[ WOW??? How cruel, dangling Yuki's impossibly handsome face over him this way...
He laughs when he reads that, though, because Yuki is actually the type to get jealous about petty things like these. So is Momo, but shh.
Once he reads the message, he's tempted to shoot back with a "you're supposed to say 'over and out'!", but he lets that slide; instead, he patters on downstairs to wait for Maya in his living room, trying to look a little more put-together than his blanket burrito from a few minutes ago.
She'll find him fixing his hair and smoothing out the wrinkles in his sweatshirt. It's been a long time since he's had to look photo-ready, but he might as well make an effort. ]
[ Maya is at least polite enough to knock once before letting herself in-- and when she gets a look at Momo more or less preening himself, she has to laugh. Maybe it makes him feel better, to try and look like he's not sick at all, but she's seen him looking way less dignified in plenty of other situations by now.
For her part, she seems to be her usual self. Maybe a little paler than usual, but no less cheerful for it. ]
You can relax, I didn't come here to interview you.
[ He's a little thinner, a little more angled than usual, but it's the same old Momo: bright-eyed, light-stepped, optimistic. When he notices Maya watching him, he laughs off whatever embarrassment threatens to rise to the surface. He figures that, yeah, he's way past needing to worry about presentation in front of her at this point. ]
Aah, really? I was just prepping for some hard-hitting questions, too.
[ A grin, and he holds his arms out for a—
—wait, no. Whatever he has might be contagious??? Time to shrink back, like a hedgehog. ]
[ Her thoughts are moving at a slower pace than usual, laughable for a journalist, but when Momo suddenly shrinks back, Maya can't entirely suppress the look of confused hurt.
Did she do something? Does she actually look terrible? It's not like Momo to actually catch himself and draw back, but...
... Oh. Wait. ]
You won't get me sick. I'm pretty tough, you know?
[ Oh, he didn't mean to make her look like that. He mirrors her hurt for just a second, internally kicking himself for being tactless, but he crumbles into a soft smile again. Resigned but fond. ]
—Aaah!!! It's because you say stuff like that that I don't want to get you sick, you know!
[ Because she says she's tough, because he knows that he says that same exact thing, too. After all, Maya isn't Yuki, who can only say precisely what he means.
He pretends to grumble, but just for a second. Afterwards, he shuffles on over for a two-armed hug. ]
What's up? Anything new and good? What made you happy today?
[ Maya's a little too used to being the big sister optimist to be entirely blunt, though she knows if anyone's going to see through her more than she'd necessarily like, it's probably the person who shares that similarity.
Still. It's rare for her to come down with anything ("Because idiots don't ever get sick, do they, Maya-san?" Yukino had deadpanned once) and she'd rather risk it than turn down a hug opportunity.
A two-hander, even. It feels kind of like a blessing, and Maya returns it wholeheartedly with a firm squeeze, even as she hums thoughtfully. ]
Seeing you made me happy.
[ Well, yes. ]
And I found out that I can apparently heal people enough to take care of the worst of their symptoms for a little bit. It's nothing permanent, unfortunately, but I'd like to think it helps at least a little until we can figure out an actual cure.
[ Maya, you flatterer. It's one thing to have fans who will genuinely be thrilled to see you, but another thing entirely to hear that from someone you know personally. Not to put a ranking on happiness quotients, but. You know.
He pats between Maya's shoulderblades once, twice, before stepping back and away. Even if he looks a little thinner, he couldn't be more content. ]
As expected of investigative journalist Amano-sama...! You found a temporary fix just like that, huh...! [ His eyes narrow, openly impressed. ] Does it have anything to do with your special powers?
[ It feels like, somehow, no one has as many nicknames for Maya as Momo does. It's honestly kind of impressive, even as she scrutinizes him to take in the thin lines of his face and the way he carries himself-- and then laughs. ]
Guilty as charged! It's a Persona ability. Want me to see if I can heal that tired heart of yours for a little while?
[ It's all a part of being in show biz, to personalize everyone he meets to make them feel special, every time; but it's not about that, with Maya. He just has fun around her, really.
Gesturing for her to follow, Momo plods on over to the living room and folds himself onto his one couch. ]
A "Persona"...! Haha, it even sounds like a cool videogame superpower...! [ Don't break the 4th wall too much, Momo. ] It's not one of those things where you use your ability and it gives you status damage, right? Like, you use your healing magic but it also makes you super sleepy? Nothing like that?
If you think that much sounds like a video game, I should really tell you what life's been like before I came here-- oh, but--!
[ Just as quickly, she remembers that explaining what had happened would also involve possibly having to explain how she'd been caught up in this mess in the first place, so Maya's more than eager to leap to the next topic as she plunks down on the couch and beckons at him for one of his hands.
Does she actually need his hand, no, but it'll look less strange than completely summoning Artemis. ]
No, it's not exactly like that! If I use any kind of magic, too many spells, for too long, then it's draining. Like burning all your stamina by sprinting in a marathon. But that's really only for emergencies, and this should just take one spell.
[ So it's kind of like exercising really hard, he figures. It makes sense; the rules of RPGs say that using magic depletes MP, which is probably the equivalent of stamina. That's the only way he can really wrap his mind around these things.
When she asks for his hand, he gives it without a second thought. ]
Does that make you the healer of the group?
[ Is that how these things work in real life? It feels a little invasive, asking this, but he's curious. ]
Not the sole one, but it's probably true that I was one of the ones with the most magic... and Artemis did pretty much specialize in healing.
[ Maya wraps her fingers around Momo's wrist once he offers it, focusing on that as she speaks. This time, instead of her Persona appearing, her palm grows warm and a soft, bluish-green light wraps around their hands, sinking into Momo's skin. It gently chases that ill feeling back, acting a bit like a barricade between him and the curse. ]
Anyway, things should go back to normal when I get to go home, so I shouldn't end up fighting anymore.
[ Whoa. Again, this is exactly the kind of thing he's seen in movies— excuse him for gawking. His already-big eyes widen, and after he looks back and forth between Maya and his palm, he breaks into an awestruck smile. ]
...Wow. Thanks— I already feel a lot better.
[ His lungs feel less tight, and his joints ache less. Maya really is amazing. ]
But... I'm glad. No more fighting for hard-working Maya! You should take a break! Go to the beach!
[ He definitely looks better, prompting a warmly relieved smile from Maya and a slight squeeze of his hand before she releases it. Her limbs feel a little heavy, but maybe she really is just tired. She'll have to actually consider maybe sleeping early tonight.
Maybe. ]
I'll think about it! I've got a scuba diving license, you know.
[ Momo already has a feeling that Maya isn't just going to go home and rest... so his dastardly plan is to have her nap here, where he can make sure she gets some shuteye. Senpai instincts die hard.
He casually reaches for one of his couch blankets, and drapes it over Maya's knee. Casually. ]
Haha, no way, really?! Are you a beach person, like Momo-chan...?!
[ Already more energized, he throws his arms up in the air. ]
You gotta teach me, sometime! ☆ In return, I'll teach you how to surf!
[ Wow. Does he think her knee is cold? What a strange, completely subtle move that doesn't have her curious at all!!
Yep, that discerning gaze is definitely not because she thinks he's up to Something.
Still... she can't ponder it too long, not when Momo's back to his usual buoyant self. That's the biggest relief of all, and Maya grins, leaning back against the couch. ]
Deal! I love the ocean, but between my job and... serial killers and people turning into demons and... foreign minister masterminds...
[ Sometimes knees get cold??? And sometimes a person needs to be surrounded by cushions. Time to strategically move some of them over to Maya's side of the couch...
That said, you can't just talk about serial killers and not expect Momo to say nothing about it, Maya. ]
—What kind of packed schedule is that?!
[ And he thought he had life issues that kept him from surfing excursions??? He looks appalled, really. ]
No more serial killers! No more guys turning around in their chairs with a hairless cat! You need a vacation, stat.
[ Maya's smile is a little quieter, subdued at the edges. She's still not going to lie down, though. ]
It did start off that way, I swear. [ Just an assignment, instead of having the day off like she'd hoped. And then it had all gone... completely chaotic. ]
But at this point, I don't really feel like I should complain. I was given a choice to live a safe and normal life, if I didn't pursue things. If I just... forgot about it.
[ No more danger. No painful memories. But no answers, either. ]
[ Momo hums under his breath, marinating on those words. Instead of waiting for Maya to make the first move, Momo takes the liberty of flopping onto his side; maybe Maya will follow suit, he thinks.
He looks up at her through the shutter of his bangs. After a beat, he finally acquiesces and smooths his expression into a smile. ]
—The fact that you can think that way is really amazing. You're super super cool, Maya.
[ Spoken without shame or hesitation. What's wrong with telling the truth? ]
This coming from the idol? That's pretty high praise, Momo!
[ And a little embarrassing, but it's also kind of touching. She doesn't usually hear this from fellow adults-- rather, she doesn't think she's ever heard that from someone older than seventeen.
Maya is once again not cooperative when it comes to flopping over or lying down, though Momo does make it look awfully tempting. After a minute, though, she reaches down and eases the fingers of one hand into his hair to gently pet it. She can remember liking how that had felt when she'd been sick and tired as a kid. ]
... You're right. I didn't. I just... wanted the truth.
I didn't think it'd end up being what it was, but at the same time...
[ He won't pretend that it doesn't feel nice, those fingers in his hair, so he relaxes a little more and sinks just a centimeter more into the couch. It's a personal belief of his that comfort is contagious; if you make it known to someone that you enjoy their company, they'll feel a littler safer in yours.
(even Yukito Orikasa, previously insurmountable, lazes around Momo like a cat now; Momo considers that one of his greatest triumphs.) ]
Nah. Don't be sorry— just imagine that I'm a big pumpkin. You're just talking to yourself.
[ A little chime of a laugh, and he reaches up to pat Maya on the head. Reciprocation is key. ]
[ Momo will have to try his luck with Baofu or Katusya Suou one day. Maya, on the other hand, as much as she shies away from revealing anything too vulnerable about herself, is completely fine with affection.
... Although affection when he's asking her something so personal is new, so Maya hesitates at first, then dips her head a little under the touch of his palm. Through it all, she keeps stroking his hair, as though it's just second nature at this point. ]
... No, [ she says finally, though there's that underlying sorrow that she can never really fully shove down. ]
Not exactly. What happened wasn't anything I could have stopped. I can't change any of it now. And I can't... go back, either.
[ They couldn't remember. It would have been the worst thing if they had. ]
I remembered... more than I should have. But I lost-- I guess what you'd call a family. It's not something I can get back, either. But I still don't regret the memories of having something precious that I would have died for.
So-- no regrets! [ Just sadness. Loneliness. ] I'm staying positive!
[ Toss those troublemakers at him; he'll love them all the same, probably.
It's a nice feedback loop that they're making here, the back-and-forth. Despite everything about this strange town and the way it punishes its residents for trifles, Momo hopes he remembers everything about it if it means he can hold on to moments like these.
A thoughtful pause, and he starts braiding a portion of Maya's hair as he opens his mouth to speak. ]
—You're really sure that you can't get it back? [ That sounds too sad; it makes his heart hurt in the same way it did when Yuki lost Banri. "I'm sure you'll find him", Momo'd always said.
He mellows, with Maya's hair still tangled between his fingers. ] Staying positive's great, but do you have people you're going back to?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
He laughs when he reads that, though, because Yuki is actually the type to get jealous about petty things like these. So is Momo, but shh.
Once he reads the message, he's tempted to shoot back with a "you're supposed to say 'over and out'!", but he lets that slide; instead, he patters on downstairs to wait for Maya in his living room, trying to look a little more put-together than his blanket burrito from a few minutes ago.
She'll find him fixing his hair and smoothing out the wrinkles in his sweatshirt. It's been a long time since he's had to look photo-ready, but he might as well make an effort. ]
no subject
For her part, she seems to be her usual self. Maybe a little paler than usual, but no less cheerful for it. ]
You can relax, I didn't come here to interview you.
no subject
Aah, really? I was just prepping for some hard-hitting questions, too.
[ A grin, and he holds his arms out for a—
—wait, no. Whatever he has might be contagious??? Time to shrink back, like a hedgehog. ]
no subject
Did she do something? Does she actually look terrible? It's not like Momo to actually catch himself and draw back, but...
... Oh. Wait. ]
You won't get me sick. I'm pretty tough, you know?
no subject
—Aaah!!! It's because you say stuff like that that I don't want to get you sick, you know!
[ Because she says she's tough, because he knows that he says that same exact thing, too. After all, Maya isn't Yuki, who can only say precisely what he means.
He pretends to grumble, but just for a second. Afterwards, he shuffles on over for a two-armed hug. ]
What's up? Anything new and good? What made you happy today?
no subject
Still. It's rare for her to come down with anything ("Because idiots don't ever get sick, do they, Maya-san?" Yukino had deadpanned once) and she'd rather risk it than turn down a hug opportunity.
A two-hander, even. It feels kind of like a blessing, and Maya returns it wholeheartedly with a firm squeeze, even as she hums thoughtfully. ]
Seeing you made me happy.
[ Well, yes. ]
And I found out that I can apparently heal people enough to take care of the worst of their symptoms for a little bit. It's nothing permanent, unfortunately, but I'd like to think it helps at least a little until we can figure out an actual cure.
no subject
He pats between Maya's shoulderblades once, twice, before stepping back and away. Even if he looks a little thinner, he couldn't be more content. ]
As expected of investigative journalist Amano-sama...! You found a temporary fix just like that, huh...! [ His eyes narrow, openly impressed. ] Does it have anything to do with your special powers?
no subject
Guilty as charged! It's a Persona ability. Want me to see if I can heal that tired heart of yours for a little while?
no subject
Gesturing for her to follow, Momo plods on over to the living room and folds himself onto his one couch. ]
A "Persona"...! Haha, it even sounds like a cool videogame superpower...! [ Don't break the 4th wall too much, Momo. ] It's not one of those things where you use your ability and it gives you status damage, right? Like, you use your healing magic but it also makes you super sleepy? Nothing like that?
no subject
[ Just as quickly, she remembers that explaining what had happened would also involve possibly having to explain how she'd been caught up in this mess in the first place, so Maya's more than eager to leap to the next topic as she plunks down on the couch and beckons at him for one of his hands.
Does she actually need his hand, no, but it'll look less strange than completely summoning Artemis. ]
No, it's not exactly like that! If I use any kind of magic, too many spells, for too long, then it's draining. Like burning all your stamina by sprinting in a marathon. But that's really only for emergencies, and this should just take one spell.
no subject
[ So it's kind of like exercising really hard, he figures. It makes sense; the rules of RPGs say that using magic depletes MP, which is probably the equivalent of stamina. That's the only way he can really wrap his mind around these things.
When she asks for his hand, he gives it without a second thought. ]
Does that make you the healer of the group?
[ Is that how these things work in real life? It feels a little invasive, asking this, but he's curious. ]
no subject
[ Maya wraps her fingers around Momo's wrist once he offers it, focusing on that as she speaks. This time, instead of her Persona appearing, her palm grows warm and a soft, bluish-green light wraps around their hands, sinking into Momo's skin. It gently chases that ill feeling back, acting a bit like a barricade between him and the curse. ]
Anyway, things should go back to normal when I get to go home, so I shouldn't end up fighting anymore.
no subject
...Wow. Thanks— I already feel a lot better.
[ His lungs feel less tight, and his joints ache less. Maya really is amazing. ]
But... I'm glad. No more fighting for hard-working Maya! You should take a break! Go to the beach!
no subject
Maybe. ]
I'll think about it! I've got a scuba diving license, you know.
[ Once Sumaru City calms the hell down. ]
no subject
He casually reaches for one of his couch blankets, and drapes it over Maya's knee. Casually. ]
Haha, no way, really?! Are you a beach person, like Momo-chan...?!
[ Already more energized, he throws his arms up in the air. ]
You gotta teach me, sometime! ☆ In return, I'll teach you how to surf!
no subject
Yep, that discerning gaze is definitely not because she thinks he's up to Something.
Still... she can't ponder it too long, not when Momo's back to his usual buoyant self. That's the biggest relief of all, and Maya grins, leaning back against the couch. ]
Deal! I love the ocean, but between my job and... serial killers and people turning into demons and... foreign minister masterminds...
[ ... haaaa. ]
I haven't gone in awhile!
no subject
That said, you can't just talk about serial killers and not expect Momo to say nothing about it, Maya. ]
—What kind of packed schedule is that?!
[ And he thought he had life issues that kept him from surfing excursions??? He looks appalled, really. ]
No more serial killers! No more guys turning around in their chairs with a hairless cat! You need a vacation, stat.
no subject
Also gosh it's fine, she's clearly still alive! ]
There were no hairless cats! And the serial killer problem was handled, so it's fine! I will definitely sleep in when I get home!!
[ Maya, you are explaining absolutely nothing. ]
no subject
Man... you make it sound like nothing, but that's way too much to handle all at once.
[ To the tune of I can't believe it. A sigh, and he rolls his shoulders. ]
That's not just a tough work day or a busy schedule. You know that, right?
no subject
[ Maya's smile is a little quieter, subdued at the edges. She's still not going to lie down, though. ]
It did start off that way, I swear. [ Just an assignment, instead of having the day off like she'd hoped. And then it had all gone... completely chaotic. ]
But at this point, I don't really feel like I should complain. I was given a choice to live a safe and normal life, if I didn't pursue things. If I just... forgot about it.
[ No more danger. No painful memories. But no answers, either. ]
no subject
He looks up at her through the shutter of his bangs. After a beat, he finally acquiesces and smooths his expression into a smile. ]
—The fact that you can think that way is really amazing. You're super super cool, Maya.
[ Spoken without shame or hesitation. What's wrong with telling the truth? ]
You didn't want to forget, did you?
no subject
[ And a little embarrassing, but it's also kind of touching. She doesn't usually hear this from fellow adults-- rather, she doesn't think she's ever heard that from someone older than seventeen.
Maya is once again not cooperative when it comes to flopping over or lying down, though Momo does make it look awfully tempting. After a minute, though, she reaches down and eases the fingers of one hand into his hair to gently pet it. She can remember liking how that had felt when she'd been sick and tired as a kid. ]
... You're right. I didn't. I just... wanted the truth.
I didn't think it'd end up being what it was, but at the same time...
[ ... She huffs softly after a minute. ]
Sorry. You don't really need to hear any of this.
no subject
(even Yukito Orikasa, previously insurmountable, lazes around Momo like a cat now; Momo considers that one of his greatest triumphs.) ]
Nah. Don't be sorry— just imagine that I'm a big pumpkin. You're just talking to yourself.
[ A little chime of a laugh, and he reaches up to pat Maya on the head. Reciprocation is key. ]
Do you regret anything?
no subject
[ Momo will have to try his luck with Baofu or Katusya Suou one day. Maya, on the other hand, as much as she shies away from revealing anything too vulnerable about herself, is completely fine with affection.
... Although affection when he's asking her something so personal is new, so Maya hesitates at first, then dips her head a little under the touch of his palm. Through it all, she keeps stroking his hair, as though it's just second nature at this point. ]
... No, [ she says finally, though there's that underlying sorrow that she can never really fully shove down. ]
Not exactly. What happened wasn't anything I could have stopped. I can't change any of it now. And I can't... go back, either.
[ They couldn't remember. It would have been the worst thing if they had. ]
I remembered... more than I should have. But I lost-- I guess what you'd call a family. It's not something I can get back, either. But I still don't regret the memories of having something precious that I would have died for.
So-- no regrets! [ Just sadness. Loneliness. ] I'm staying positive!
no subject
It's a nice feedback loop that they're making here, the back-and-forth. Despite everything about this strange town and the way it punishes its residents for trifles, Momo hopes he remembers everything about it if it means he can hold on to moments like these.
A thoughtful pause, and he starts braiding a portion of Maya's hair as he opens his mouth to speak. ]
—You're really sure that you can't get it back? [ That sounds too sad; it makes his heart hurt in the same way it did when Yuki lost Banri. "I'm sure you'll find him", Momo'd always said.
He mellows, with Maya's hair still tangled between his fingers. ] Staying positive's great, but do you have people you're going back to?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)