latchki | When it rains, it pours or something deep like that.

A little wet? Hmmmmm I dunno. Even getting a little wet sounds pretty awful!

[Hold on, let her zip up her coat a little so she can stuff her sweets in there to protect them, and then zip it up all the way. Wrapping an arm around her waist just to make extra sure it won't fall out, she takes his hand with a grin.]

I think I'll live. After all, I'm the one that suggested running to somewhere close in the first place, aren't I?

[Okay Mister Good Ideas, lead the way! An arcade sounds pretty fun, really.]

[How does she fit so much inside her jacket...? It's honestly a little impressive? Meanwhile Hajime's managed to shove enough of his snacks into his pocket that he can button his jacket and make his very best attempt to brave the storm.

He gives her hand a quick squeeze and tosses her a grin, and then into the storm they go! And immediately it's obvious that they underestimated the force of the wind and rain, because within seconds, he's already soaked through.]

C-c'mon, I think there's an awning we can duck under! [he yells over the wind, tugging her hand a little more to try to keep her close against him.]

[Well Hajime maybe if you weren't a pig and bought so many snacks!! Actually it's probably because her jacket is really just a simple wind breaker. The material is thin and it's baggy enough that fitting a bag of sweets isn't too difficult. Of course, keeping them dry is another matter because...again. It's just a wind breaker. They're supposed to help with wind, not rain. She's really not in much better shape.

But she follows right after him into the storm, immediately hunching her shoulders up and turning her face away from the rain as best as possible.]

Okay!

[Don't worry, she'll stick to your side like glue practically. In this kind of weather two bodies are better than one, right? Awning she has never been more happy that you were invented. Even after making it under the overhang she doesn't pull herself away from the boy, huddling against him somewhat and staring out at the rain.]

What is with this weather...this is crazy. Are we having a typhoon or something?

[WOW he bought extra snacks for sharing??? He's not a selfish pig!! Also he's a growing boy stfu.

Panting a little from the run, he turns toward her, trying to hunch and angle his shoulders to block some of the blowing rain. While he's fully aware that she's a badass yakuza who can take care of herself, he still wants to protect her... however much he can. So even if his cheeks darken with a light flush, he doesn't protest her huddling against him, instead just squeezing her hand again.

She's warm...]

I have no idea... I knew it was supposed to rain, but I didn't think it'd be anything like this. You okay?

Nobody ever said weather reports are always accurate I guess... [That's just sort of grumbled under her breath as she turns more towards her friend. Being a badass yakuza really doesn't help her here. It's not like she can fight the rain or anything.

I mean sure she could try and fight it. She's down to fight a lot of things. But right now she'd rather spend her time trying to stay warm and maybe help Hajime do the same. So really, she's not at all offended as he tries to help shield her from the elements, more appreciative than anything.]

Heh, do you think a little rain is gonna bother me? I'm a Kuzuryuu, remember? I've been through worse.

[Of course, that doesn't mean she can't talk like a badass yakuza.]

What about you?

[Don't fight the rain...

He just laughs and shakes his head, a little resigned. Of course she'd say something like that. Her strong will and determination is one of the things he admires about her, after all, and, well... with a family like hers?]

Hah, I can believe that. But as for me... no, I've never had to be outside in anything like this. I don't know about it being all that bad, though, I mean... it's kind of exciting.

[--As soon as he says that last bit, he clamps his mouth shut with embarrassment. Wtf wtf why did he say something stupid like that. Running around in the rain and doing something totally out of (his) ordinary shouldn't be exciting?? Wtf why is he such a loser.

He coughs.]

A-anyway...

Edited 2016-08-05 22:05 (UTC)

Exciting huh? [Sorry, you can't just "anyway" that away. There's a little snort of a laugh at that, though it's good natured.]

I mean of course a plain guy like you would find this kind of thing exciting. It's like an adventure or something for you, right? So what role do I play mister protagonist? Am I the badass female side kick or your damsel in distress, huh?

[The sad thing is she was just asking if he was okay. Now he has to put up with this kind of teasing.]

S-shut up!

[UGH he should know better than to lower his guard around her. His cheeks darken into a full blush of embarrassment, and he huffs, trying to regain at least a modicum of coolness.]

If anyone's the protagonist, it's you, you know!

[--That's not the way to do it. But he twists a little, using their joined hands to give her a good-natured shove to her shoulder.]

[Laughing a little, she shoves him in return, but then has to stop for a thoughtful hum.]

Me? The protagonist?

[Hmmm!! Well that would totally make Hajime her damsel in distress and she kind of likes the thought of that! Which isn't inaccurate if anyone was going to do any saving it would probably be her saving his sorry ass! But...]

Naahh. That's fun to think about and kind of flattering coming from you, but I'm better as a side character I think.

[She's a sibling, after all, and only one sibling can be the protagonist unless both are side characters. And her brother is definitely no side character, not in her mind.]

Though hey, if that's the kind of thing you're into, I've been told I can be a very good leader.

[This is added with a wink and no explanation as to what she means...]

Huh?

[Well, he certainly wasn't expecting her to turn that role down... though, he supposes it makes sense. The real protag in her mind must be her brother, right...?

While Hajime'd like to say he'd like to meet this brother of hers, Natsumi is enough of a handful on her own. Maybe it'd for the best he doesn't meet the actual SHSL Yakuza.

She's definitely not a side character to him, though, but before he can come up with a Cool Rebuttal, she's throwing that last bit at him.]

I-I don't know what that would have to do with anything! [he protests, though the darker tint to his cheeks suggests otherwise. Instead, he just shoves her shoulder again.]

But fine, if you're the leader, where should we go now, huh? Do you still want to try for the arcade, or is there anywhere warmer?

[Considering her brother would probably keep a close eye on you for the rest of your life, probably not. You'll have to meet him eventually though.]

Your face says otherwise, you know. [This time she just takes the shove, leaning against him some afterwards in thought.]

How far away is this arcade of yours? There might be some warmer places we can go but if the arcade isn't more than a block away we may as well go there. I think there's a cafe nearby though, so if that ends up being closer we could hit that up instead.

[They could order some warm drinks or food!]

Edited (redundancy...) 2016-08-05 22:55 (UTC)

[Protect him, Natsumi...]

Shut up... [he mutters again, though with no real heat behind it. Not just because she looks like she's about to drop it, but also because he's freezing? He can act cool and protect her from the rain, but it doesn't mean he actually likes being literally cold.

Also he's not so heartless as to actually shove her off when she leans against him. In fact, he relaxes a little, grip tightening gently on her hand as he hums in thought.]

It's only about another block and a half away, but... I could go for something warm to drink.

[He's trying to keep it subtle, but he is shivering a little. SOMEONE is stealing all his warmth, after all!]

Ready to make a break for it?

[She can try, but she makes no promises.

But look, maybe if someone wasn't so willing to give it away, she wouldn't steal any of it! Though she does lean away a little bit, so she can point out the direction they should be running for the cafe.]

Something warm to drink sounds good. It's in that direction, just straight down on the left.

[Got that? But alright, squeezing his hand she once again secures her arm around her snacks and nods.]

Ready as I'll ever be.

[He follows the direction she's pointing, nodding once and shoving his snacks more securely into his pockets. RIP in pieces potato chips, there's no way they're totally intact after this.]

Right, let's go!

[With a shout as if to try to bolster his energy, he tugs her hand and darts back out into the rain. It's no less cold and wet than before, but somehow the promise of a hot drink is better motivation than playing video games, really.]

You- still okay?

[Her legs are much shorter than his, if he has to slow down, he'll do it!]

[She's right there with him, eyes squeezed shut half the time to keep water out of them. If she's following him, she should be just fine, right?]

Don't worry about me!

[Even if she's got shorter legs than him, she doesn't mind running her hardest to keep up. They're about to sit down and relax anyway, right? It'll be worth it if she ends up a little worn out!

A little cafe sign over a door waves in the wind in the distance. That's probably where they're going, it seems to be the only one.]

You can say that, but--!

[Anything else he could say is cut off by the wind changing direction and him gagging on rainwater. So much for a kind of Cool Concern.

Holding a hand up in front of his eyes, he spots the sign, putting on a final burst of energy to shove the door open and tug her inside, gasping for breath.]

Ha...haha, we made it.

[There's water dripping from his ahoge... he's so cold and wet, why did this happen.]

[Sanctuary. They are Safe, finally...breathing ragged, she bends over some with a hand on her knee while she tries to catch her breath.]

We...we did...I knew we could...

[Once she can breathe a little she gets up and makes a rude hand gesture out the window with a little laugh.]

Take that rain!

[Didn't take them! Both of them are just fine, if not a little cold. Her taunting finished, she turns to him and gives him a punch in the shoulder. Gentler than a real punch but still a little oomph behind it.]

Look at you! Getting us through that storm like that. Let's find a seat! I want a booth!

[Her mood has significantly lifted now that they're out of the torrent outside it seems, just grinning up at Hajime. Her cheeks, nose and the tips of her ears are red from the cold, wet hair clinging to her face and neck, but Natsumi seems happy as ever. Obviously pleased with their victory.]

Kuzuryuu!

[Don't make those kinds of gestures in public! Hajime makes a grab for her hand, trying to at least shield it before some unfortunate passerby trying to brave the rain spots them both. But he laughs as he grabs her hand, accepting that punch and just shoving her back, though a little more gently than she'd punched him.]

Alright, alright! Um...

[It takes him a second or two to tear his eyes away from her, mentally shaking his head. She looks really cute like that...? It should be Illegal. But alright, putting his Observe skill to the test. Not that it's a real skill or anything, just that he's trying to pay attention and figure out what the best place would be. Away from the cold window? Check. Booth? Check. Near a heating vent...? Jackpot.

With her hand once again secure, he tugs it, leading her toward the back corner.]

How's this?

[Is she really cute when makes those kinds of gestures in public? There's no protest to taking her hand, waiting patiently for him to find them a seat. She could help, of course, and who could pick a better seat than she can? But she likes asking him to do things for her. Which is usually how words like "we" and "let's" end up. Those are actually code words for "you".

But wow, look at this seating option! She appraises it real quick before letting go of his hand, working on unzipping her jacket so she can put her snacks on the table.]

It has my official approval! It's nice and warm.

[There's an unspoken "good job" added on as she starts stripping that jacket off once it's empty of its contents. Ugh goodbye water logged material. Hello to the idea of drying off. The wind breaker is discarded on one booth seat and she slides into the one opposite of it.

Aaaaahhhhh much better...propping her chin up with her hands, elbows on the table, she smiles up at him again. Though her expression is a lot more mischievous and teasing than before.]

As a reward I'll even let you sit by me if you want.

[It's cute if she's the one doing it! The gestures could stop, though. Or at least, not flip off potential random passerby.]

I'm so glad it meets your approval.

[It's said a little sarcastically, but he honestly is glad... He's pulling his snacks out of his pockets and hoping that they don't get in trouble for bringing in outside food when she makes her offer, and he can't help but stammer with a little surprise. Sitting next to someone in a booth when there's only two people...? That's what people do on a date, right?]

I-I... sure, if you want to.

[No, wait, that was the opposite of a cool reaction. Hang on, maybe he can recover this as he peels his wet jacket off.]

It makes sense to only get one of their seats wet, after all.

[Nailed it.]

[She could be nice here. She could focus on his cool reaction and totally ignore the first thing he stammered out. But then when has she ever been nice?

Natsumi slides over to make room, smirk only turning into a grin as she does so.]

Well I wouldn't have made the offer if I didn't want to. But I guess being polite like that is a good excuse.

[If the cafe has any problem with them bringing in food she could always threaten them a little! She's yakuza to the core after all!

...actually, she'd probably just pay them extra instead. This is a pretty small community cafe, and they are the ones who brought the snacks in. It'd only be fair, right? Then again, she saw their menu on the way in and their food choices looked pretty good...maybe she could get a slice of their cake instead! Eat that and not even touch her snacks. So many choices...]

So who's ordering anyway?

W-what excuse...?

[It's less a question than it is a mutter to himself. He's just slid into the booth next to her when she asks her other question, and he hums a quiet noise.]

I'll do it. Just let me know what you want, and I'll get it for you.

[Which... is honestly a terrible idea, because he's absolutely certain if they were to compare what their wallets looked like, his would be in the far sorrier shape. But... it seems right to offer.]

I like their kusamochi.

[Of course he does...]

[Well luckily, she was planning on handing him her wallet anyway. Because she knows yours is a poor, pathetic thing that needs all the help it can get. Which is what she does once he answers.]

Do you? Get enough for both of us then. I want some. Annnd a white chocolate macchiato, 20oz, with extra whipped cream. I saw lots of cakes in their display window too so get me a slice of chocolate. The icing doesn't matter, it all looked really good.

[Hmmm wait. She sits up a little, staring over at the counter in thought.]

You should see if they have anything hot and fresh to eat too. If they do I want it. And you're free to get whatever you want.

[Okay. Off you go cutie. Go order and bring it back like a cute waiter or something.]

H-hang on...!

[Crap, he doesn't have his schoolbooks with him! How is he supposed to remember shit like the size of her macchiato and what she wants on it?! This is the worst PTA he's ever had to go through!

He's counting silently on his fingers as she goes on, eyes widening a little. This seems like a lot! He's silently, abruptly glad that she's the one paying for it.]

O-okay, two orders of kusamochi, large white chocolate ma... yeah, extra whipped cream, chocolate cake, something hot.

[He's repeating it quietly to himself as he heads up to the front. He's really trying his best... so give him a couple minutes, and he comes back with two trays. There's two different paninis that he'd been told have fresh ingredients, the largest size white chocolate macchiato they had with whipped cream, two orders of kusamochi, and a slice of chocolate cake with chocolate icing. And a teapot of green tea with two cups.

This is basically dinner, but he's just following her directions...]

How's this?

[Snack, dinner, same thing right? She watches him the whole time, resting her chin in her hand again and just smiling as he repeats it to himself and then repeats it to the guy at the counter. And, surprisingly, continues to smile like that for his entire return trip! Once the trays are set down she sits up to inspect everything annnnd...]

Perfect! This looks delicious. Now sit down so you can start warming up.

[The first thing she's going to do is grab her coffee, taking a sip of it and following that sip with a satisfied sigh. Oh that's so good and so warm. She's going to sink back into her seat just a little in content. Yup, it's perfect.]

Thanks Hinata-kun.

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