[ 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?
[ It's such a simple, warm gesture that she's sure Ulala would squawk over if she could see it, Maya getting a section of her hair braided by an idol-- but it softens her resistance, just enough, that she doesn't immediately try to change the subject to something much happier, as desperately as she wants to. The supportive side of her is wailing that this is wrong, that Momo still needs to be resting and he'll just worry about her if she keeps talking, this isn't Maya Amano as she should be.
But it's just them right now, and Maya relents with a tight noise in her throat, settling down onto her side as well so at least Momo does't have to reach up as much. ]
I have my roommate, my coworkers-- I'm not alone. [ Her bond with Ulala has only grown stronger from this, she's sure. Though Tatsuya will be gone. And if the Tatsuya who remains remembers nothing, then she ought to distance herself from his brother too. Baofu probably won't stick around. And the others... ]
But I'm positive [ ha ] I won't get that back. That's the one thing I can't try to save. The things that would get lost if I did... it would never be worth the risk.
[ She can't put them before the world. As much as she loves those kids, it's better if they stay happy and unknowing. ]
[ She settles, and he makes more room for her. It's all he can do, really, with so many of the puzzle pieces missing for him to make a more informed comment about what she's resigned herself to. This isn't like the time his cute juniors came to him with their hearts on their sleeves and their issues out in the open; even when Yamato, with all of his secrets, came to him to vent a little steam, Momo'd had more context.
This isn't a matter of 'do your best' or 'let Momo-chan pull some strings'. It feels as helpless as his own situation with Re:vale and Banri and his own self-doubt.
He doesn't want to say 'it's okay' (he knows better), so he finishes the last of that braid and pats the crown of her head. Carefully. ]
...Mm. You can take time and figure that out, though. Things can change— nothing's ever completely hopeless.
[ He wants to believe that, so he smiles. ]
Until then, do the things that make you happy! Go scuba diving. Eat cake! Make a lot of great memories, so you can share them with whoever you lost. Just in case.
[ What competent adults, curled up on a couch. Maya's uncharacteristically quiet, head throbbing slightly as she silently wars with herself. It means a lot, really-- that Momo doesn't have the full story and that he's still doing his best to offer advice and encouragement. He'd have every right to ask her for more details for a better sense of understanding, too, since she's the one who brought it up.
But he doesn't, and the ache that accompanies the wistful thought of ever making contact with those kids again, telling them all about this town and the people she'd met, happily dragging them into the ocean-- it's soothed by a warm sense of gratitude. ]
I really can't... but thanks, Momo.
[ And she means that. ]
... Maybe one day, when I think it won't make you cry, I'll tell you.
[ Or maybe she won't be emotionally and physically drained and this will definitely never come up again. ]
But I'll definitely find those happy spots, starting here.
[ He might ask her for more details when he's more focused and when she has less on her plate— whichever comes first. For now, she's told him enough. He knows that he doesn't need to rush answers from her.
Watch as it takes him another 500 years to get her to talk to him about anything. Still, it'd be worth it. ]
—Ooh, you're so cruel...! I'm gonna have to try really hard not to cry, then.
[ Says the guy who's laughing now. He's going to hold her to that semi-promise!! ]
But, that's good. Let's make a lot of 'happy-s' together! And then everyone will be drawn to you like a moth to a flame...!! [ Even the people she supposedly lost. He wants that for her, sincerely and a half. ]
[ She'd tell him if he asked her, simply enough. It's just not a simple topic to every really bring up.
For now, Maya's content to leave it at this much. It makes her all the more determined to be ready to support him at any given time, if he ever wavers or starts feeling doubt. ]
You want everyone to get close to me and then burst into flames? That's pretty brutal, Momo.
... But also, think you can rest soon? I think it'll help the healing stick longer if your body does its part too.
[ Which means she'll shift to start sitting up. Maya, no, he tried so hard. ]
[ What the absolute heck........ how can she be so powerful as to ignore the allure of this pillow fort??? He got her to lie down and now she's getting up??? Impossible.
Time to utilize his Idol Skills. When she moves, he hooks his fingers in her sleeve and looks up at her through his lashes in the most perfectly trained Puppy Dog look he can muster.
Re:vale fans, eat your heart out. ]
I can rest... but are you really gonna make me do that all alone...?
[ God, saying this out loud almost makes him laugh, it's so transparent and stupid. ]
[ It's honestly adorable and endearing, and were Maya any kind of proper young lady, she would have melted, swooned, and squealed, maybe in that order, maybe not.
But Maya's a heathen by idol fan standards and so only blinks once, innocuously. And amused. ]
[ Ah. Well, Momo reaches into his sweatshirt pocket and pulls out the little stuffed rabbit in question. ]
Bzzt! Pyonkichi is basically a part of me now, so he doesn't count!
[ Pyonkichi is an extension of Momo now, sorry. Here's Momo, imploring Maya to settle down again by slipping his buddy back into his pocket and putting his palms together. ]
[ Success! Momo will take his victories when he can— they're few and far between, lately.
If he had dog ears, they'd be perking up right now. A satisfied hum, and he settles down on the couch again and pats right next to him. Don't resist the siren call of cushions, Maya. ]
Okay, okay. Just a little shut-eye, and you can go back to saving the world. Promise.
[ Unbeknownst to Momo....... he's making this even worse by demanding a hug nap pile. He's a complete and utter fool, but we all knew that already.
That said, he's pulling his blankets over the both of them and closing his eyes. Settling in for the long haul, even if that may only be 15 measly minutes of not-actually-rest for Maya. ]
[ He still won, though, and Maya acknowledges that with a faint smile, despite the fact that she totally just doomed herself into getting cuddled into a curse.
Right now, if resting for fifteen minutes means that Momo is also resting, she'll accept that and also close her eyes. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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!
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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.
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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. ]
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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?
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[ 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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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?
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[ 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.
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(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?
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[ 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!
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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?
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But it's just them right now, and Maya relents with a tight noise in her throat, settling down onto her side as well so at least Momo does't have to reach up as much. ]
I have my roommate, my coworkers-- I'm not alone. [ Her bond with Ulala has only grown stronger from this, she's sure. Though Tatsuya will be gone. And if the Tatsuya who remains remembers nothing, then she ought to distance herself from his brother too. Baofu probably won't stick around. And the others... ]
But I'm positive [ ha ] I won't get that back. That's the one thing I can't try to save. The things that would get lost if I did... it would never be worth the risk.
[ She can't put them before the world. As much as she loves those kids, it's better if they stay happy and unknowing. ]
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This isn't a matter of 'do your best' or 'let Momo-chan pull some strings'. It feels as helpless as his own situation with Re:vale and Banri and his own self-doubt.
He doesn't want to say 'it's okay' (he knows better), so he finishes the last of that braid and pats the crown of her head. Carefully. ]
...Mm. You can take time and figure that out, though. Things can change— nothing's ever completely hopeless.
[ He wants to believe that, so he smiles. ]
Until then, do the things that make you happy! Go scuba diving. Eat cake! Make a lot of great memories, so you can share them with whoever you lost. Just in case.
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But he doesn't, and the ache that accompanies the wistful thought of ever making contact with those kids again, telling them all about this town and the people she'd met, happily dragging them into the ocean-- it's soothed by a warm sense of gratitude. ]
I really can't... but thanks, Momo.
[ And she means that. ]
... Maybe one day, when I think it won't make you cry, I'll tell you.
[ Or maybe she won't be emotionally and physically drained and this will definitely never come up again. ]
But I'll definitely find those happy spots, starting here.
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Watch as it takes him another 500 years to get her to talk to him about anything. Still, it'd be worth it. ]
—Ooh, you're so cruel...! I'm gonna have to try really hard not to cry, then.
[ Says the guy who's laughing now. He's going to hold her to that semi-promise!! ]
But, that's good. Let's make a lot of 'happy-s' together! And then everyone will be drawn to you like a moth to a flame...!! [ Even the people she supposedly lost. He wants that for her, sincerely and a half. ]
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For now, Maya's content to leave it at this much. It makes her all the more determined to be ready to support him at any given time, if he ever wavers or starts feeling doubt. ]
You want everyone to get close to me and then burst into flames? That's pretty brutal, Momo.
... But also, think you can rest soon? I think it'll help the healing stick longer if your body does its part too.
[ Which means she'll shift to start sitting up. Maya, no, he tried so hard. ]
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Time to utilize his Idol Skills. When she moves, he hooks his fingers in her sleeve and looks up at her through his lashes in the most perfectly trained Puppy Dog look he can muster.
Re:vale fans, eat your heart out. ]
I can rest... but are you really gonna make me do that all alone...?
[ God, saying this out loud almost makes him laugh, it's so transparent and stupid. ]
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But Maya's a heathen by idol fan standards and so only blinks once, innocuously. And amused. ]
I can find Pyonkichi for you.
[ Momo. Just use brute force. She's useless. ]
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Bzzt! Pyonkichi is basically a part of me now, so he doesn't count!
[ Pyonkichi is an extension of Momo now, sorry. Here's Momo, imploring Maya to settle down again by slipping his buddy back into his pocket and putting his palms together. ]
Fifteen minutes! Just fifteen minutes. Please?
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Maya stares at him, a little bewildered-- but finally, she sighs her consent. Maybe he's just lonely. ]
Fifteen minutes. That's it, okay?
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If he had dog ears, they'd be perking up right now. A satisfied hum, and he settles down on the couch again and pats right next to him. Don't resist the siren call of cushions, Maya. ]
Okay, okay. Just a little shut-eye, and you can go back to saving the world. Promise.
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[ Maya, you don't just-- state it outright?? Like that??
But fine, she's moving back down to settle herself beside him. Better? ]
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[ Unbeknownst to Momo....... he's making this even worse by demanding a hug nap pile. He's a complete and utter fool, but we all knew that already.
That said, he's pulling his blankets over the both of them and closing his eyes. Settling in for the long haul, even if that may only be 15 measly minutes of not-actually-rest for Maya. ]
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[ He still won, though, and Maya acknowledges that with a faint smile, despite the fact that she totally just doomed herself into getting cuddled into a curse.
Right now, if resting for fifteen minutes means that Momo is also resting, she'll accept that and also close her eyes. ]