bravenewworld | Double Log; I will wait

Guess that makes sense. Since the Savior's day, right?

{She doesn't pull far from him either, though she moves her head away just enough to look to the side and ponder.]

It's... just been a long time.

[And it had been nice. Before that, the manor had been pretty empty, even with her pokémon around-- but she can't say that. He's got business, just like she does.

It doesn't stop her little wisps from dimming slightly.]

Aah. It has, hasn't it.

[His hands tighten, but only on each other. The truth he's been dodging since the mountain rests on the tip of his tongue:

His family won't need him, like this.

He opens his mouth to start to say it.

And then closes it.]

It shouldn't take too long to get everything in order. Savior knows I couldn't stand staying there longer than I have to, anyway.

[He finally moves one arm away to play with a loose strand of her hair.]

So...since I won't be able to go back to my place afterward until Hajime gets his shit together...can I leave most of my crap here? [His gaze drops, then returns again.] For when I come back.

[Maya looks at him again, brows raised slightly, wisps flickering-- and it's an almost hopeful look.

"When I come back."

Maya's fond of that prospect.

Saying so directly would be too easy, of course, so she rolls her eyes and puts on a front.]

Well, it would be mean to refuse a favor for a blind man, I guess. I suppose Shiyon won't mind making sure it doesn't get dusty.

As long as you don't take forever to come back around.

[If there's anyone who can appreciate Maya's fronts, though, it's this guy. Fuyuhiko huffs and sweeps her hair more flippantly back from her shoulder.]

Che. If it takes longer than a couple weeks, try to channel me. I'll probably've died of fucking exposure to those asswipes. I got a sensitive nose, you know, and they all reek of their own bullshit.

[She isn't expecting that at all, and sudden laughter bubbles out of her, starting as a surprised snort and ending in a short cacophony of ghastly giggles.]

Got it. And then what, am I supposed to start a grand journey to avenge you?

What, you're gonna make a grand journey out of walking the ten minutes across town to my parents' place? Well, don't let my restless ghost or whatever the hell stop you.

Hey, wow, ten minutes is a lifetime for some, you know. And I am delicate.

[S N O R T. He finally releases her to cross his arms, looking to high heaven for the grace to accept this, his lot in life.]

Yeah, you're made of glass and could feel a berry under your mattress. Guess I can't entrust my fuckin' death vengeance to such a frail maiden, better see what Kazuichi'll be doing next week.

[Continuing her giggles, she reaches over to pat his shoulder.]

Something tells me you're not much better off with the mechanic.

But don't worry! If you die, you can either beg your bear, or just let me pull off the prank of the century.

As satisfying as it'd be to let Banchou go to work on the place, I gotta know: The hell kind of prank you think's gonna be good enough to assuage my godsforsaken poltergeist?

Well, I have a few I've been planning for a while, but I mean, it's probably be best if we convince them your rage filled ghost was haunting the place and mocking their every move, don't you think?

And it'd be fine, since you'd be a short ghost.

I'm taller than you.

[Significantly taller! WHOLE INCHES TALLER.]

[SNRK.]

Yeah. Guess I don't have to worry about you, after all.

[She crosses her arms, smiling cryptically.]

You're feeling well enough to get testy about it.

[Wow, Maya, really? Really. He huffs.]

Che. Of course I am.

[He'd actually have to be dead before he wouldn't react to a dig about his height. And even then, it's not a sure thing.

He bumps her arm gently with his elbow. Maybe by accident.]

I told you, I'm fine. It'd take more than this to take me down.

Yeah, yeah, I hear ya.

[Completely not by accident, she nudges his arm a bit longer, more deliberately.]

So, then, are you sticking around for a bit? Or do you have to run off?

[She doesn't look up at him until after she's asked.]

[He hesitates for a moment, because technically, yeah, he has to run off. Family obligations. Maya has always understood that.

He glances at O-Ren. The Crobat doesn't say anything, but she's tired and on edge and so are the rest of them, and there's nowhere they've ever known any peace but here.

Fuyuhiko shrugs.]

It's not like I got anyone waiting on me back there. [He nudges her again, on purpose this time, and his huge, glossy tail waves once.] Catch me up, yeah?

[Her face switches to a more natural smile, as opposed to the normal bounce-to-energy she feels she needs to maintain.]

Sure. C'mon, you have enough time for a cup of tea, right? So O-Ren can sit for a while.

[Without waiting for an answer, she grabs his arm as to start pulling him toward the door. Peri makes sure to open the door for them from where he is sitting to the side.]

Anyway, have you heard from Nozomi yet? She's really tired from everything that happened while we were looking for the Enhanced at sea.

[That he lets her pull him along without more complaint than a quiet breath through his nose says something about how worn he is, grievous injury notwithstanding. How much he missed her. O-Ren follows along behind, obviously grateful.]

Nozomi? No, not yet, I fuckin' literally just got in. She all right?

[There are certain people he allows himself to show a little concern for.]

Before you get worried, she's gonna be fine.

[Because she will be, Maya is sure.

It must say something similar the way Maya holds on to him, almost reluctant to let go when they reach their destination. She leads them both into the main room where they can take a seat at the shallow table.]

But, when we were out with Banzu, she did this-- thing. I'm not really sure how her abilities work? But something she did left her super exhausted, so at least try to be nice to her if you see her soon.

[His gaze flicks towards the door for a moment, like he thinks she might turn up now, but he nods, serious. If Maya'd been worried enough to bring it up, he can take her request seriously.]

Yeah, I'll be sunshine and daisies. I'm always fuckin' nice to Nozomi, Maya. She's the one who thinks it's hilarious to tease me.

[He looks up, though, and scrutinizes Maya more closely.]

What about you, weren't you with her? You all right?

She teases you because you're friends.

[Dusting off her hakama where she sits, she keeps that smile on and even starts to smirk.]

What do you mean? Are you saying I don't look fine? I'm offended. I look great today.

[because clearly, denying all trouble means it doesn't exist, right?]

[Really, Maya? >.\ Huff.]

I was asking because you were there, moron. You think I don't know that if it was dangerous for her, it'd be dangerous for you, too?

I--

[Yeah, she can't refute that one. Wincing, Maya grows a bit sheepish.]

...I didn't get hurt, I'm fine. Once we calmed the enhanced girl down, she was fine...

[Sighing, she puts her elbow on the table and leans her cheek onto her palm.]

...I didn't even really get to help.

[Fuyuhiko isn't really one for casual gestures of affection. But with that look on Maya's face, and those words sitting like a sigh in the air before them, he reaches across and puts his hand on her shoulder, his grip gentle and real for all she's a ghost.]

Me neither.

[He lets go, but his palm was warm while it lasted.]

Hiked all that fuckin' way, you know? [He firms his tone.] But I know at least you looked after Nozomi afterwards. Made sure she got home okay.

[She looks to his hand, then gives him a tired smile and a shrug.]

Well, you know. I couldn't be a crappy cousin in front of her girlfriend, and all.

[And then she snorts.]

Who kinda reminds me of you, by the way, what with her temper and all.

[Eli kind of looks like Fuyuhiko's sister, actually, but. She's nowhere near as... forceful.]

Double Log; I will wait

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