[ It helps to have a Persona inside to caution her about new and unusual things cropping up around the town. A single glance at the thorns had filled her with such visceral dread that Maya had heeded Artemis' warning and done her best to stay clear of it.
But she's seen what's been happening to everyone else. Sudden swings in mood, up and down. Fevers, nausea, listlessness, exhaustion. She's done what she can with a healing spell or five, but it doesn't entirely seem to fix the problem, and Maya's still not sure what kind of remedy this will end up requiring.
Still. Because she's been kept busy, she hasn't had time to check on everyone, and some people she's yet to see around, so when she gets a chance to catch her breath...
She sends a message.
She's just tired from healing, she tells herself, as her head aches. She's fine. ]
Maya to Momo! Do you copy? How's the health? Over.
[ From one bad health month to another bad health month. Momo's learned by now not to take these lapses in personal management personally anymore— this town is hellbent on making him feel lousy, and there's not much he can do about it but make the best of what he's given.
So. Here he is, bundled and tired, checking for messages on his laptop.
Maya always delivers on a good time; he smiles when he sees her pop up on his screen. ]
momo to maya! i copy! (｀･-･´)/
the health could be better, but i'm still my cute momo-chan self!
[ This is the kind of thing other adults probably would have rolled their eyes over, but it makes Maya smile that he's playing along. It doesn't really tell her much about how bad he's feeling, because she gets the feeling Momo would still be using emojis and happy lingo on his deathbed, but at least it means he's still conscious.
Good. ]
If I was working SUPER super hard, I wouldn't have the time to be typing to you!
And since it's not super super hard, I think I can take a little more time to come check on you in person.
Better than a phone call, right? I'm so much better when I'm more than a voice!
[ Pry Momo's emojis from his cold, dead hands, tbh.
That said, he's always thankful for the type of person Maya is— which is to say, the type of person who seeks contact instead of avoiding it when the going gets tough. ]
momo-chan worries, because maya's an overachiever! ε-(´･ε･̥ˋ๑)
haha, just kidding though
let's definitely meet up! bonus: you can still feel super productive, because you'd be helping me out (≧∀≦) you'd be healing my tired heart
Still trying to make my heart flutter even when you have Yuki-san... don't make me tell his photo on you.
Anyway, I'll be right over!
Over!
[ "over" is beginning to not look like much of a word, but that's all Maya's got to say, closing her laptop, taking a bolstering breath and trotting out. At least they're in the same district, and she's assuming he's got to be home if he was on his laptop. ]
[ 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. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
#B9536C; event stuff
But she's seen what's been happening to everyone else. Sudden swings in mood, up and down. Fevers, nausea, listlessness, exhaustion. She's done what she can with a healing spell or five, but it doesn't entirely seem to fix the problem, and Maya's still not sure what kind of remedy this will end up requiring.
Still. Because she's been kept busy, she hasn't had time to check on everyone, and some people she's yet to see around, so when she gets a chance to catch her breath...
She sends a message.
She's just tired from healing, she tells herself, as her head aches. She's fine. ]
Maya to Momo! Do you copy? How's the health? Over.no subject
So. Here he is, bundled and tired, checking for messages on his laptop.
Maya always delivers on a good time; he smiles when he sees her pop up on his screen. ]
momo to maya! i copy! (｀･-･´)/
the health could be better,
but i'm still my cute momo-chan self!
i bet you're working super hard again
i wish i had a phone i could call you on
over!
no subject
Good. ]
If I was working SUPER super hard, I wouldn't have the time to be typing to you!
And since it's not super super hard, I think I can take a little more time to come check on you in person.
Better than a phone call, right? I'm so much better when I'm more than a voice!
[ and modest.
... oh, right. ]
Over!no subject
That said, he's always thankful for the type of person Maya is— which is to say, the type of person who seeks contact instead of avoiding it when the going gets tough. ]
momo-chan worries, because maya's an overachiever! ε-(´･ε･̥ˋ๑)
haha, just kidding though
let's definitely meet up! bonus: you can still feel super productive, because you'd be helping me out
(≧∀≦) you'd be healing my tired heart
over!
no subject
Still trying to make my heart flutter even when you have Yuki-san... don't make me tell his photo on you.
Anyway, I'll be right over!
Over!
[ "over" is beginning to not look like much of a word, but that's all Maya's got to say, closing her laptop, taking a bolstering breath and trotting out. At least they're in the same district, and she's assuming he's got to be home if he was on his laptop. ]
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. ]
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