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[Her glare is expected, and he keeps frozen in place as her eyes scan him up and down. He realizes that approaching her so assertively after what he'd said was probably not the best idea by most people's standards, but Hakuryuu had never considered himself average. He took those high risks. He stared fear in the face, and right now it was staring back at him with sharp green eyes.
"Call me senpai" she says, as his lips purse into a thin line, almost turning invisible. All his irritation just rose to the surface just then, wondering if he should bite his tongue or lash out. Thankfully, Fudou had taught him patience (only some), and he does the former.]
I don't go to your school, so I will say Seto-san.
[The most diplomatic answer you'd ever get out of him.]
But since we are continuing this conversation, I have something I want to say to you.
(she almost wants to laugh at his answer, the perfect mix of deflecting another fight, along with still showing her respect. under normal circumstances, she'd return the gesture with a pat on the back followed by some choice words of praise.
but hakuryuu still has to earn that. he has to work to find himself in her good graces. the other managers may have brushed it off, but midori could still see it stung the tiniest bit to them. she couldn't blame them, she was hardly what most people would classify as a "girl", but even she found herself feeling a stab of pain at his careless words. harmful words never seemed to creep under her skin, make her uncomfortable or enraged. this time... seemed an exception, though. maybe hanging out with girls who actually acted like girls affected her.
the last thing she was about to do was show any sign of weakness or hurt in front of hakuryuu. it was more for her image than worries of him teasing or doing more to offend her. as it stands now, she can't tell what his motives for coming here are, and she'll no doubt be telling akane and aoi not to tell certain arrogant punks where she hangs out.
her fists clench at his words, coming across as almost demanding, and it only stokes the fire in her to the point of almost exploding. there's a long inhale followed by a rough huff of breath as she turns to stare at him.) What do you want?
[There it was, the open invitation that would allow him to hopefully fix his mistake. He takes the next second to breathe, running over what he wants to say in his head multiple times before he opens his mouth. After all, it wouldn't make much sense to dig his hole even further if he fumbled his words. He already knew how he wanted to lead with this, and it wasn't going to beat around the bush.
She was owed an apology, and that's exactly what she'd get.]
I'm sorry.
[He doesn't hesitate in his answer, his voice doesn't waver for a moment, and he says it at a volume that's easily heard between both parties. Hakuryuu could be arrogant, but his ego wasn't so inflated that he wouldn't admit to his own faults. Once Fudou had explained the situation to him in a way he could understand, he could understand why he'd gotten that reaction from them. That hand print on his cheek seemed more than deserved. His red eyes cast down, lacking the fire he often showed on the soccer field, or the dull simmer they had when he was merely confident. The white dragon now looked like nothing more than a dog, realizing that they'd just tore up the couch.]
My words were hurtful, and I didn't realize the repercussions of what I said. I had a strict diet on God Eden, and I've always tried to eat healthy to become strong. I've heard girls like chocolate, and I gave it...but not because I wanted to hurt you.
[And to elaborate...]
I've spoken with Sorano and Yamana.
[They'd taken well to the chocolate, making fun of him for how ironic it was that he'd gift them with the exact same thing he'd gotten in trouble for, before thanking him. Akane even mentioning that they don't often get chocolate from boys they just met, promptly turning that white dragon a nice shade of pink.
His arms extend out, the wrapped bag of sweets in his hands as his head tilts down, eyes closed.]
So once again, I apologize. My reasoning doesn't make up for what I said, and I can admit I was wrong. I'm giving this to you as a gift for our managers, not...the foolish reason I did before.
(the words are in the open, and midori swears time stops as hakuryuu continues his ramble. his eyes are downcast, as if he doesn't have the right to look at her, and something inside her fizzles, her heart beats just that bit faster as her mouth hangs open and her juice almost falls to the floor.
she can tell with one glance that hakuryuu is putting his all into this, opening his heart and bearing himself for midori to do with as she pleases. she could wreck him here, crush him even further, yell at him for even daring to get her the same treats as a present that he (unintentionally) mocked her with days before. midori has all the power in this scenario.
and she would be a horrible senpai if she stepped on his honest and vulnerable attempt to make peace with her, fix his errors, and start off on a fresh meeting.
hakuryuu's reasons for his actions are understandable, she learns that much. that hardly makes what he did acceptable, but he's still young. he's still learning how to adapt to things outside of god eden, trying to assimilate with people now, make friends, play soccer for himself and not under the control of those who don't truly appreciate soccer.
after he went through all the trouble to apologize to each of the managers individually, what kind of person would she be to turn him down now?
midori takes the bag of chocolates, still stunned he'd gone this far to correct his misbehavior. she glances between the bag and him a few times, as if trying to make sense of the situation, but ultimately, there's a smile on her face as she pulls the bag close to her.) ... it's okay. You're okay, I forgive you. Not like I really made it easy for you to talk to me anyway...
(there's a playful chuckle as she leans closer to him, fists on her hips and a teasing smile.) You're actually a really good person, aren't you?
[It was only a few seconds, but Hakuryuu could have sworn ages had gone by since he spoke his last word to let silence fill the space between them. His eyes don't dare look up until she speaks, chocolates resting in his fingertips and outstretched towards her until she gave the word.
He didn't ask for forgiveness often, but he wasn't foreign to the concept. In fact, he was strangely diplomatic when the time came, much to the surprise of anyone who saw him on the field. Someone so quick to call out their keshin easily could be talked into reason, and he was prideful, but not arrogant enough to refuse to apologize.
But she speaks, her voice much softer than he'd ever heard it (to be honest, he'd only heard it mostly cheering on the other team and...well, angry at him), and he takes note of how much like Sorano or Yamana it is. It had a rougher edge to it, but it was a flower just like theirs. Just...one that could bite back. His eyes cast up at her acceptance of his apology, feeling the chocolates lift out of his hands and into hers for inspection.
This...was going a lot better than he hoped, and a his eyes flick a shade brighter.]
You didn't need to. You had every right to be angry about it. I would have been if the roles were reversed.
[Hands shove in his pockets, eyes closing to contemplate that a few seconds.]
...
[That is, until she leans in close to him, his eyes snapping open on instinct and he practically jolts straight up.]
I...! There's a lot I have to make up for. Tenma says that, though.
(midori can confidently say, this is a new side of hakuryuu. one she wasn't even sure existed until now. and with it isn't exactly the urge to tease, but seeing him react to things as any normal teenager would? needless to say, she's suddenly very curious to see what other sides of him have been long since hidden from the world. no thanks to fifth sector and their awful training, stripping away the identities of these kids.
but here, hakuryuu doesn't have to worry about that. and that part of midori, the part of her that adores the first years and wants to see them grow to be all they can be, help nurture them to that, she taps into that part again, the desire to bring out hakuryuu's true personality, not the one fifth sector molded for him.
she can't be sure where the urge suddenly came from, so she'll just chalk it up to her usual attitude of having a soft spot for people in need of guidance, especially those younger than her. his protest to her apology goes right over her head, simply waving a hand as if it's not a big deal at all.) That doesn't excuse the way I treated you. Yeah, you were kind of a jerk, but you didn't intentionally mean any harm. That's what matters, everyone makes mistakes, I shouldn't have been so hard on you for it.
(there's a reaction she likes to see, the boy in front of her growing increasingly embarrassed as the conversation goes on, and she wonders if he knows just how much like tsurugi he is. the harsh facade they both put up is only to cover the softer and gentler side of their personalities.
well. more so for tsurugi. hakuryuu is still learning that bit. a smile flashes over her face, holding up the bag of sweets he just gifted her as evidence.) Well, I'd say you're off to a pretty good start. You got in good with all the managers, it's only a matter of time before everyone else warms up to you.
[This was a new side to Midori, too. At least...to him. He'd seen how loving she was to the Raimon players, helping them stretch or giving Tenma a holler whenever he scored a goal. Her voice wasn't the typical cheerleader tone (then again, he wasn't really an expert), opting for challenging them to work harder with rough encouragement. And while (for obvious reasons) he never got that encouragement, he never thought ill of her personality. But when it's directed at him, suddenly he can see why she's such a good manager.
She makes you feel good, with that little extra push. Aoi and Akane offered kind words and encouragement, but hers had that extra strength.
With a certain gentleness he's sure she would deny ever having if he spoke up about it. Lips curl into a little smile as she speaks, already feeling his heart lift a little higher than what it had been.]
Thank you.
[It's then that his eyes go up to meet hers, looking at the bag for one moment before clearing his throat.]
Raimon's soccer is easy to understand now that I'm playing with them. Their strength comes from both the individual and as a team.
...
And the support from the bench. I-It's important to recognize them, too.
(seeing him be so honest and open to her, it's a wonder midori hadn't tried to be friends with him sooner. granted, he didn't exactly give her much reason after his introduction, but tsurugi more than made up for that by saying how genuine and honest hakuryuu could be. and seeing that first hand in front of her, hurrying to include her in the strength he sees in raimon, it only brings a smile to her face and laughter from her throat.
he's improving by bounds, that much is clear. the least she can do is respect him for that.) They're a team worth supporting. They give it their all as much as you do.
(she pauses here, just for a moment to think about the possibilities of that. deep down, all of them know raimon wouldn't be what it is if those kids hadn't faced every challenge head on. in a way, every team raimon faced helped bring them closer together, build them up as a team.
and hakuryuu was part of that. she tilts her head, her smile a little warmer, more like the kind you'd see on a big sister.) And you're deserving of that support, too.
[It was true--he didn't really give off a good first impression with the managers when he came. And while harmless, that didn't excuse the effect it had on their morale, and by association, Midori's view of him. It's something he'd never say went undeserved, but he's more than glad that this is what had become of that simple apology. It's amazing what a little humility can bring if you actually express it.
Red eyes flick up, though, meeting those dark green eyes that seemed to remind him of the meadows on God Eden during the few times he could actually enjoy them. When he wasn't training or stuck with the other kids, he liked to explore the layout of the island...it was how he met Shuu in the forest, and how he'd agreed with him that power and strength were one in the same, and both of those were the only thing that determined worth.
It'd been a long time since then...or it certainly felt it, and where those eyes would have reminded him of a past he long wished forgotten...it doesn't seem so bad right now. After all...he did particularly enjoy those moments with Shuu. His own eyes soften in return, their red colour now warm like a cozy fire instead of a striking flash of crimson.
Before he knows it, a true and genuine smile ghosts across his lips, giving a slight 'hmph' of affirmation.]
I'll do my best to be deserving of it from now on.
...
But I've used up enough of your time. [He straightens up, his tone keeping it's formality as he adjusts his white jacket with his thumbs.] So I'll be going now.
(the more he opens up to her and his personality warms, the less midori finds herself disliking his presence. he's done nothing but be a kind gentleman ever since he approached her, and there's only two members on the team that act that way as it stands. and they're a couple of gay little shits.
but now, his guard is lowered, not always keeping up the stoic front he usually does. the way tsurugi does. the two were probably more alike than they knew, and midori couldn't help but find something rather sweet in that. like brother.
and really, there's nothing midori loves more than weaseling her way into a junior's life. she may be tenma's personal cheer squad, but the other first years deserve it just as much as he does. even if those first years don't happen to attend raimon. hakuryuu has worked just as, if not harder than the others. he's deserving of her respect, and she can admit that.
before he can even take a step, midori throws her arm around his shoulder (rather forcefully) to prevent him from taking another step. she's as casual as ever, dropping her even slightly grumpy exterior for the fun loving side.) Oh, c'mon, I'm pretty sure you can spare a couple hours to hang out with a senpai. It'll be fun!
[He feels that arm hook around his shoulder, and the first thing he can feel is her strength. Hakuryuu was lithe, but underneath lie more muscle than the average 12-13 year old usually (and should) have. He was sturdy, and it showed in both his stride and the way he carried himself. But when she snakes that arm around him, he feels that resistance as he stumbles back, not losing his balance, but ending up right back where he was. Red eyes widen, the slits that served as pupils lookin from her face to her arm, then back to her.
This girl had more strength than he'd given her credit for.
Maybe if he'd attended Raimon he would have heard the rumor, but as a homeschooled Teikoku boy, he certainly wasn't socializing at Raimon's schoolkids outside of soccer practice. He's almost so dumbfounded he can't even respond right away, staring at her like she'd grown two heads in the time it took to pull him back.]
I--
[This is where he says 'Yes', right?]
Hm. [He smiles, gaining his confidence back just as quickly as he'd fumbled it.] Senpai, huh? For a school I don't even go to.
(midori planned on using her strength from the very beginning, no matter the outcome of their talk. whether to keep him in place to spend more time together, have an actual proper meeting, or to simply beat the shit out of him if he decided to pull anything rude again.
being completely honest, she's very glad she didn't have to unleash her inner demon and destroy him.
she tightens her hold around him just enough to make it known that no, he does not get to just up and leave right when they're making progress on a potential friendship. rumors or stories or whatever else the other students whisper to each other in the halls never bothered her, and they certainly never bothered those around her. there was some truth to them, definitely reason to be fearful of midori.
but also reason to want to approach her in the first place. and really, that's always come through for her.
his minor social hiccup is all but ignored, knowing full well she just threw him a curve ball. there's a laugh as he returns to his usual smug self, but it only causes her to pull him a little closer and, if need be, actually drag him along.) A senpai's a senpai, now come on, I'll show you the famous riverbank everyone trains at.
[It's strange to think that just moments before this meetup, Midori's eyes had actually pierced daggers at him, either from a distance or when he'd initially walked up to her to give his offering. It's strange that before this moment, he'd never expected a friendship between anyone but Tsurugi and Tenma from Raimon, only being casual acquaintances and someone who'd help out during afterschool practice when they needed someone outside of Raimon's skill.
But here he was, dragged by his shoulder off to the riverbank of Inazumacho with the girl he'd only recently just apologized for offending.
He's starting to see why Tsurugi was so 'soft' when he'd arrived on God Eden. There's really no other fate for you once you spend enough time with Raimon...so dragged he is, through the streets until his feet catch underneath him and he can walk alongside her properly. He...gets the feeling that this is going to be his plans for the afternoon. No sense in fighting it.
Yet.
A small part of him really does want to see that riverbank.]
Tsurugi's mentioned that place before. Is it as famous as they say?
(her eyes aren't nearly as piercing as they were before this happened, only minutes ago they were far more likely to stare him to death than what they are now. they've taken on a far softer appearance, one more like the gazes she gives the others as they practice with all their might. the eyes that say she's proud to be a manager of the raimon eleven.
and while hakuryuu may not be directly a part of that team, he gets no small amount of thanks for all he's done for them. training with them, helping them improve, giving them one of the best soccer matches they could ever ask for.
in midori's opinion, that earned him nothing less than at least getting to visit the riverbank that had come to mean so much to so many aspiring soccer players over the years.
her grip around his shoulders loosens, letting her arm rest there much more casually than before, opting to show hakuryuu the same affection she gives to all the juniors.) It's famous for anyone at Raimon. Coach Endou's been practicing there ever since he first started soccer. I think it's like... a place for them to grow.
Those words seem to stand out to Hakuryuu the most out of what she'd said. A normal sentence, really: a place where they go to train and practice. A place, had it been described under God Eden, would be summed up as 'a place to get stronger'. But while the meaning is mostly the same, the words chosen to describe it have a whole different attitude attached.
Endou didn't want his team to just 'get stronger'. He wanted them to 'grow stronger'. And to someone like Hakuryuu, who knew power by shoving his way through for survival and survival alone, it seemed so nurturing. Like sunlight to a small plant once it breaks through the soil and spreading its leaves.
That was why he was so different from Tsurugi now. He had 'gotten' stronger. Tsurugi had 'grown' stronger. Guess he had more catching up to do than he originally thought. A smile ghosts across his face as his hand bounces that ponytail over his shoulder, giving a soft 'hmph' of approval and finally falling into place alongside her.]
Then I'd definitely like to see it.
If that's where the base of Raimon's strength lies.
(she can see there's definitely a certain way those words affected hakuryuu, but she'll do nothing to point it out. this time, at least. they're having a bonding moment, it wouldn't do her any good to ruin. well, not right now.
truth be told, midori does want to see how hakuryuu could change and grow in the influence and company of raimon. he's no doubt on the right path judging by his actions so far, but to see how his soccer could develop under their guidance...
no doubt endou would be more than thrilled to have him practice with the team whenever he wants. she pulls away, unwrapping her arm around his shoulder as he takes a sip of her juice, a bright grin on her face.) Mm, I wouldn't say it's the base of their strength. It's more like a... rite of passage kinda thing. You of all people should know the base of their strength is playing their own heartfelt soccer as strongly as they want to.
[That was true. It wasn't something that meticulous training and drills could give you. He'd been through the worst on God Eden, determined to see himself as the strongest and rise up above them all. And in the end, he was no match for Raimon's heartfelt strength, even with Shuu's help.
His hands clench tighter into fists at remembering his friend, but it's quickly fleeting, now taking on a slightly stronger, but more confident tone.]
They have fun.
[As if he were confirming it for himself as well as reiterating what she had said. He remembers the days when he was young--when soccer was something he enjoyed and not just a way to show off his power. He'd longed wanted to reclaim that...
Maybe this was the step he needed.]
Please show me.
[Look at that, he said please, and earnestly too!]
(she couldn’t lie, his sudden plea, and with such earnestness, it wasn’t something she was expecting from him so soon. but she does understand his position. after what he’d gone through in god eden, how he’d suffered, it only made sense he would want to see a place that seems so important and monumental to the soccer he wants to achieve.
and midori is all too aware of her position. she’s a manager, it’s her responsibility to help guide him, to help him grow to reach his potential. all he wants now is to have fun. to have fun as a person, in soccer, to know what that kind of fun can be for him.
hakuryuu had changed, and midori wasn’t going to be one to ignore that change and need to grow.
her expression is blank for a short time, still in shock from what he’d said only moments ago. it doesn’t take long for her expression to shift, a smile spreading over her face as she gives him a gentle squeeze of approval, all too pleased with how his opinions have so drastically changed for the better.) You deserve this just as much as anyone on Raimon. C’mon, let’s get you to that riverbank for some much needed training in fun.
[The soft squeeze, while harmless by Midori's standards, completely flushes his body with warmth, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks and blossom through his chest. He's not sure if it's Midori's kindness or the physical contact, but really...it doesn't matter. There's nothing he can do to shove his blushing complexion down, so instead he'll just tuck his chin into his chest, eyes cast to the pavement in hopes that it'll hide as much of that pink flush as it can.]
This town's peaceful. Is it always like this?
[Genuine curiosity. After all, it was Raimon who had led the resistance against Holy Road and Sector 5, wasn't it? Rebellion and a quiet, peaceful down didn't seem to coincide in his mind. Then again, like Tenma himself, there as far more to him than outside appearances would suggest.]
It's almost like the storybooks I've seen.
[Spoken as if he'd recently read them.
He pauses a moment, red eyes flaring wide open and boring into the sidewalk as if it was the most interesting thing in the universe. I she really fascinated by the concrete path? Not really. It's more out of panic, much like a deer in the headlights.]
(the blush is near impossible to miss, standing out brightly against his pale complexion, and midori doesn’t even try to hide the smile to herself as she thinks about just how much she’s affecting hakuryuu in such a short period of time. it’s a little… cute, she would say. but of course, she’s going to do nothing to actually move away from hakuryuu and make this situation any better for him.
what does grab her attention, however, is his observation of the town. it’s heartbreaking, in a way, that a young child such as him isn’t even aware of what a normal town is like, that all he’s known is everything god eden was. it causes her smile to falter, but only for a moment. she has a feeling he wouldn’t appreciate pity being given to him over something such as this.
but even midori doesn’t quite feel the urge to tease him in this situation. sure, his reaction might be one for the history books, but he’s still adjusting to a normal life. that doesn’t deserve to be mocked in any way.
there’s no teasing tone in her voice, maybe the slightest bit playful to keep the edge off, but midori gently nudges him with her side, a few quiet laughs under her breath.) Yeah, this is how things usually are. And… I wouldn’t worry about the storybook thing. I doubt anyone would get on your case for that.
[Somehow, that didn't make the burning sensation in his throat any less, his red eyes boring holes into the cement as they walk. Despite having to swallow a lot of it, his pride was still very close to his heart, and he'd managed to keep a hold of just a small part of it after God Eden. Seems like he kept quite a few things from those times--the books he'd read over and over to keep himself sane from hearing the screams in that 'training' arena. The soft want for friends like Tenma and Raimon had...the ones Tsurugi got so easily and yet he seemed to be trudging through quicksand.
Another thing he has to learn to take. Build up a different kind of pride. But no one said it would pop up overnight, and so he follows, looking up finally to make sure he was heading in the direction Midori had pointed out.]
They never tell you the harder parts in those stories. A hero's journey, they never talk about the training he had to go through, or the hardships the princess [-es] had to endure from their captors. [Is Aoi's imprisonment still on his mind? A little, despite being okay in her books.]
It's nice to see something that's just like it, is all.
Makes you believe there's some truth to it.
[That whole 'happily ever after' shlock, probably not. But small things like a quiet town, a sunrise, a gang of friends that overcame an entire evil organization.
(it’s not hard to see all the pain he still carries in his heart from his days at god eden, the choices they forced him to make, and the actions he regretted as a cause of that. he didn’t deserve all that. midori herself has seen just how many strides he’s made since finally freeing himself from the tyrannical clutches of the fifth sector. he’s been more sociable, making efforts to repair the damage he’s done, form new friendships, better himself as a person. as a manager, and someone who genuinely cared for his well being, it made her happy to see such a change.
which is why she believes he doesn’t deserve all of the grief he still gives himself over what he did. him finally looking up at her, that different form of pride making an effort to show through, it lessens her worry over him a little. and it earns him a gentle smile, one you’d expect from a big sister figure who just wants to help someone see how truly amazing they are.
It’s what hakuryuu truly deserves.) Of course they don’t talk about all the hardships. No one likes hearing about struggles or challenges that can hurt. Who wants to face that?
(and it’s fact. the particularly grueling parts in stories are always skipped over to get to the final battle and happy ending. something midori herself takes a bit of issue with.) But the people in those stories are stronger than we give them credit for. The enemy can become the hero, and the princess can be far tougher than she looks. And a lot more forgiving, too. Those happily ever after things… they’re definitely not gonna happen like they do in the stories. But any ending where you walk away happier is a good ending, right?
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"Call me senpai" she says, as his lips purse into a thin line, almost turning invisible. All his irritation just rose to the surface just then, wondering if he should bite his tongue or lash out. Thankfully, Fudou had taught him patience (only some), and he does the former.]
I don't go to your school, so I will say Seto-san.
[The most diplomatic answer you'd ever get out of him.]
But since we are continuing this conversation, I have something I want to say to you.
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but hakuryuu still has to earn that. he has to work to find himself in her good graces. the other managers may have brushed it off, but midori could still see it stung the tiniest bit to them. she couldn't blame them, she was hardly what most people would classify as a "girl", but even she found herself feeling a stab of pain at his careless words. harmful words never seemed to creep under her skin, make her uncomfortable or enraged. this time... seemed an exception, though. maybe hanging out with girls who actually acted like girls affected her.
the last thing she was about to do was show any sign of weakness or hurt in front of hakuryuu. it was more for her image than worries of him teasing or doing more to offend her. as it stands now, she can't tell what his motives for coming here are, and she'll no doubt be telling akane and aoi not to tell certain arrogant punks where she hangs out.
her fists clench at his words, coming across as almost demanding, and it only stokes the fire in her to the point of almost exploding. there's a long inhale followed by a rough huff of breath as she turns to stare at him.) What do you want?
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She was owed an apology, and that's exactly what she'd get.]
I'm sorry.
[He doesn't hesitate in his answer, his voice doesn't waver for a moment, and he says it at a volume that's easily heard between both parties. Hakuryuu could be arrogant, but his ego wasn't so inflated that he wouldn't admit to his own faults. Once Fudou had explained the situation to him in a way he could understand, he could understand why he'd gotten that reaction from them. That hand print on his cheek seemed more than deserved. His red eyes cast down, lacking the fire he often showed on the soccer field, or the dull simmer they had when he was merely confident. The white dragon now looked like nothing more than a dog, realizing that they'd just tore up the couch.]
My words were hurtful, and I didn't realize the repercussions of what I said. I had a strict diet on God Eden, and I've always tried to eat healthy to become strong. I've heard girls like chocolate, and I gave it...but not because I wanted to hurt you.
[And to elaborate...]
I've spoken with Sorano and Yamana.
[They'd taken well to the chocolate, making fun of him for how ironic it was that he'd gift them with the exact same thing he'd gotten in trouble for, before thanking him. Akane even mentioning that they don't often get chocolate from boys they just met, promptly turning that white dragon a nice shade of pink.
His arms extend out, the wrapped bag of sweets in his hands as his head tilts down, eyes closed.]
So once again, I apologize. My reasoning doesn't make up for what I said, and I can admit I was wrong. I'm giving this to you as a gift for our managers, not...the foolish reason I did before.
[Now, all he could do was wait for her answer.]
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she can tell with one glance that hakuryuu is putting his all into this, opening his heart and bearing himself for midori to do with as she pleases. she could wreck him here, crush him even further, yell at him for even daring to get her the same treats as a present that he (unintentionally) mocked her with days before. midori has all the power in this scenario.
and she would be a horrible senpai if she stepped on his honest and vulnerable attempt to make peace with her, fix his errors, and start off on a fresh meeting.
hakuryuu's reasons for his actions are understandable, she learns that much. that hardly makes what he did acceptable, but he's still young. he's still learning how to adapt to things outside of god eden, trying to assimilate with people now, make friends, play soccer for himself and not under the control of those who don't truly appreciate soccer.
after he went through all the trouble to apologize to each of the managers individually, what kind of person would she be to turn him down now?
midori takes the bag of chocolates, still stunned he'd gone this far to correct his misbehavior. she glances between the bag and him a few times, as if trying to make sense of the situation, but ultimately, there's a smile on her face as she pulls the bag close to her.) ... it's okay. You're okay, I forgive you. Not like I really made it easy for you to talk to me anyway...
(there's a playful chuckle as she leans closer to him, fists on her hips and a teasing smile.) You're actually a really good person, aren't you?
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He didn't ask for forgiveness often, but he wasn't foreign to the concept. In fact, he was strangely diplomatic when the time came, much to the surprise of anyone who saw him on the field. Someone so quick to call out their keshin easily could be talked into reason, and he was prideful, but not arrogant enough to refuse to apologize.
But she speaks, her voice much softer than he'd ever heard it (to be honest, he'd only heard it mostly cheering on the other team and...well, angry at him), and he takes note of how much like Sorano or Yamana it is. It had a rougher edge to it, but it was a flower just like theirs. Just...one that could bite back. His eyes cast up at her acceptance of his apology, feeling the chocolates lift out of his hands and into hers for inspection.
This...was going a lot better than he hoped, and a his eyes flick a shade brighter.]
You didn't need to. You had every right to be angry about it. I would have been if the roles were reversed.
[Hands shove in his pockets, eyes closing to contemplate that a few seconds.]
...
[That is, until she leans in close to him, his eyes snapping open on instinct and he practically jolts straight up.]
I...! There's a lot I have to make up for. Tenma says that, though.
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but here, hakuryuu doesn't have to worry about that. and that part of midori, the part of her that adores the first years and wants to see them grow to be all they can be, help nurture them to that, she taps into that part again, the desire to bring out hakuryuu's true personality, not the one fifth sector molded for him.
she can't be sure where the urge suddenly came from, so she'll just chalk it up to her usual attitude of having a soft spot for people in need of guidance, especially those younger than her. his protest to her apology goes right over her head, simply waving a hand as if it's not a big deal at all.) That doesn't excuse the way I treated you. Yeah, you were kind of a jerk, but you didn't intentionally mean any harm. That's what matters, everyone makes mistakes, I shouldn't have been so hard on you for it.
(there's a reaction she likes to see, the boy in front of her growing increasingly embarrassed as the conversation goes on, and she wonders if he knows just how much like tsurugi he is. the harsh facade they both put up is only to cover the softer and gentler side of their personalities.
well. more so for tsurugi. hakuryuu is still learning that bit. a smile flashes over her face, holding up the bag of sweets he just gifted her as evidence.) Well, I'd say you're off to a pretty good start. You got in good with all the managers, it's only a matter of time before everyone else warms up to you.
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She makes you feel good, with that little extra push. Aoi and Akane offered kind words and encouragement, but hers had that extra strength.
With a certain gentleness he's sure she would deny ever having if he spoke up about it. Lips curl into a little smile as she speaks, already feeling his heart lift a little higher than what it had been.]
Thank you.
[It's then that his eyes go up to meet hers, looking at the bag for one moment before clearing his throat.]
Raimon's soccer is easy to understand now that I'm playing with them. Their strength comes from both the individual and as a team.
...
And the support from the bench. I-It's important to recognize them, too.
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he's improving by bounds, that much is clear. the least she can do is respect him for that.) They're a team worth supporting. They give it their all as much as you do.
(she pauses here, just for a moment to think about the possibilities of that. deep down, all of them know raimon wouldn't be what it is if those kids hadn't faced every challenge head on. in a way, every team raimon faced helped bring them closer together, build them up as a team.
and hakuryuu was part of that. she tilts her head, her smile a little warmer, more like the kind you'd see on a big sister.) And you're deserving of that support, too.
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Red eyes flick up, though, meeting those dark green eyes that seemed to remind him of the meadows on God Eden during the few times he could actually enjoy them. When he wasn't training or stuck with the other kids, he liked to explore the layout of the island...it was how he met Shuu in the forest, and how he'd agreed with him that power and strength were one in the same, and both of those were the only thing that determined worth.
It'd been a long time since then...or it certainly felt it, and where those eyes would have reminded him of a past he long wished forgotten...it doesn't seem so bad right now. After all...he did particularly enjoy those moments with Shuu. His own eyes soften in return, their red colour now warm like a cozy fire instead of a striking flash of crimson.
Before he knows it, a true and genuine smile ghosts across his lips, giving a slight 'hmph' of affirmation.]
I'll do my best to be deserving of it from now on.
...
But I've used up enough of your time. [He straightens up, his tone keeping it's formality as he adjusts his white jacket with his thumbs.] So I'll be going now.
[Nuance, he's still yet to learn it.]
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but now, his guard is lowered, not always keeping up the stoic front he usually does. the way tsurugi does. the two were probably more alike than they knew, and midori couldn't help but find something rather sweet in that. like brother.
and really, there's nothing midori loves more than weaseling her way into a junior's life. she may be tenma's personal cheer squad, but the other first years deserve it just as much as he does. even if those first years don't happen to attend raimon. hakuryuu has worked just as, if not harder than the others. he's deserving of her respect, and she can admit that.
before he can even take a step, midori throws her arm around his shoulder (rather forcefully) to prevent him from taking another step. she's as casual as ever, dropping her even slightly grumpy exterior for the fun loving side.) Oh, c'mon, I'm pretty sure you can spare a couple hours to hang out with a senpai. It'll be fun!
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This girl had more strength than he'd given her credit for.
Maybe if he'd attended Raimon he would have heard the rumor, but as a homeschooled Teikoku boy, he certainly wasn't socializing at Raimon's schoolkids outside of soccer practice. He's almost so dumbfounded he can't even respond right away, staring at her like she'd grown two heads in the time it took to pull him back.]
I--
[This is where he says 'Yes', right?]
Hm. [He smiles, gaining his confidence back just as quickly as he'd fumbled it.] Senpai, huh? For a school I don't even go to.
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being completely honest, she's very glad she didn't have to unleash her inner demon and destroy him.
she tightens her hold around him just enough to make it known that no, he does not get to just up and leave right when they're making progress on a potential friendship. rumors or stories or whatever else the other students whisper to each other in the halls never bothered her, and they certainly never bothered those around her. there was some truth to them, definitely reason to be fearful of midori.
but also reason to want to approach her in the first place. and really, that's always come through for her.
his minor social hiccup is all but ignored, knowing full well she just threw him a curve ball. there's a laugh as he returns to his usual smug self, but it only causes her to pull him a little closer and, if need be, actually drag him along.) A senpai's a senpai, now come on, I'll show you the famous riverbank everyone trains at.
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But here he was, dragged by his shoulder off to the riverbank of Inazumacho with the girl he'd only recently just apologized for offending.
He's starting to see why Tsurugi was so 'soft' when he'd arrived on God Eden. There's really no other fate for you once you spend enough time with Raimon...so dragged he is, through the streets until his feet catch underneath him and he can walk alongside her properly. He...gets the feeling that this is going to be his plans for the afternoon. No sense in fighting it.
Yet.
A small part of him really does want to see that riverbank.]
Tsurugi's mentioned that place before. Is it as famous as they say?
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and while hakuryuu may not be directly a part of that team, he gets no small amount of thanks for all he's done for them. training with them, helping them improve, giving them one of the best soccer matches they could ever ask for.
in midori's opinion, that earned him nothing less than at least getting to visit the riverbank that had come to mean so much to so many aspiring soccer players over the years.
her grip around his shoulders loosens, letting her arm rest there much more casually than before, opting to show hakuryuu the same affection she gives to all the juniors.) It's famous for anyone at Raimon. Coach Endou's been practicing there ever since he first started soccer. I think it's like... a place for them to grow.
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Those words seem to stand out to Hakuryuu the most out of what she'd said. A normal sentence, really: a place where they go to train and practice. A place, had it been described under God Eden, would be summed up as 'a place to get stronger'. But while the meaning is mostly the same, the words chosen to describe it have a whole different attitude attached.
Endou didn't want his team to just 'get stronger'. He wanted them to 'grow stronger'. And to someone like Hakuryuu, who knew power by shoving his way through for survival and survival alone, it seemed so nurturing. Like sunlight to a small plant once it breaks through the soil and spreading its leaves.
That was why he was so different from Tsurugi now. He had 'gotten' stronger. Tsurugi had 'grown' stronger. Guess he had more catching up to do than he originally thought. A smile ghosts across his face as his hand bounces that ponytail over his shoulder, giving a soft 'hmph' of approval and finally falling into place alongside her.]
Then I'd definitely like to see it.
If that's where the base of Raimon's strength lies.
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truth be told, midori does want to see how hakuryuu could change and grow in the influence and company of raimon. he's no doubt on the right path judging by his actions so far, but to see how his soccer could develop under their guidance...
no doubt endou would be more than thrilled to have him practice with the team whenever he wants. she pulls away, unwrapping her arm around his shoulder as he takes a sip of her juice, a bright grin on her face.) Mm, I wouldn't say it's the base of their strength. It's more like a... rite of passage kinda thing. You of all people should know the base of their strength is playing their own heartfelt soccer as strongly as they want to.
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His hands clench tighter into fists at remembering his friend, but it's quickly fleeting, now taking on a slightly stronger, but more confident tone.]
They have fun.
[As if he were confirming it for himself as well as reiterating what she had said. He remembers the days when he was young--when soccer was something he enjoyed and not just a way to show off his power. He'd longed wanted to reclaim that...
Maybe this was the step he needed.]
Please show me.
[Look at that, he said please, and earnestly too!]
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and midori is all too aware of her position. she’s a manager, it’s her responsibility to help guide him, to help him grow to reach his potential. all he wants now is to have fun. to have fun as a person, in soccer, to know what that kind of fun can be for him.
hakuryuu had changed, and midori wasn’t going to be one to ignore that change and need to grow.
her expression is blank for a short time, still in shock from what he’d said only moments ago. it doesn’t take long for her expression to shift, a smile spreading over her face as she gives him a gentle squeeze of approval, all too pleased with how his opinions have so drastically changed for the better.) You deserve this just as much as anyone on Raimon. C’mon, let’s get you to that riverbank for some much needed training in fun.
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This town's peaceful. Is it always like this?
[Genuine curiosity. After all, it was Raimon who had led the resistance against Holy Road and Sector 5, wasn't it? Rebellion and a quiet, peaceful down didn't seem to coincide in his mind. Then again, like Tenma himself, there as far more to him than outside appearances would suggest.]
It's almost like the storybooks I've seen.
[Spoken as if he'd recently read them.
He pauses a moment, red eyes flaring wide open and boring into the sidewalk as if it was the most interesting thing in the universe. I she really fascinated by the concrete path? Not really. It's more out of panic, much like a deer in the headlights.]
I mean. Memories of them.
[Nailed it.]
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what does grab her attention, however, is his observation of the town. it’s heartbreaking, in a way, that a young child such as him isn’t even aware of what a normal town is like, that all he’s known is everything god eden was. it causes her smile to falter, but only for a moment. she has a feeling he wouldn’t appreciate pity being given to him over something such as this.
but even midori doesn’t quite feel the urge to tease him in this situation. sure, his reaction might be one for the history books, but he’s still adjusting to a normal life. that doesn’t deserve to be mocked in any way.
there’s no teasing tone in her voice, maybe the slightest bit playful to keep the edge off, but midori gently nudges him with her side, a few quiet laughs under her breath.) Yeah, this is how things usually are. And… I wouldn’t worry about the storybook thing. I doubt anyone would get on your case for that.
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Another thing he has to learn to take. Build up a different kind of pride. But no one said it would pop up overnight, and so he follows, looking up finally to make sure he was heading in the direction Midori had pointed out.]
They never tell you the harder parts in those stories. A hero's journey, they never talk about the training he had to go through, or the hardships the princess [-es] had to endure from their captors. [Is Aoi's imprisonment still on his mind? A little, despite being okay in her books.]
It's nice to see something that's just like it, is all.
Makes you believe there's some truth to it.
[That whole 'happily ever after' shlock, probably not. But small things like a quiet town, a sunrise, a gang of friends that overcame an entire evil organization.
There might be truth to it.]
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which is why she believes he doesn’t deserve all of the grief he still gives himself over what he did. him finally looking up at her, that different form of pride making an effort to show through, it lessens her worry over him a little. and it earns him a gentle smile, one you’d expect from a big sister figure who just wants to help someone see how truly amazing they are.
It’s what hakuryuu truly deserves.) Of course they don’t talk about all the hardships. No one likes hearing about struggles or challenges that can hurt. Who wants to face that?
(and it’s fact. the particularly grueling parts in stories are always skipped over to get to the final battle and happy ending. something midori herself takes a bit of issue with.) But the people in those stories are stronger than we give them credit for. The enemy can become the hero, and the princess can be far tougher than she looks. And a lot more forgiving, too. Those happily ever after things… they’re definitely not gonna happen like they do in the stories. But any ending where you walk away happier is a good ending, right?