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independent and selective futaba sakura AP

[culpatis]

    [ after some serious debate i am going to be moving futaba over to my multimuse so that i will actually use her. this consolidation has proven to be so helpful for me already -- and i’ve been hella guilty for not being around here when i love her so much. unless requested otherwise, i am going to reply to all the replies i owe over there and just keep things going. thanks everyone for being so patient!! 

she will now be found over at @spiritusvendid !!! ]

[culpatis]

   soon

[culpatis]

  [ starter call // no cap !! ]

[culpatis]

                                               clipped wings, I was a broken thing                                         had a voice, had a voice but I could not sing                                                      you would wind me down                                                   i struggled on the ground, oh                                                 so lost, the line had been crossed                                       had a voice, had a voice but I could not talk                                                             you held me down

                                       i ‘ ll    s h o u t   it out   like   a   bird    set     F R E E 

                                        indie, semi-selective futaba sakura penned by kitty

[culpatis]

wideeyedwanderers‌:

“I suppose Morgana does have a point. Our leader does need his energy for the day. Perhaps I should be more wary not to text him so late,” Often times, he wouldn’t even realize how late it was, however. While Yusuke didn’t sleep through the day like Futaba often did, he did have a strong tendency to stay up very late. It was a wonder how he was able to function on school days.

Yusuke was a bit surprised, to hear Futaba would be willing to go, even with the possibility of Akira not coming along. He was, however, a bit troubled by what she meant by recharging in terms of her  stamina. Taking a moment to think it over, he wasn’t quite sure what she might’ve meant.

“Recharge how? Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be too terribly physically strenuous. I don’t believe it will be all too socially strenuous, either,” It never felt like that to him, after all. Yusuke wasn’t much of a person to talk to people out in public much either, unless he was directly spoken to first, or he had to interact with the staff of an establishment. That all didn’t seem likely today, so he figured things would be all right.

Coming down finally, Akira emerged in his usual street clothes, with Morgana following closely behind. 

“Ah, Akira, would you like–”

“Saw your text. Sorry, can’t today. Studying for exams with Makoto,”

Oh, that’s right. Exams were coming up. Nothing Yusuke was all too worried about, but he was sure the studying session would likely involve Ann and Ryuji, as well. The two of them would certainly need all the help they could get. 

“Next time, then,”

           futaba was ABOUT to respond when akira emerges downstairs. it’s no surprise he already had plans, their mutual friend is always so busy between jobs and the people he spends time with. futaba cannot really understand how he can manage to be so social without needing more rest. a sigh as she watches him breeze through the door after his announcement. another moment and her gaze shifts back to yusuke.

         it is not that he is BAD company, she had merely been hoping that akira would be there as well. the two of them had a tendency to bicker after all, considering the fact that they are BOTH rather high on the anti social scale. 

        “ recharge liiike... food. being out DRAINS my hp, and that’s the ONLY way to get it back, for reals. “

       might as well finish their conversation from before. she shifts her weight a bit before she stands -- hands coming to clasp behind her back as she considers what to say next. she doesn’t even KNOW where they are going -- but she has ALREADY agreed to go, so of course she’s going to go.

          “ but it looks like it’s just us today, right? so let’s make like rabbits and hop on out before i change my mind. “

        she may SEEM eager, but her demeanor speaks of NERVES -- fiddling behind her back as her fingers itch for her phone. there is a desire to lift it and follow him around rather than walking beside him. the hermit is so used to doing this, but she DOUBTS it will fly with yusuke like it does with akira. rigid motions as she walks to the doorway and PAUSES.

                 “ right -- inari, where was it we were going ANYWAYS? “

[culpatis]

  [ starter call // no cap !! ]

[culpatis]

conflovers‌:

Considering the element that was hers to call in the Metaverse, was it truly a surprise that warmth was so easily projected by the blond? For all that her temper’s fire could lay waste to Shadows and threats to her loved ones, it could also be the comforting weight of a blanket at winter, the glow of a campfire in the darkness… a beacon to follow toward the deliciousness of desserts so decadent, that they’d destroy any diet. And as Futaba took her hand and rose above the sands of her solitude, Ann’s smile widened. The Lovers nodded in agreement at the Hermit’s thoughts about how a break would help as she let out a soft hum of consideration as to where to go to get her favorite treat that’d also be quiet enough for the redhead’s still-developing social skills.

“Oh, sure–crepes are totally doable! There’s a great little stand that’s just a couple of blocks away that’s not shy about how much chocolate they drizzle on top.”

The Lovers began to lead the way out of Futaba’s room–this beginning bit would be easy as pie, considering how they were still in familiar territory. If she kept the feeling light and fun, then keeping the momentum going should be easy enough. Just frame it like the beach and focus on the good stuff. A soft giggle.

“So tell me… is there a fruit you like more than others? I bet they can add it to the fillings if we ask!”

           a small GULP as she realizes what she has just committed herself to -- futaba will need to stay strong in venturing out with ann. it is EASY in principle, but not so much in practice. she watches as her friend leads the way out of the room but the hermit HESITATES for a moment, fiddling with the sleeves that hang over her fingers. the first step is EASY enough -- the next few? not so much. a deep breath and she plunges forward -- stepping FORWARD way too quickly and shutting the door behind her with a slam. particular, yes -- but it solidifies this decision. another moment and she gives a nod to ann.

     “ yum -- that sounds so good! let’s get this mission started, i can’t wait to taste the drizzled chocolate of victory! uh -- but if i haaad to pick a favorite, i like CHERRY. “

     and despite ALARMS going off in her mind, a million red flags that pull at her like fabric under the water -- futaba steps in front of ann to lead her out of the house. the ONE place she can do so in confidence, she KNOWS it will be a million times harder once they actually BREACH the great outdoors. she wonders if she will be ABLE to hide behind ann like she hides behind akira from time to time in public. she IS taller than her after all.

                “ o-oh! right... right. what is your favorite? i... i almost forgot to ask, whoops! “

[culpatis]

rebellebetrayed‌:

at least someone trusts his judgement in movies, though he’s not sure if it’s a wise choice for futaba to do so. he’s got a few good choices under his belt, though they’re distinctly hikaru picks.  he’s actually a bit sheepish when it comes to admitting what he’s been wanting to see for the last few weeks, but given futaba’s own interests? 

it wouldn’t be too bad, right? 

“i’ve…actually been wanting to see the new pokemon movie or the yugioh one, but i’m not sure if you’d want to see either.  i’m more of a pokemon fan myself, but the yugioh one is set in the original series and so i’m really interested in seeing if they can atem back or not if that’s goal–they’re also doing some old ghibli movie showings and i’ve never seen kiki’s delivery service or princess monoke.” 

      so many options thrown in her direction all at once -- put on the backburner as she types away. basically interpreting two languages at once as she considers the options he throws out her way. silence meeting his initial words outside of the tapping of the keyboard. content with where she is at last she leans back and stretches. she’s made some REAL headway thus far. a smile creeps across her face.

          “ oooooh -- those are some REAL classics. mmmn -- yep. i’m okay with any of them. although i would totes not say no to the pokemon movie or yugioh. it’s been FOREVER since i’ve seen ‘em. “

      true -- and with the wave of popularity for pokemon lately again, she’s been swept into the craze again. an avid player of pokemon go, and a LOVER of those vintage series -- as she leans in again to REACH that final stretch of code she WONDERS which of the two is hikaru’s true preference. 

[culpatis]

rebellebetrayed‌:

he’s actually not that accomplished with math in truth–one of his worse subjects in school. what hikaru excelled at was things of a more bookish nature to a degree, history being his strongest suit when it came to the deck of cards called academis. still, she gets a impressed look from the other–brows furrowing with a half smile to match them.

“i mean, it just proves how smart you are if you’re able to enioy something like that and have fun with it–i’m kind of a self proclaimed idiot myself when it comes to math, i think i’m more of a person who’s better at spouting random facts that no one cares about–but with math?”

“with it being you ? you can go anywhere.”

     perhaps it should be no SURPRISE that he does not ridicule her for being so excited over something so nerdy. hikaru has managed to support her again and again -- somehow spinning everything to be a plus rather than a minus. tied to a past where people were less KIND about her intellegence, she cannot help the small smile that comes to her lips with her praise. blinking at him at GRATITUDE, words cannot describe the joy behind it. does he KNOW such things are part of why she hid away from the world?

        “ thanks -- it’s a preeeetty big part of my coding after all! gotta keep on top of it. but hey -- if you ever need to learn, i can be like your master or something! i’ll help you level up. “

      because that is another level of opening up. she knows that in offering to teach him it ALSO opens herself to ridicule as he sees these skills in more depth. but she knows he won’t be like those kids back in grade skill. not at ALL. 

                     “ only if you want. i don’t think you’re a lost cause like ryuji -- heheh “

[culpatis]

the-taboo-king‌:

   Gundham takes a half step back, somewhat startled, when she practically jumps out of her skin when he addresses her. Brow furrows, eyes watching her with a little concern and utter bewilderment. He is aware that his stride can be rather silent at times and he can be terrifying when need be but this is certainly not the reaction he was expecting. He just stares at her for a moment, unsure how he should react to a girl who has just crouched down in terror before him. There is a second when he glances around them, hoping her reaction doesn’t reflect poorly on him. He had no intention of startling her.

   Eyes slide back to her as she stands once more and he relaxes some. With a little nervousness he raises his hands to tug at his jacket, as if her actions have ruffled his clothes in some way. His gaze darts away for a second and then back, the model clearing his throat some. An attempt to regain his compsure after witnessing something so startling.

   “Ah … I apologise for startling you. … um,” A breath and he seems to straighten, features returning to their usual stern arrogance.

   Well, that is a bit of a set back. He does note that she isn’t wearing any aspect of the school’s uniform but he was of the impression that the dress code is rather lax. Arms cross over his chest once more, fingers tapping against the leather. Should he just give up on this avenue of enquiry? Perhaps but she does seem to be waiting for someone.

   “That is unfortunate, however, that begs the question as to why you are here then? You appear to be waiting for someone. This individual may know who I am searching for, yes?”

     why is he so SCARY? then again, that’s not a fair assessment coming from one such as futaba who the ENTIRETY of population frightens. but now that she is not CROUCHED down in a panic, she can look at him a little bit more. and by STANDARD definitions, he is DEFINITELY intimidating. he has that whole dark and BROODING look, not to mention being a TOWER above her. not that THAT is hard to do either. at least he apologized for startling her -- but those stern features and the way that his arms cross to speak of a certain UNFRIENDLINESS does little to soothe her.

     a little bit of mental coaching -- DEEP BREATHS FUTABA -- these are the kinds of things that her friends have been helping you strive towards, no matter how FRESH and lacking her social skills remain. a physical breath, eyes closing as she exhales before she opens them again to glace around. a last ditch effort to find a familiar face. someone to RESCUE her from this stranger. alas, she is on her own STILL.

      “ a- ah... that is... that is a FAIR assumption. i AM waiting... for... for my friends so i won’t be a SOLO player standing here. m-maybe they know who you know. “

      she does not KNOW precisely how knowledgable her friends are of their classmates -- in fact, she hadn’t even known this many people went to this school or else she might have stayed back. another deep breath and she steels herself, trying a bit HARDER. after all, the last thing she needs is her teammates coming out and thinking she is in IMMEDIATE need of aid. she doesn’t want them to WORRY more than they must.

          “ they’re... taking long though, for reals. i’m starting to think that they entered a bonus level after school. “

[culpatis]

God, so what do you get the girl you might have a crush on? Hikaru's not entirely sure, but here it is. He got her some brand new feather man figures, the ones he saw her eyeing as well as a matching set of shirts. 'I'm with Stupid' for Futaba, 'I'm stupid' for himself.

         it’s been a while since she has had any CHANCE to spend this holiday with others – locked away within a tomb of her own creation, locking everyone away. of course, sojiro had always slipped her gifts and made SURE she knew she was not truly alone – but this was all so different. she’s practically VIBRATING with a nervous excitement when hikaru finally shows up. his gift is merely thrown into a bag, having never really LEARNED how to wrap things. within it? is a new game she had found that she thought that PERHAPS he might like. also within is a little gadget she had made for him – just something SIMPLE by her standards. what does it do? when plugged into a computer it offers an EXTENSIVE library of movies.

                “ hhhh ! i am seriously pumped up – this is totes exciting! “

        the bag in her hand is shoved in hikaru’s direction as she takes what he has to offer her. no true UNDERSTANDING for what might be the protocal here, the moment he’s taken the bag she sits down upon the floor to open it up. and excitement FLASHES across her features moments later when she sees the figures appreciative hemming and AWING escaping her in the process. she had her eyes on them for a LONG time. but then she sees the rest of her gift and she finds laughter bubbling within her. genuine peals escape moments later, as she holds it up.

                 “ we gotta wear them as soon as possible! i love it, for reals! “

     and there is a pause, the shirt and figures cast aside as she pounces upward from her position and throws her arms around him in a BIG hug. nothing shy about it until she realizes her proximity and pulls away with just a SLIGHT nervous look crossing her features. 

           “ th-thank you, hikaru. um… i… i hope you like what i got you too! “

[culpatis]

   [ sorry for being a lil mia here lately -- but i am finally almost actually done with the game. so !! it will be way easier to do things here now without fear of messing up too much. ]

[culpatis]

&& @xfokusu liked for a starter

      “ inaaari. hello, earth to inari! “

   not often that she goes out ALONE with yusuke, but he had been around -- and she needed SOMEONE to be with when she went out. someone to offer her some kind of stability in the case of a mental freeze up. but she had DEFINITELY forgotten that even at the best of times they could end up bickering. a poke to his shoulder -- trying to bring him back to reality. she doesn’t even KNOW what he’s staring at. she can only ASSUME it is something that has caught his fancy -- making a MENTAL image for the sake of some art. 

     but they ARE on something of a schedule. the sale at the electronic store will NOT last all day -- and she has something very particular in mind that she needs to get for building up her computer. another moment and her hand finds his to GENTLY pull him away -- impatience CLEAR upon her features.

           “ they’re going to sell out, we gotta get going.  please? “

[culpatis]

&& @jokarnofuru liked for a starter

     “ sooo...  school. “

  a great start to a conversation, clearly. spoken out through the silence that had filled the room while they look through manga together. her eyes had not even LIFTED from the pages at all -- in fact, if one looked at her one might assume that PERHAPS she had never spoken at all. but she has. this page features a school room, the protagonist seated where they are ALWAYS placed. eyes narrow a bit as she considers it for a moment before she finally flips the book around to show him.

        pale finger points to that CLICHE without pausing, looking up at him for a moment. there is a LOT she doesn’t understand about high school -- having never been. of course, she knows KIND OF how it works. and it’s not like she’s had NO education, she DOES take online classes. but sitting in classes, being SURROUNDED all day -- having set schedules? it seems so nerve-wracking! 

                    “ do you sit where this guy sits? in the protag seat? “

[culpatis]

&& @mistletrick liked for a starter

       heading up the front counter for a bit for sojiro it was USUALLY not much of an issue. considering the fact that the cafe usually only attracted regulars, it hasn’t been all that DIFFICULT growing used to them. in fact, it seemed they were even getting used to eccentricities. but despite such advancements there were ALSO major setbacks. like hearing the door open and seeing someone that just seemed to SCREAM importance. she could not QUITE put her finger upon why this girl seemed so MAJOR, or why she has SUDDENLY gone rigid. rather than handling it IMMEDIATELY, the hermit ducks down behind the counter to hide for a moment. it passes and she KNOWS she needs to face this new person.

       as she stands again, futaba finds herself STARING for a long moment. simply looking. there is something familiar here -- it SCREAMS in her mind but she pushes it away for a moment for the sake of the cafe.

               “ c - can i get you something? “

      perhaps not the most FORMAL of requests considering the fact that she is the main person available right now. but that’s what she knows. another MOMENT and suddenly it hits her like a train. eyes WIDEN behind glass frames and palms press upon the counter.

              “ waaaait. no way -- i’ve seen you online before! “

[culpatis]

rebellejoker‌:

one reserved for level one hundreds? well, he’’ll certainly have to work up to his way up to that, though he peers at her over his glasses with a small smile on his face. “ you know, i got some level one hundred’s on my  old world of warcraft account and i’m well past that in overwatch, but i think everyone’s well past that in overwatch–but good to know i must reach that level in order to carry you, gotta be one of my favorite quest lines.” he’s teasing, of course, but the hermit is growing quickly to be one of his favorite friends he’s made in tokyo.

for reals? someone’s definitely rubbing off on her, though he’s not about to point out that ryuji’s definitely sunk his teeth into her vocabulary. “you’re definitely welcome to tag along, but i don’t know if it’ll be too interesting–we got hit with trig homework the other day, so that’s we’ll be going over next.”

     the way he LAYS out these level one hundreds -- it’s like he WANTS to carry her. nevermind the fact that he says it’s his FAVORITE quest line? suddenly she’s a FLUSTERED mess -- never QUITE used to people playing along with her nerdy ways of speech. cheeks a vivid pink, how LUCKY it is that the next area of conversation is something that is WAY less exciting than the thought of him carrying her. trying to regain her confidence, a hand lifts to push her glasses up the bridge of her nose before she gives a NOD.

      “ trig? oh, that stuff’s totes lame. but i learned it in my online classes! it might seem boring, but math’s actually kind of FUN for me. like... like a puzzle. “

      oh man, that was something TOTALLY lame to say. no student is supposed to ADMIT to liking such things -- not to their friends. maybe she should have LIED and said it was awful? she is BASICALLY waiting for some kind of response to see if she has gone down the wrong path.

            “ ummm... not that... not that i do math  for FUN or anything. really! “

[culpatis]

rebellejoker‌:

about a million yen? he supposes he could do that if he got on his hands and knees in front of his father and begged for him to spot him a million–pocket change, really for kaito nakamura, but that’s information that he hasn’t really divulged to anyone. still, she garners a chuckle from hikaru after she does confirm that she’s joking. 

“ i never took you for a comedian.”

still, what she actually wants is quite easy for hikaru to do in truth. he can do that easily and all it requires is a simple text to tae that their plans will have to wait until another day in the week. he grins, actually rather excited at the prospect of seeing a movie with futaba–given their tastes were pretty similar when it came to that. 

“yeah, i thnk i can do that, ‘taba–whatcha wanting to see?”

      “ i’m ... really not -- but i figured that MAYBE i should try new things. “

  spoken slowly since her attention is adverted once again to the screen in front of her face. leaning in closer -- there is a certain DETERMINED glint which sparkles within her gaze. a kind of joy she ONLY derives from dealing with technology. it was SO much easier than other people. but she means what she says. futaba IS trying to do these new things, pushing herself further from her comfort zone as she tries to learn the ropes of REAL LIFE rather than the virtual world.

    in fact, she is ABOUT to make a demand upon a movie for them -- something SAFE. something she KNOWS she will like. but instead, she bites her lip for a moment in thought. pale hand shifting to push orange locks back. perhaps it is RUDE not to look at him when she speaks again -- but she IS really focused.

        “ you can pick. that alright? i trust your judgement in things that ARE NOT technology. “