[newlydead r2] day 4 - june

[unexpectedboner]

[There's a small cafe table nicked from somewhere set up in a relatively out of the way spot behind some of the other sets, and it's there that Junpei invites Akane. As promised, he's prepared dinner (sandwiches, they're safe) and tacked up a tasteful painting of a bud vase found in the prop room ("for atmosphere"). For his part, Junpei seems just a bit tense with nervous energy, but happy enough to be here, if the smile on his face is anything to go by.]

So, um, how're you doing today? Or is that too heavy of a topic for tonight?

Comments

[unexpectedboner]

You shouldn't be! At least, not for me and the others... But for you and Santa...

--Anyway, even if it's kind of a terrible one, this is still a second chance. Uh, third chance? Either way, better than nothing.

[exequte]

It's....

[She can't really say 'it's all right,' or not truthfully.]

It was always a thing that might happen. And... And I really am glad that I got to see Jumpy one more time, before....

Besides, like you said, this is another chance. I'm trying to do my best.

[unexpectedboner]

I know. And--maybe you don't wanna hear it from me, but you're not alone. I'm here to help. And Santa. Working together this time, there's no way we'll mess it up.

[...he knocks wood, just in case]

So don't worry too much about it, alright?

[exequte]

Alright. But... don't you hate me, Jumpy?

[unexpectedboner]

...I can't agree with all your choices. But I couldn't hate you.

[exequte]

But... everything that I put everyone through... and...

[And it... hadn't worked.]

[unexpectedboner]

[He frowns, shifting as though he wants to reach out, but not making a move in the end]

It's...maybe not "okay," but definitely not something I'd hate you over. I mean, the others might have something to say about it, but that's my two cents, anyway.

[exequte]

[She moves instead, taking a hesitant step forward, one hand lifting briefly as though to reach out and dropping again immediately. She stills then, looking uncertain.]

I... I thought....

[unexpectedboner]

[He steps closer himself, then, attempting to pull her into an embrace.]

[exequte]

[There's that moment of hesitation before he reaches her, and then she steps close and lets him pull her into an embrace, clutching weakly at his shirt as she presses close to him.]

[unexpectedboner]

[He just holds her for a while, not to get fresh, but just to have her with him, alive and warm and (hopefully) not being hugged too tight. He works his throat a little but just sighs. It sounds closer to the contented type.]

[exequte]

[She hugs him back for a long few moments before finally pulling away, blushing a little.]

Jumpy's body is still... so warm....

[unexpectedboner]

Uh... Thanks.

[He shifts a bit, redfaced but obviously pleased]

...If you're feeling cold, you can always come to me.

[exequte]

... oh!

[Blushing and smiling!!!]

It's probably still a little early for that, don't you think?

[unexpectedboner]

Is it? That's pretty innocuous. So carpe diem, right? It's not like we don't know each other all that well.

[...do they??? well w/e]

[exequte]

But to say any time.... What if I'm just getting changed to get into bed?

[unexpectedboner]

[chokes a little but keeps going]

If...if that's what you wanted...what else could I do but help out?

[exequte]

[She giggles at that, one hand covering her mouth.]

Just kidding!

[unexpectedboner]

O-of course, ha ha ha...

Still though, it might be fun to do something together.

[exequte]

Yes... What would you want to do, Jumpy?

[unexpectedboner]

A trip, maybe? Or even something simple, like the movies. Or, have you ever been roller skating?

[exequte]

Roller skating? No.

[unexpectedboner]

We should do it when we're out of here! They play music and sometimes there's a disco ball. I think it'd be fun.

[exequte]

O-oh.... All right, but, well...

It's going to be my first time.... I probably won't be any good....

[unexpectedboner]

You can't be worse than when I first tried it. I spent most of the lesson on the floor. But you're a ton more graceful than I am, so you'll be fine. I'll be right there to help you.