surely goodness and mercy will follow me

whiskey makes my baby ... feel a lil' frisky (;

[shslkingcougar]

some twitter sketch dumps of  the past week or two!

. i have like 6 other sketches, most of them BEASTARS AU -- but will i finish anything??? let’s SEE!!!

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ i'm addicted to madness, but what can i say ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Otoha

[shslkingcougar]

shslamezaikuartisan‌:

Don’t get her wrong, Otoha appreciated the modern facilities, but this was far from living a life of luxury. The closest they could get to feeling like they weren’t just trapped in a fancy train station were visits to her own talent lab (it felt just like home, with the exception of parents and customers to harass her) and the adjacent lab. Every second that wasn’t spent in either of these two rooms was spent in her dorm room.

One had to wonder how she didn’t get cabin fever all cooped up like that.

Regardless, at this moment in time, she was perched gingerly on one of the folding chairs in the Massage Therapist Research Lab, enjoying the pleasant smell of the candles. 

Or rather, she was enjoying them until she heard familiar rambling and opened her eyes to find Aki once again stammering in front of her.

“Ishii-san, what a surprise to see you here. I had thought that something like this wasn’t your kind of thing. Although I do suppose that even sports people need to practice self-care sometimes. And lord knows you need it, you look super stressed out every time I see you.”

She pauses and her face darkens when Aki asks about her well-being. 

“I… I am doing as well as I could be, considering I am still alive, which is more than some of our classmates can say.”

It wasn’t like everyone knew their darkest secret or anything. Or that people were dying and someone had apparently messed with everyone’s memories. Or that the last time they had spoken had been when Misaki was still around.

Relaxing thoughts, Otoha, think relaxing thoughts.

“But a-n-y-w-a-y! I wouldn’t mind your company, Ishii-san. Just don’t look so nervous. I’m not going to bite you or anything. You tower over me anyway, it’s not like I could hurt you even if I tried.”

She seemed a bit like a cat that was baring it’s stomach, but still keeping a watchful eye in case anyone tried anything.

"Oh, I come by a lot, actually.  It's kind of nice...."

There's a hint of that smile, and she looks off the the side for a moment -- as if searching for something to say, before:

"...I don't know if spas have ever destressed me... before all this, haha.  Whenever I went on the outside, it was usually because someone twisted my arm into going.  But I get what you're saying."

A small pause, though, as she finally seems to catch onto a point and.... She looks over to Otoha, a tone of curiosity to her voice:

"...Is that why you came in?  Um...."

She says this as if this is a foreign concept to her:

"...To... practice, um... self-care."

.... With that, though, Otoha moves to address the more... embarrassing slip of the tongue she'd had and honestly she feels the need to crumple up and die but it was fine...!  It was fine.  They were moving.  Otoha was. .... Against all perceived odds... trying to be nice about it,

Still.... (It wasn't like her to ignore that she'd been given an out, but--)

"...I guess that's a good way of looking at it.... Sorry, you really didn't have to answer that.... It was rude of me to ask."

She looks suitably cowed -- as usual for Aki, really -- but there's a bit of a pause to her as Otoha moves on.  As they talk about how they're not really a threat to her and whatever else, Aki's expression just turns more and more... perplexed. Though the look she eventually settles on giving her is.... Beyond unreadable.

Before Aki seems to sigh a little, reaching up to her head to slowly detangle her hair from her hat, placing it gently on the floor as she obviously takes her time in formulating an answer. And after doing this, Aki makes her way over to the baths -- kicking off her sneakers a little expertly before taking off her pants to reveal... swim trunks.

Another moment's hesitation, and then she leans over to reach a faucet to start running the water. It takes her a slightly longer second, but she inclines her head so that she can look at Otoha.

"...Higashiyama-san, actually... my problem isn't that I'm worried that you're going to hurt me."

Her back still turned to her classmate, Aki takes off her crop top -- a bikini top is already underneath, but from this angle it's probably a little clear to tell her back is.... Jacked, man.  Just.  Jacked.

But her voice is soft as she continues -- maybe the tone of a big cat, seeing a housecat's rolling over and opting to do the same.

"You said it yourself.  I tower over you, I'm an athlete, I've fought and won against men who weigh twice as much as me.  It wouldn't surprise me if... I was the last kind of person you wanted to see when you're just trying to relax.  And I'd... never want to make you uncomfortable by being around you."

She swings her legs up so that she's sitting on the edge of the bath, situated a very comfortable distance away for a conversation like this, she thinks. Before she finishes with a... genuine sounding:

"...That's... what makes me nervous, mostly.  If, um, you're curious."

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[shslkingcougar]

takerunokubo‌:

Following her signal, Takeru matches her pace and walks beside her. He carefully listens to what she says, so focused on it that it took him a while to register that she was holding the door to Soup open for him. He nods and enters, but waits off to the side to follow her again in his uncertainty for why they’ve come here.

“I’m— hmm.” He glances away. “There’s a lot I’d like to improve, but self-defense would be a great start! I just want to be… stronger. Strong enough to really be helpful to everyone. I want to give trying to escape with everyone my all, but I need to be stronger to do that… right?” He tilts his head slightly, but then turns on his heels.

He starts browsing through the selection of athletic wear, specifically the shoe section. After looking through a few boxes in just a couple minutes, he eventually settles holds out his sneakers of choice for Aki to examine.

“Will these sneakers work, Aki-kun? I definitely don’t want killer shoes,” he says playfully.

“…Strong enough to help everyone…?”

There’s a pause to her, and Aki looks a little thoughtful before she ends up saying:

“…I think you help us a lot just as you are, Kubo-kun.  You’re agreeable and easy to get along with… you have an attitude that puts people at ease when you’re around… you’re thoughtful about others and obviously have convictions…. There are a lot of ways that people can help out around here, and you know… it’s not as if those of us with a lot of physical strength have been able to do… much of anything.”

She sighs a little, and pulls at her ponytail holder for a minute before:

“…I don’t mind helping you.  In fact I’m glad to do it… it’s part of the reason why I continue to coach, right?  Haha…. But I just… want you to know… that if this is for us, it’s not… what you have to do.  Everyone brings something new to  the table, and your abilities are unique and important too.  That’s… sort of the… joy of life….”

With that, though, she waves her hand off to give him permission to find himself some clothes.   …Mostly she just ends up absent-mindedly browsing the store… trying not to focus on anything too hard before her comes back.

She gives the shoes a little look – feeling them for arch support and quality, before she looks at him and says:

“Well. they’re sort of killer – but I’ll say that in the good way, haha.  They’ll work.  Go ahead and get changed.  If you really want to do this, we can start with a jog.  Rule one’s cardio, Kubo-kun.  Can’t forget it.”

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[shslkingcougar]

takerunokubo‌:

He nods to indicate he’s doing okay, but didn’t elaborate further than that since he had other things on his mind to say to ask about.

Once she responded, Takeru’s smile returned.

“I might not be good company, but I guess I’m not bad company if it’s not possible for me to give someone a bad feeling,” he chuckles. Takeru moves his hands into his pockets as he looks to the ground for a moment. “Can you tell me how to be stronger?”

He waits for her to respond, but when he notices her about to say something he quickly adds–

“It’s just that I’ve been thinking that I would like to get stronger. I want to be strong… like you.” He shakes his head. “I know it’s a strange request, but… mmm.”

Takeru closes his eyes and this time waits to see what she’d say.

“Well, we can’t all be as good company as the best people in our group… so how about we both settle for being ‘pretty good company in a pinch?’”

She seems actually… lightly amused, and her expression is soft until Takeru quiets himself; seeming to take a minute to articulate what it is he’s trying to say and– Oh.

There’s not much of a visible reaction out of her for that, but her face does turn slightly more serious. Thoughtful, maybe.  It’s a little unreadable.

It takes her maybe a beat to long to reach up to her bangs and start to open her mouth – an effort that is immediately rolled over on with Takeru… clarifying what he meant.  Quickly.  As if a plea.

There’s a noise in the back of her throat that almost sounds like a hum, and when he’s finished she just… looks at him. Before she starts walking towards the direction of the shops, giving him a little head tilt to signal that she expects him to follow her.

As they’re walking to Soup, she says:

“Of course I’m willing to help you, Kubo-kun, though the process is slower than you’d want it to be in a place like this.  Now, I can’t help you much when it comes to mental strength – if that’s part of the equation – but I can help you with foundations.  Self-defense.  How to make yourself too difficult of a target to be worthwhile.”

She opens the door to the shop, holding it as she waits for him to pass through.

“…And you’ll need work-out clothes, I can’t train you in those.  Get a good pair of sneakers, too.  Shoes are killers.  But….”

A twist of her mouth.

“…Can I ask… what you’re looking to improve on, really?  I assume the why is… obvious, but….”

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[shslkingcougar]

takerunokubo‌:

Wandering about Zenith Station was one Takeru Nokubo. There were so many things racing across his mind that he didn’t let his eyes browse the areas for the unique and interesting details that he’s come to become very familiar with. This was different– he was walking with intent.

Just as he rounded a corner, his attention snaps from whatever he was thinking about when he sees Aki slowly moving about. The linguist approaches her.

“Aki-kun,” he waves as the distance between them lessens. “Hey!”

He offers a smile, but it’s soon to dissipate.

“I… mmmm.” He glances away and shifts uncomfortably in his place. “Am I bothering you? If you were busy or about to go do something, I don’t mind leaving… but… I was…” He shakes his head. “Mmmmm….”

Takeru rests his eyes on Aki’s, waiting for a response.

...Speak of the devil. (...Was that polite... given his arcana...?  Hm....)

...Besides, she wasn’t thinking that out of malice, but rather because.... Well.  When it comes to company, she could think of a lot worse options to catch her while she still feels a bit languid and.... (Well.)

Still, her expression is warm when he approaches her, and she does raise a hand to wave back.

“...Kubo-kun.... It’s really good to see you.  Are you holding up okay...?”

She allows him to shift a little -- doesn’t try to speed him up or anything, and looks at him intently as.... He ends up sounding a little bit like her, if she’s honest. (Haha....)

But she ends up shaking her head, keeping her look friendly as she says:

“...Of course you’re not bothering me.... I don’t think it’s possible for you to give someone a bad feeling, Kubo-kun, haha.  I was... actually just thinking about... how I would have liked to have company.... I... um, tend to overthink if I’m alone, haha.”

She opens her palm into a vulnerable stance, though.  Looking gentle:

“...But... what’s on your mind, champ?  I’ve got nothing going on.”

[rewoundcircuit]

sometimes you just gotta hang out in a corridor | Takaku | Chapter 3 | 🎉 Aki

[shslkingcougar]

takakurukuru‌:

“I think -san and -chan and -kun are all fine! Ooh, wait, I have an idea! Surprise me every time you use one!”

Takaku grins, nodding their agreement that it was a little silly, but that’s a fine thing to be, a little silly. Though they do slip into an expression of deep thought at Aki’s question, one that’s clearly exaggerated, but of thoughtfulness nonetheless.

“Hmmmmm………..”

BE GONE, THOUGHTFULNESS

“It was probably arbitrary, and then once they decided what was going to be put where, they figured out how to connect them! If the police officer area was gonna be closed off like this no matter what, it would have probably just been connected to whatever fit best once they figured out what went where. It’d be pretty weird if they picked those two to be together when there isn’t a reason for any of the rest, right?”

“‘Cause there’s not really much of a theme going in any of these, right? No ‘sports and games’ area - which could have been you, Yoshida-kun, Ueno-chan, and Kishi-kun.  ZenZen-kun, Edler-kun, Bruckhard-kun, and Nokubo-kun could have all been one area thematically! Working With Words-land! You could have even put me and Star-san together- with Kuromaru-chan and Kita-chan! - for an entertainer block. Or Umenoyakakutani-chan, but that’s sort of a different type of entertainment, you know?”

They shrug, completely glossing over their incredibly minor slip of the tongue. The jester doesn’t seem especially perturbed by how long it would have taken to set this up, though they do raise their eyebrows in mild surprise when the tall girl apologizes to them, and they giggle at the compliment.

“No need to say sorry, though! I’d say it’s water under the bridge, but that river dried up aaaaages ago!” Which is probably a good thing, from the way they’re saying it and the wave of their hand. “It’s all part of the act anyways!”

They offer absolutely no elaboration on that.

“But I’m excited to talk to you too! You’re so nice and fun and you’re a really good leader ‘cause you have MASSIVE ‘let’s cooperate!’ energy, which makes total sense! I mean, your whole thing is coaching a team of kids who must be pretty close-ish to our ages, right? At least, if youth baseball means what I remember it meaning. Although maybe five year olds would be easier to handle than us sometimes, kukuku~”

"Oh...!  That's... really kind of fun, Kuru-kun...!  I don't think I've ever met a person who was okay with all three before...."

Before a little smile, before:

"But, hm... what about ones like... -sama and -rin and -senpai...?  That could add another level, haha.... Another kind of silly level, but it might be nice around here."

It's said genuinely, before Aki seems to let herself in on the joke -- the clown's exaggerated actions, how they seemed to pause for effect-- .... She too feigns complete thoughtfulness for a second, rubbing her chin with the sheer look of total contemplation, before bouncing up a little bit as Takaku.... Grins, and seems to settle it decisively.

Aki furrows her eyebrows for a second, before giving her typically yielding:

"Oh, I guess you're right...."

Though she does pause for a second, before:

"...Maybe it's the size and scope that are predetermined, then, but I can't imagine why they'd build it all like this.... Maybe the random element keeps us on our toes more...?  It could be more interesting for an audience, um... assuming that wasn't a lie that we were told to keep us guessing and complacent...."

...Alright then, Aki.

"...Still... I guess there's really no connection... it is funny how some are so elaborate, and others just seem like... um, slightly-better-than-average college spaces.... Maybe the allocations for funding get kind of strange...."

The overall dismissal of her apology gets the smaller classmate a bit of a smile -- a sheepish one, but a smile all the same -- before she places her hands behind her back in a somewhat open, vulnerable position.

"Haha, well... still, I thought it was a good idea to apologize.... You're really nice to take it, as you are.... Still...."

A brief pause, and she cocks her head to the side.

"...I guess it's actually sort of rude to pry, but is a lot of this just an act for you, Kuru-chan?  I got the impression that you're really pretty wise.... Or do you just play a wise person on TV?  Haha...."

Thoughtfully, almost:

"Though I guess that would be in line for your talent, um.... Nothing is more true than that that is said from the mouths of fools, or something like... dark comedy is the real root of the human condition.... Or something....  Which is to say, I think you're really funny."

Long road to get to a quick stop there, Aks, but we'll take it. ...Though there's a little bit of a chuckle to her that sounds more like a growl than anything human, before:

"Well, I don't know about fun, given the circumstances, though I'd like to do more interesting things than just accuse each other of murder and talk about events and motives...!  But it's hard.... But um, yes... youth coach just means... people who don't play professional for... my sector.... I guess a better word would have been 'varsity coach.' but I sometimes coach the JV team, too...."

A warm little pause -- and her tone is fond:

"...I don't know if I'd handle kids that young that well, it’d sort of be like herding cats, but I guess this isn't completely out of my element... my youngest is probably fourteen... and my oldest just turned twenty... so I guess this is sort of my range...!  But, um... I actually tend to know my athletes really well before trying to coach them... so that is sort of a curveball, haha...."

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : SEISHUN LINE! : ryuu_❗ aki

[shslkingcougar]

ultimateouendan‌:

The other’s cry evokes a laugh from the cheer captain – one that seems lighter than usual perhaps given his surroundings.

“That’s no good! Sometimes you need a good shout! I used Bruckhard-san’s lab once and it wasn’t bad – but this place is a whole lot better!”

He lets out another hearty laugh glancing at the ‘field’ in front of him. Though he was cheering as usual, he couldn’t deny that it was just a simulation, and with that in mind…

– No, he would never admit that it was a fruitless activity.  Even if his cheers were only to be perceived by the cardboard crowd around him, there was someone in front of him whose ears he could genuinely reach.

… But there was still some work to be done.

“You got friends that cheer too? Man I wish I had a better memory for faces, we might’ve met before! Ah, and before we start screaming again, we should get some stuff from that other room! I was gonna suggest grabbing a megaphone, but your voice carries well enough that you really don’t need one!” 

He almost jokingly extends an invitation for her to join his ouendan, but he recalls the last time he offered a spot to someone and… Well, here isn’t the best place to pick up recruits anyway!

“And don’t worry! I won’t make you lift bricks or anything before having us try some short routines! I don’t think they supplied any which is kind of a shame!”

Bricks… for… what exactly?  Why does that statement hold an almost sinister air? … …Maybe it’s a good thing the person he’s talking to is an athlete and not a new recruit who was blissfully unaware of Yoshida’s patented Training Regimen from Hell: Lite! … or else he might have actually suggested some sort of brutal warm-up activity.

"You know, I don't think I ever recognized how good getting loud is for your mood, Yoshida-kun, haha.  Normally I just get to yell whenever I want, or when one of my boys or his parents are misbehaving, so the whole emotional help of just shouting has been... lost on me.  Kept here... it's clear that... I don't know if there are many better feelings out there...."

Spoken like a real OC whose mun went to a college where there was a 'yelling club' dedicated to screaming at cars from an overpass.  Anyway.

"I guess you would know a lot about that, though, given your talent.... Does your throat ever get sore...?  Do you, um, have techniques for that...."

A woman of a million pointless -- but not really prying -- questions.  That's Aki for you. She places her hands on her hips and lets out another shout -- more like an 'AH' than anything discernible -- but she looks greatly put at ease as she relaxes, chuckling a little in her growling way.

"Still, I figure Bruckhard-kun's room might not actually be a great place to shout... the atmosphere feels all wrong, right?  Like lighting a cigarette in a church."

With that, though, Aki reaches up and tightens her ponytail a bit before going into a lunging stretch or two.

"Oh, well, they're not your caliber, Yoshida-kun!  And you know, it's not impossible, but I don't think most cheerleaders are looking at a coach....”

A little back and forth with her head, getting the creaks out.

"Besides, I'm sure I would have known if we'd run across each other.... You have the look that I'm sure my friend Tenshi-chan wouldn't have been able to shut up about... we really rarely meet nice seeming, enthusiastic guys...!  Even if you didn't know me, I'm sure I would have heard a lot about you, haha...."

Aki rolls her shoulders back a second, a little powerfully, before gesturing with her hand to indicate to Ryuu that he could start leading the way whenever he liked.

"Bricks?  Is that a normal regime?  For arm strength...?  That'd make sense to me, I know Ji-chan and Tenshi-chan are always lifting each other up and doing really complicated moves... So, um, I wouldn't mind finding a substitute.... Show me the room, I'm sure we could figure out something.  I'm not afraid of a little hard work, haha."

[rewoundcircuit]

❈ tunes for two. | aki & mayurakazuemiko. | ch iii.

[shslkingcougar]

mayurakazuemiko‌:

Mayura takes notice in Aki’s blushing and hums as she sits down next to her. She places a hand on the other’s shoulder, tilting her head slightly, allowing her hair to cascade down gracefully.

“No need to be so nervous, Ishii-san, I am a simple teenager just like you, who just so happens to have a passion for piano.”

With that, Mayura straightens again, keeping her gaze on Aki as she lifts her hand off her shoulder to touch the tips of her fingers to her lips for a brief moment.

“I did hear you attempting to play… was it The Celebrated Chop Waltz, by Euphemia Allen?”

Oh you’re just flexing your knowledge, aren’t you, Mayura.

“More commonly known as Chopsticks, no? If I could recognize it, then it must mean you did well to learn it, and all by yourself too. It is impressive.”

She sits patiently, listening to Aki and nodding at her words.

“Ah, Pan’s Labyrinth… I watched that film when I was younger.”

She closes her eyes, trying to remember the tune. Yes, she thinks she does. The pianist then slips off her gloves, putting them in her pocket and revealing her pristine, slender hands. She rests her fingertips at the keys.

“It has been a while, but is it…”

The tune carries itself as Mayura begins playing. She definitely adds her own interpretations to the piece, making it more complex than the original lullaby is, but it sounds hauntingly beautiful all the same. After two minutes, she lifts her hands off the keys, and turns to Aki with a wide smile.

“You said you know how to play it? Why don’t we play it together then?”

She brings her hands together.

“Do you need to review it before we put on this performance?”

She seems… genuinely eager to play with Aki; it’s unlike their last conversation, for sure.

....

Aki.... Really doesn't know... why the other girls here... could be so....

.... (The typical thing happens -- the other's hand on her shoulder -- a friendly touch, no less! -- gives a jolt to her that settles in her stomach as something indescribably nauseating -- her neck pricks with discomfort and she can feel the cold sweat starting to form--)

(...Why was it, that despite everything that she's gone through in the past ten days or so....)

(....)

(She wishes she could concentrate on something else -- anything else -- but Mayura's hair has fallen down and it's too close to her and--)

Aki's expression is completely unreadable, blank, almost -- Mayura's words go completely unregistered, and her eyes fix on the lettering on the front of the piano telling the viewer of its maker.  She memorizes how the shapes are made until-- Until Mayura's hand is off, and she seems to relax almost immediately -- and Aki can finally incline her head a little to look at the other girl. ...Scooting just a little.  To give her more room.

A little pause, before:

"Haha... well, I don't think I could put it in those words, Umenoyakakutani-san, but I was hoping to make it somewhat recognizable.... I'm glad you were able to tell...!  Does kind of make me wonder why we call it Chopsticks if the full name is so pretty -- do you know that story...?"

It's a genuine curiosity, and she settles a bit as the other girl-- Well, reveals something she should have guessed.

"...I guess that makes sense, given that it's a horror movie.... It was more the kind of movie that my friends and I had to sneak as younger teens, but it's really hard to forget that lullaby... it's really... haunting, I guess...?  I've always liked it...."

With that, though, she goes completely silent -- mesmerized, almost, by the performance Mayura puts on-- (And to do that with no prep, no practice, no warm-up at all!) (And her little flourishes, and how her slender fingers barely seemed to touch the keys--!)

And Aki is transfixed, really -- delighted, for the first time in a while. When Mayura finally finishes ('finally' -- oh, but she hadn't gone on long enough--!), it'd be hard for her to not catch the smile on Aki's face -- the gratitude etched on her eyebrows -- a demure little look off to the side before:

"...Umenoyakakutani-san, I knew you were incredible, but I don't think words or recordings can do you justice.  That was really gorgeous...."

A shy little look, though, before:

"...Well, I think some practice goes would be... probably a good idea.  By 'I can play it,' I mostly meant 'I have a general idea and a few of the notes, and if you gave me ten minutes it might sound recognizable,' haha....  But sure...!  I'd... really like to try."

With that, Aki raises her hands up to the keys -- an experimental little press of one or another with her pinky as she tries to get the correct starting note -- a foot moving to at least get on the sustaining pedal. There's some hesitation, there -- and a number of self-corrections -- but after a few attempts, there's something that sounds quite like the main phrase of the piece -- not well-played, or with confidence, but the notes and the length is right -- though she does seem to struggle at anything that is meant to bridge a phrase.

"...I think all I'll get alone is the melody... the stuff you can mostly do with one hand... how do you bring the second hand in here to harmonize...?  I keep thinking I'll mess it up, haha...."

[rewoundcircuit]

Sad Punches | Orpheus | Chapter 3 | ATTN: Akira

[shslkingcougar]

shslorpheus‌:

Judging by her appearance, it seemed like as if she’d resorted to physical activities to… unwind? Distract herself? Simply train? There were quite a few possibilities and Orpheus didn’t want to make assumptions. Thus, he simply let it be (well, sort of) and instead, got ready to partake in this exchange that he initiated.

“Ah, I suppose that is true. However, I always make it a habit to explore all new areas opened to us; I would not wish to overlook something that could help us in the long-run. Though admittedly, I had no notable successes to call my own thus far, sadly…”

Frankly, he knew that expecting for something helpful to pop up was probably to much to ask, but he couldn’t quite quell that tiny hope that arised every time a new place opened. At some point, even their captors had to make mistakes, right? It already showed in the second case - they haven’t included A-30N into their rules, which led to this entire disaster to begin with. So surely, there must be more that they could use to their advantage (without any deaths, of course).

As Aki rejected his offer politely, he simply nodded.

“I see.”

His smile may be small, but it had an understanding vibe to it. Different people worked through their issues in different ways; one answer wasn’t the right solution for the other. Life was just like that.

His eyes wandered to where Aki patted the ground. Although he hesitated for a moment, he ultimately sat down besides her, making sure that his coat wouldn’t get too wrinkly from that. It almost looked like as if someone wearing a dress would take note to not get their cloth too dirty.

With his legs bent, he placed his gloved hands on top of his knees as his head turned to face her properly.

“Then it appears as if we are both in the same boat - my mind is also filled with these thoughts. It is hard to think through it all, but… we ought to start somewhere, right? I… may have an idea to ascertain where these cameras might be - though it is a shot in the dark, I admit.”

The blonde scratched his cheeks, sounding a little unsure.

However, when Aki thanked him, his eyes widened in surprise. The fantasy novelist blinked, certainly looking dumbfounded by all that praise. His hand wandered to his neck, rubbing it gently as he stumbled a bit over his words.

“Ah, I wouldn’t– I mean, I do not think that I have necessarily contributed all that much. If anything, I have simply picked up from where everyone else left off and… tried to finish it. However, before that, I was… undecisive. It is a bad habit of mine, I admit.”

“And you do not need to apologize, Ishii-san. You have simply acted in what you believed was the truth. None of us could have possibly been 100% correct in their deductions - there are always so many factors to account for… It paralyzes you sometimes, does it not?”

"...I get the feeling that most of this is set up to be as... unhelpful as possible... outside of the whole... broadcasted murder game.... Still, I think it's a good practice to know just what we're dealing with... clearly its already gotten us into trouble...."

A sigh, though, and she continues with off-cast eyes:

"...Still, I mean... you were there... the spaces we have available to us are all really... locked off... and sort of designed to be difficult to access, I'm sure.... The electric barriers don't really inspire a lot of confidence, haha...."

Aki stretches a little bit, eyeing Orpheus with a look that might be relief as he lets the offer drop -- his smile is warming, at least. (And non-invasive -- which, considering--)

(Mm....)

When the boy sits next to her, Aki scoots a little to make room for him -- but more importantly, to make sure that he doesn't have to smell the sweat that she's sure is coming from her body.  It would have been kind of rude, even given the typical hygiene regime she kept herself to, after all...! .... Besides, from his look... Orpheus probably wasn't very accustomed to dealing with dumb, sweaty jocks. (The thought makes her pause a second -- maybe in amusement -- as she watches him take a more 'perching' position -- his gloved hands on his knees--) (....)

And Aki's body shifts a little -- her own hands grazing her own knees, her head turning to face her companion with a bit of a weary expression.

"...An idea, Edler-kun?  Well, you know me well enough by now, haha.... I'm always here to help you, if you need it.  Not much of a thinker, but...."

A furrow of her eyebrows, before:

"I... was told something sort of interesting, though... it's not really gossip if it's information, right?  Haha.... Anyway, um, someone really cool told me that they asked Monokuma about, um, you know... how we're monitored...?  It seems like it's all focused on catching moments of us that are dramatic... which could mean they're placed anywhere... but I'd like to pretend we could rule out bathroom stalls, haha...."

Shrugging up.

"...And, you know, if I'm going to make a really dumb unfounded guess... I'd guess that traveling places might be less... monitored...?  Think like the insides of the tunnels....  Unless they have a way for us to escape."

As the conversation turns to the trial, however, Aki's face turns into one more of-- .... Quiet amusement?

"Edler-kun... you know, I'm not used to dealing with boys who are so... humble.  And you know, I think it's okay to be indecisive until the facts are in front of you.... It shows character.  And you did make a decision, you know, even if you didn't like the fact of having to make one.  It's really reasonable...."

A small chuckle out of her.

"Of course, um, I can't recommend always putting off a decision, but I think you did well with what we were given, you know?  I really admire you."

Before she shrugs up again, raising her eyebrows:

"...Still... I know what you mean.... I just find it's better to apologize early and take responsibility for a bad play.  I really shouldn't be doing stuff like that, but... it's not like I'm angry at myself, if you understand....  It's sort of a weird position to be in.... Hopefully my focus comes back, haha....  Still, just making a decision means you're not paralyzed, right?  So I know you did well there...."

[rewoundcircuit]

sometimes you just gotta hang out in a corridor | Takaku | Chapter 3 | 🎉 Aki

Area 4 was so exciting! There was all sorts of fun stuff to do, and all manner of exciting things to look at, and a bunch of computers to play with, except Takaku didn’t really feel like playing with the computers right now. So once they’d gotten a gander at everything, noting stuff they’d come back to explore later once they got some proper food in them, they were on their way to head back on out. Except, whoa, hey, what was this? A challenger approaches?! The jester immediately perks up and bounces on their toes, bounding over to their friend who they’ve spent a shockingly minimal amount of time actually talking to.

“Ishii-chan! Hi! Good to see you!”

It’s almost like two more people didn’t just die with how enthusiastic they are. At least they aren’t carrying Ikuko’s glasses around anymore. They grin, excited to see the baseball coach in the… corridor between the two labs. A very exciting place to stop and have a chat, really.

“How are you doing? Are you having fun with the new stuff? I know I am! This place is great!”

[shslkingcougar]

.... The fact that she had to pass through one lab to get to another lab was ... kind of annoying....

.... And a fact that Aki was sure that someone would try to exploit... down the line.... (...And maybe it was just the headache of all of their night's activities making an impact on finding... Ikuko out, but....)

Still, Aki's making her way through the corridor to try to get into the weird... police lab room -- the only one she'd not visited yet, and-- .... Seems she wasn't the only one with the idea!

.... And... well! She'd... never actually... talked to this person... outside of trials and that one event Orpheus had put together... so it was actually sort of refreshing....

(...It was weird to notice but... they were... really very small... up this close....)

(...And yet to have so much confidence... in everything they said in trial...!) (...It was really admirable....)

And maybe it's that thought that seems to relax Aki, making her expressions extremely warm as she says:

"Oh, Kurukuru-san...!  Or do you prefer -chan...?  Or -kun...?  I think any of them are cool...."

...Wait, Ishii.  Come on.

"...Haha, sorry, that was silly.  Anyway, it's good to see you, too.... Tight corners, huh...?  I guess you'd want to keep police work well guarded... or something like that, right...?  Or do you think the room placement was random.... I feel like your guess would be better than mine."

There's a smile, though.

"...And I'm... actually... kind of liking the new rooms.... Yoshida-kun's lab is a lot of fun... I was hoping for a place to train, so I'm grateful for Saito-kun's... and Maru-chan's... is beyond words...!"

....

"...It kind of scares me, that they had the time to set that all up... but that's probably pointless to say.... Speaking of, I... really do want to say sorry for how I acted to you in the trial.  You were completely right, and I acted, um, like a jerk.  And then you were really cool about it...!  So I just... wanted to say I... appreciated what you did.  I think you're really clever in a lot of ways, so it's... actually really nice to finally have the chance to talk to you, haha...."

[rewoundcircuit]

❈ tunes for two. | aki & mayurakazuemiko. | ch iii.

Mayura was feeling a lot better than she was the previous day. It had already been so busy, and with the new areas opened up, there were a lot of good distractions. But there was one thing that was starting to bother her, and she knows it had to do with the fact that she had completely skipped her daily piano practicing the day before.

Surely her mom would forgive her. This was a stressful situation and she can’t focus on practicing when she’s stressed.

The pianist leaves her dorm room, holding a binder of loose blank sheet music, along with a thicker book of some pieces she’s been wanting to practice for a little while now. With everything organized neatly, she makes her way to the food court. It isn’t until she turns the corner that she hears… she hears… someone playing the piano? Her steps slow slightly, but she continues forward, unable to see who is behind the broken notes in the air until…

Ah.

Mayura tries to walk up to the piano as quietly as she can, so as not to disturb the person pressing down on the notes. From what it sounds like, they have an idea as to what they want to play, but just aren’t getting it right away. Despite this, the pianist sits down on one of the nearby chairs, placing her books and sheet music on the table, and simply listens. The smile on her face seems so calm and peaceful.

The playing stops, and the student at the piano relaxes slightly— that’s when Mayura stands, clapping quietly,

“I did not know you would take on the learning of a song all by yourself, Ishii-san. You are quite determined.”

She takes the book and binder from the table, and also grabs the chair she was sitting on, walking up to the piano, and then places her books on the chair. She stands tall over Aki.

“I hope you do not mind if I stay and listen to you play for a little while longer. Or perhaps you would like me to help you learn to play something else?”

Mayura smiles, at her, though it doesn’t have that same air of mystery as it usually does. It just seems like a simple smile.

[shslkingcougar]

She had already mastered hot cross buns.  That had, in retrospect, been the easy part.

Now, Aki Ishii was sat -- eyebrows furrowed in considerable concentration, hands uncannily steady as she inexpertly commands them at the same time -- struggling, but not failing, to-- Well. The task was simple.

.... To figure how to properly play 'Chopsticks.' .... Without, um, sheet music. Or any formal training. Or really knowing what Chopsticks completely sounded like. Relying only on her... oh, she was going to face it -- mediocre at a stretch musical ear.

(Why was she even doing this -- it was a question that would have been appropriate to pose, but the answer was... as embarrassing as it was simple....) (...She figured that... if she played the instrument... outside of regular dining times... no one would be forced to listen to her stupid beginner's banging around....) (....) (And, erm....)

(....) (The walls were... really thin... and she had a feeling that both Misaki and Orpheus deserved a break from having to hear her struggle through trying to learn Freebird on ol' Dolly.) (....) (Yes, she's embarrassed that she named the guitar after Dolly Parton, too.)

Still, she trusted the instrument to be well-tuned -- and her eyes close as her fingers find the keys -- feeling out each note slowly -- piece by piece, building the song measure by measure -- and it's an arduous process, but-- At some point, it comes together -- not well, of course.  She's not very good. But... it's recognizable.... ...And it makes her smile -- her eyes opening in their usual half-lidded expression as she confidently plunks the keys down again -- giving the refrain a properly done da capo as she finishes off with a little flourish.

.... And then her eyes snap open at the sound of-- Clapping...?

.... Aki's head swivels and her chest almost runs dead cold once she realizes who, in fact, has been a member of her audience-- Because there could not have been anyone worse--

(Mayurakazuemiko Umenoyakakutani!) (A prodigy!  A musical genius!  A person of beauty and sense and style and--)

(--And... someone who had....)

(...Not immediately... pushed her out of the seat... for taking up the only piano in the place... when she obviously had come to play....)

...Her chest warms again, and she remembers to breathe. ...And Aki's expression is one of... gratitude, really. And warmth.

"Oh... Umenoyakakutani-san...!  I'm sorry... I didn't hear you come in...."

"...Haha... did you hear all that...?  But um, I'm... self-taught in most things... so I guess I... thought it was worth a try.  It... really is a beautiful instrument... same as you said, really...."

Her voice is soft, and Aki finds herself scooting a little.

"...But... of course I'd be okay with you listening, but... I... really do think I'd... like to take you up on the offer.... If you really wouldn't mind...!  The only other piano melody I think I could remember well enough to try to play would probably just be that... one from Pan's Labyrinth... and I can really only reliably find C, haha...."

Before she ends up smiling at the other girl, having made enough room on the bench.  

"I'd also just be... oh, I don't know the word... humbled, maybe, to hear you play.  So feel free to take over if you'd prefer, haha...."

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : SEISHUN LINE! : ryuu_❗ aki

It felt like we could even reach out and touch the sun.

Of course he’d make a stop or several here. The scene before him is more nostalgic than any that might be evoked by the theme park outside. 

Packed stands, bases loaded, the odds uneven, dire. – Hardly a soul would call these conditions ideal… but for Ryuunosuke Yoshida, this was the perfect stage to show what he was truly capable of – … if one ignored the fact that this was merely a simulation.

He’d kept himself busy enough, rattling off some beats on the drum, completing vocal exercises in what appeared to be an actual, designated area to do so, even indulging, for a moment in the pretend situation in which he was back with the other members of the ouendan… but such things were impossible.

– The cardboard crowd wasn’t bad though.

“FIGHT!”

ON!

– A familiar enough exchange.  He’s cheering for… well, he’s not sure right now but it takes him a moment to realize that he isn’t alone – someone else has found their way into the stadium.

“ISHII-SAN! HELLOOOOO –!”

He’s waving enthusiastically at the coach, beckoning her towards him.

“NICE TIMING! I was just thinking how sad it is to cheer  by yourself!”

[shslkingcougar]

Despite her inclination for worry, Aki Ishii, by far, preferred to be the kind of person who looked at the nice things of any situation.

So when she caught wind of Ryuu's lab being opened, there was a flutter to her -- a slight perk, almost -- the kind of thing that had her root around her room and pick up a bat and a ball before venturing out. Maybe a weird idea, given the murder game situation -- but one that brought her comfort all the same.

And it didn't take long for her to find an excuse to enter the lab, tossing the ball up a few feet in the air before catching it intermittently, a satisfying 'whap' of ball against glove that brings her an unnatural amount of comfort, especially as she eyes up the cardboard fans and-- --

And a decidedly not cardboard person...!

.... Maybe she should have expected the ouendan leader to already be checking the place out -- and making it feel much more lively than it would have normally been, but-- ...She's still a little surprised, but she's definitely pleased -- a warm smile coming over her face as she waves her free hand in greeting.

"Yoshida-kun...!  Or should I say--"

And she rests her hands on her hips before yelling out -- her voice much more booming and growly than, um. ...Expected, probably:

"YOSHIDA-KUN!"

Before she relaxes, laughing a little.

"Haha... I haven't yelled like that in weeks, now... it's kind of nice...."

With that, though, she sets her glove, ball, and bat down on the ground and approaches Ryuu, smile still on her face as she stretches a little.

"I don’t know if I’d say sad, but it certainly might be more fun if there were two voices.  Who are we cheering for?  Give me a clue.  I've watched Tenshi-chan and Ji-chan enough to know there's some gymnastics involved, so tell me when to lift, haha!"

[rewoundcircuit]

Sad Punches | Orpheus | Chapter 3 | ATTN: Akira

It was almost mocking how they decided to open up Harada’s Research Lab right after he died.

No, scratch that - it was definitely mocking. And vexing to boot.

Despite his feelings regarding this tasteles move from their captors, Orpheus would still do what he was always doing - what must be done; investigate as much as he could, even though he admittedly got a bit exhausted from the routine. Although he’d rested for the rest of the day after trial concluded, he still didn’t feel quite refreshed yet.

(Then again, how were you supposed to feel this way after everything that happened…?)

The blonde sighed to himself, shaking his head as if to clear his head from these negative thoughts. If he’d linger on them constantly, it would eventually get to him - and he couldn’t allow for that to happen.

Therefore, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand and enter the late bodyguard’s research lab - only to stumble across one of his fellow peers. His expression did light up when he saw who it was.

“Hello, Ishii-san. It is nice to see you here.”

Once he got a better look at her, he couldn’t help but feel as if… something was bothering her. Then again, who wasn’t bothered by the events going around them? Okay, he could probably name at least two that appeared to be that way, but why would he ever bring that up now?

Therefore, his whole attention was on Aki instead. His face wore a more concerned expression now as he approached her.

“… Are you quite alright, Ishii-san? I… suppose this is an unnecessary question, given everything, but… If you need help, I am here for you. Even if you merely need someone to vent to…”

“I was told that I am a good listener, so… I wouldn’t mind.”

[shslkingcougar]

....

After the initial excitement of seeing a theme park recreated for them as a lab had worn off, Aki had.... Had a difficult time, reconciling one of the... oh.... Other labs that had opened, really.

But of course she'd found her way in there sooner rather than later, and of course she'd taken a good stock of everything, and of course she'd rested a towel around her shoulders and placed a bottle of Powerade on the floor before starting to beat the everloving hell out of the punching bag in front of her. Pummeling it so bad that her fists began to hurt; sweat dripping down her face and neck and back and--

--and it was everything she could do to keep herself from focusing on something else, to keep herself in the moment and not-- --to make this bearable, to keep it at least a little--

But even she tires eventually, fists throbbing and chest burning but she still-- --Come on, Aki....

.... It doesn't  take long for her to be sat against a wall, towel around her neck and her drink half drunk; staring blankly at the opposite end of the room because-- --because her knees were pulled up to her chest and they'd only been here for nine days; because people were watching all of this and that must have meant-- --because two more people were dead and if all of that--

....

But she's broken out of it, somewhat, as her mind registers a door opening; the sound of another approaching and-- .... Though her look is at first a little listless, her expression turns into one of warmth as Orpheus approaches, though she makes no attempt to stand up or move for the time being. A little sigh, and her eyes look upwards a bit to meet his gaze:

"Edler-kun... it's nice to see you too.... Sort of a... different spot for you to be in, right...?  Haha... I didn't think... most people would want to come into a... bodyguard training lab...."

With that, however.... (....)

...His... offer... earns him a bit of an unreadable expression. And there's a weird feeling in Aki's chest as she appraises him, one that feels a little too tight but-- But, well....

She finds herself sighing, and shaking her head a little.

"...Haha... well... you're really... nice to offer, Edler-kun... but I don't know if... talking about my feelings has... ever really worked out for me...."

...Though her expression is mostly blank, it's not hard to tell that there's a twinge of... something, there. Before she casts her eyes off to the side, patting the spot next to her a little as she says:

"It's... nothing much, anyway... just my usual overthinking bull... the broadcast, how A-30N's creator has to be near us or on site, thinking about where they might put the cameras... um, that... sort of thing...."

A brief pause, before....

"Still... it was nice of you to ask... I don't meet many guys who like to listen to venting, haha.  My friends tend to all be... 'toughen up, buttercup' sorts of people.... But um, that's not... super interesting.  I guess a better thing to say would be... thank you for all your hard work yesterday.  I... don't know if we would have been able to do that without you.... I think it's important for me to... let you know I'm... sorry for my end of the mess, too.... And really appreciate what you did...."

[shslkingcougar]

ch3 thread tracker

sorted:

kimiko - telegram

kimiko and atsuko - priv

orpheus - public

mayura - public

sandwich - priv

ryuu - public

misaki - priv

unsorted:

nezumi

takaku

I could probably try another few privs but yeah! thanks guys!

[rewoundcircuit]

CH2 PRE-MOTIVE | “ DON'T TAKE MUCH TO GUIDE MY HAND . ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Ikuko

[shslkingcougar]

shslygochamp‌:

Back still turned to Akira Ikuko’s eyes wandered around the room that seemingly belonged to Shooting Star. A room filled with a lot of things that just made her uncomfortable. The air that filled it felt, by it’s very nature, deceitful and dangerous. She took one look at the various props in the room and decided that it might just be good to investigate another lab. Slowly turning around finally she catches a glimpse of Akira as she began talking.

“ …Are you holding up okay…? “

To Ikuko there was a very clear answer to that question. She wasn’t really doing that great. Although when was she exactly? It seemed as if ever since this whole debacle started things only slowly took a turn for the worst. Akira was the first student she had really gotten properly acquainted with.

So much had happened since that last meeting… including but not limited to-

…

She had paused in her tracks for long enough. She doesn’t want to look like she’s ignoring Akira.

“ …I could certainly be faring better. Although, it’s kind of hard not to feel a little at unease with all that’s happened. “

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this was a pretty big understatement. Although maybe she was just trying to make it seem as though she was faring better than she was? Or to make things less tense? Either way-

“ …but I thought you were pretty cool through that whole trial…? “

“ …? “

Talk about being caught off-guard. OK, she knew that she had definitely done her part through that entire trial to keep the conversation firmly in one direction but she didn’t think it was “cool” more so than it was “necessary”. It’s was funny though, Akira thinking she was cool, because-

“ I mean… I could say the same thing about you, Ishii-san. “

Her smile doesn’t last long, however.

“ On ‘getting used to to things’ however. I feel as if… it’s kind of necessary at this point, don’t you think? Not to… sound too pessimistic but we’re being left with little choice in the matter. “

“ A sad truth, but maybe I’m just too used to having to adapt to a given situation. Although, yeah, that’s why I’m here. Better to have a good account of everything available to us just in case something goes… wrong again. “

The Yu-Gi-Oh! player shrugs her shoulders ever so slightly. In her mind she was only being cautious and she kind of fails to see how this could possibly come off as ‘cold’ or even ‘dismissive’. Adapting to the situation just felt natural right now.

"Oh... well, I guess you're right... it was something of a stupid question, haha...."

Her eyebrows are contorted a little, as if she's instantly understood just... how moronic she'd sounded right there. ...Despite this, her tone is gentle, and give the impression of rolling over.

"...Still, I guess I meant... I hope you're as well to be expected... taking care of yourself and that kind of thing.... I don't know if any of this is going to get much easier...."

A pause, though, and Aki is taken slightly aback when.... The other girl... smiles at her again...?

(...Along with a compliment for how... she acted in trial, too....) (It feels like a strange thing, but the recognition....) (....) (It gives that familiar warmth.  The kind that starts in her toes and rushes through her chest -- lingering in her fingers--) (A small sense of pride, maybe....)

(It... was sort of compliment in two ways,wasn't it...?  A genuine show of happiness from a usually more stoic girl, and....) (Well, recognition from a peer, really....)

...The pleasure is hard to keep off her face, even if her tone remains humble.

"...Oh, well, you're sweet to say...."

"...We'll just chalk it up to me being a coach, okay...?  I hope you didn't find it too scary... I was worried about that, haha...."

The trailing off there betrays a sense of real concern -- for whatever that seems to be worth. But then she pauses for a second, still giving the other girl her space... but starting to wander through the lab -- slowly, with predictable movements. And her voice is soft -- yielding -- as she says:

"...And of course I... think you're right, Ueno-chan... and your approach is very sensible.... Don't let it get out too far, but I kind of agree... maybe we would have had a hope if we'd banded together from the beginning, but it... sort of feels like... this is designed to get even the least likely of us to... want to kill...."

Another pause, and she tries to find Ikuko's eyes.

"...I hope you don't think me too pessimistic, either... but I kind of like the realism... it's actually kind of refreshing. And I mean... it just makes it nicer to be alive for the days you have left, you know...?  Living every hour like your last...."

...Her tone, somehow, feels more calm than melancholy, and Aki begins to place her hands on the stage before looking back at the other girl:

"But even the way you say that... ‘used to adapting’... it's so cool.... I should probably ask you for pointers... I don't know if I saw you shake once that entire trial, Ueno-chan...!  I was... really impressed...."

...With that, however, she hoists herself up powerfully -- in one, fluid movement; standing up straight and appraising their potential murder weapons with a careful eye.

A sigh, and she ends up nodding.

"...It was a good impulse.  I mean, have you gotten up here yet...?  It looks like it could be pretty gruesome.... Kind of makes you wonder, which is more merciful...?  Murder or execution...."

I.  Alright, Aki.

[shslkingcougar]

ch2 babey

neglect the fact that i did not do this for ch1 okay!!!

sorted:

kimiko - telegram (sorry mods) (also we started yesterday)

unsorted:

atsuko

yoshiko

yvon

harada

ikuko

nezumi

misaki

if i have not yet rped with you (so like, sandwich, takaku, shooting star, and yoko i think?) then feel free to dm me bc i am beyond interested in getting an rp in.  otherwise i think this will do me until motive BUT if u want me for motive (; (; 

thanks guys!

[chell-arts]

“Umenoyakakutani-san, take a picture with me. I look cute.”