occurring to her at all. A frown touched the corners of her lips and she looked a bit confused as he walked off to her kitchen. Which looked as though the extent of it's use was making tea. ]

You liked what?

Helpin' each other out.

[He was used to making due with a limited selection of cookware, so the state of the place wasn't that big a deal. He did, though, make a mental note to make some ready to eat meals for her going forward.

He cleared his throat before adding.]

Helpin' you. I like it.

Oh. [ She paused, allowing a long awkward silence to stretch out between them. ]

Me specifically? Is that because you assume I'm the one that needs the most help here?

[ He didn't mind most silences, he preferred the solitude they offered, but this one was particularly weighted and he filled it by heating up their dinner.

He looked up at her question, though. ]

Yeah, you, but not because you need it. [ He cleared his throat awkwardly before returning to his duties, filling plates. ] 'Cause I want to.

[ She moved to start putting some tea on because this was a moment where she felt they needed tea. Or at the very least she most certainly did. Which meant awkwardly bumping into him as he filled up their plates. ]

You want to? Why?

[ She was MItsuru Kirijo, heir to the Kirijo Group, one of the most influential tech firms in the world. She was also the most intelligent, graceful, and beautiful girl he'd ever seen, let alone met. They'd been through Hell and back together. She'd opened his eyes to a world he'd never imagined and one that had nothing to do with Shadows. There was still a pretty big part of him convinced she deserved better, that he could never provide for Mitsuru the way she needed, but it couldn't define what that meant exactly.

He also knew he could tell her all that, but instead, keeping himself busy with arranging food, he only said- ]

I just do.

[ That makes sense, Shinjiro. Not confusing at all. ]

[ Her eyebrows scrunched up for a moment to reveal her confusion for just a moment. ]

You just do. [ Her voice was a bit terse, if only because she wasn't entirely fond of not understanding. Not understanding the issue with Tartarus or a problem at school was one thing, it was almost an enjoyable thing in all actuality. Not understanding people though? It was a common occurrence, but frustrating all the same. ]

[ The situation was exacerbated by the fact Shinjiro wasn't the best at expressing himself. He spoke with his actions. They made the best sense to him and spoke a lot louder than empty words ever could. He took care of her, he provided food, watched her back, protected her. He'd abandoned her, and Akihiko, back home, but he wasn't about to do that here. Didn't that explain where he stood well enough without him having to spell it out?

He guessed not. It wasn't exactly logical and Mitsuru thrived on logic.

He swallowed before placing a plate before each seat at her bar. ]

You matter to me...so I like to take care of you.

[ Better, but still not that great. ]

Thank you. [ She said it with a slight bow of her head as he placed the plate before her. Still clearly contemplating what he'd said with a thoughtful expression on her face. The problem with Mitsuru was that everyone took care of her and provided for her. She had an entire staff that solely answered to her that took care of so many things for her. The thing that came out as strange was to have it be someone that should, in essence, be her equal. But that brought another issue to her attention: the power imbalance she always felt between people.

Either way, it all came back to her still not getting that he meant something special with his confession. ]

I appreciate you saying that, Shinjiro.

Well, I ain't just sayin' it.

[ There she was again, responding in that carefully crafted, measured tone of hers that she reserved for moments when she didn't know what to say, so she said what she was taught to say. That wasn't his point here, and he wasn't going to stand for it. He'd put her through enough without leaving her to assume he'd meant something polite instead of something he felt. ]

I don't give a shit what most people think of me. I do my own thing, you know that. [ He took a breath before continuing. ] But I care about you. I care that you work your ass off when everybody else is slackin' off. I care you spend all your time workin' for somebody else's agenda and nobody notices, and I care you're always stuck cleanin' up somebody else's mess. Including mine.

[ He still wasn't being clear, he could tell, so he squared his jaw, meeting her eyes. ]

What I mean is I'm tired of you havin' to do it alone, and you won't anymore, not here anyway, if you'll let me. We're a team, and not just in combat.

I know you don't just say things. I just didn't know you...felt that way.

[ The words came out stilted and awkward. Mitsuru was never one to not know what to say, at least not when a situation required grand speeches or chastising. More personal matter however.... those she often found herself struggling with. She meets his eyes for a few seconds and then shook her head. ]

Those are things I've never minded doing. It's my duty as a Kirijo and as a Kirijo, your mess was also our mess. [ There was still no changing her mind that at least some of the fault in what happened with him lay with her. ]

We are a team. [ There was just a bit of confusion in her voice, as though she felt like she was missing something that she should have been clear to her. ] I didn't believe that was in question.

[ Because he just didn't say things, and this everything happened and he'd left, abandoning them both to whatever could have come for them.

He clenched his fists at her explanation, shaking his head. ]

No, damn it. You wanted to help because we're friends, and I walked out on that.

[ He'd done worse than that. ]

It was just us. You, me, Aki. Nobody else knew what we were goin' through and...I abandoned that. [ He met her eyes. ] You. You were alone 'til we came along, and I left you. [ He paused, taking a breath before finishing. ] I can't apologize for it, but I'm sorry either way.

January Catch-All; Open and Closed

Event: A Black Waltz; Mammets | OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

A New Year's Eve Visit | Closed to Mitsuru

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject