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[ She hadn't forgotten. The situation had been an entirely new and strange one, and thinking about it had not only perplexed Itsuki further, but sobered her thoughts. Amemiya Taiyou was a bright, beaming force, but he had been in the hospital, and for someone who had walked those lonely, echoing halls far too long from the time she was a little girl, she wondered just how bad it had been for him.
Such thoughts had led her to her brother's side, who (as usual) had his calming smile and soft words of encouragement ready, and had told her that if Taiyou already had the will to be healthy, it was bound to work out. A nervous call to the hospital had confirmed that he'd been discharged, and...
She hadn't known where to go from there, finally settling on the fact that if Potpourri had met him by chance before, at one point, she'd probably meet him again.
Having that meeting be right outside her school while she's bidding the rest of the student council (and her crowd of giggling admirers) goodbye and heading out the gate with Tsubomi and Erika, though?
Potpourri lets out an excited noise from inside her bag as Itsuki comes to a sudden and surprised halt. It's rare to see her ruffled, so Tsubomi shoots her a concerned glance, and Erika raises a hand to shade her forehead and peers at the boy waving enthusiastically at them-- or, more specifically, Itsuki. For two of the three, he doesn't look familiar at all-- not the uniform, and not the face, but for the third...
She's already stepping forward, quick to recover from the shock-- mostly. She still looks fairly surprised. But it's also wonderful to see him out of hospital garments, and that finally tugs a genuine smile forth. ]
[The sound of his name lights him up, gently excusing himself from the girls he'd been chatting with to make his way over to her. It had only been a few weeks since he'd fatefully met her in the hospital, but if you'd asked him, it felt like years. Her amber eyes and honey coloured hair were as warm as he'd remembered, and the look on her face even more of a welcome familiarity (they have GOT to stop meeting by a surprised face!).
Today was a good day for him, health-wise. He'd never felt better since he'd gotten out of the hospital, which was good news for both him and and Fuyuka. With multiple checkups showing nothing but positive results, his next appointment was scheduled far in advance. He didn't have to go as often, and...well, the chance of his body relapsing on him would go down as well.
If you asked him, his surprise visitor that fateful day had something to do with it.
He trots up to her, hand coming forward in a gentlemanly bow to her as well as Tsubomi and Erika, who seem to be looking at him as if he'd grown a second head. Or...you know, maybe it's because you don't go to this school, Taiyou.]
It's been awhile! You didn't think I'd forget about the date we agreed on, did you?
[He's about to look for Potpourri...but something tells him that things like her are something that's meant to be kept secret. For now, his lips will stay sealed.]
[ Tsubomi and Erika now look doubly startled, staring from this boy to Itsuki, and back to the boy again. Not only does Itsuki seem to recognize him, but--
A date?
Itsuki stares back at her friends, a little apologetically, if just because it hadn't come up in conversation before. She hadn't wanted them (Erika especially) to get the wrong idea or worse, follow through on that wrong idea and make things difficult by trying to track down a boy she'd met once.
Her eyes return to Taiyou's face, as though she's searching for any signs-- a hint that he's joking. Maybe also to make sure that he's really feeling all right, but he's still brimming with energy and cheeriness and that same brightness that had made her trust him in the first place. ]
... Honestly... [ And she says it quietly, because she's never heard that sort of offer from a boy before. ] I didn't think you were being serious at the time.
[ And yet... here he is.
Erika pipes up with a playful "If it's a date, we'll tell your brother not to expect you!", though. Perfectly helpful. ]
[Her hesitance only causes him to get closer, blue eyes sparkling like the sea and orange hair practically glowing from the afternoon sun. Tsubomi and Erika get little glances, not unlike a curious cat as his arms fold behind his back, awaiting for Itsuki's answer...or better yet, agreement.]
Not being serious?
[Well, that's to be expected. Their whole meeting was a bit strange. But it does nothing to deter him from what he came for.]
Itsuki-san, you're the reason I worked hard to get out of that hospital! [A hand presses to his chest, eyes closing for just a moment.] It's just repaying you for being my inspiration.
...[But he pauses, hearing Erika speak.]
Brother.
Ahh....Is now a bad time? [A finger taps his chin, in thought. Well...he supposes he did arrive a bit surprisingly, and it's not like he could have known her schedule.] That's a shame...and here I was going to brag to Sata about it tomorrow.
[ Tsubomi and Erika exchange glances, holding an entire silent conversation between them in the time it takes Itsuki to consider a response. They still don't understand exactly what's happening here, although with the keyword "hospital", Tsubomi's beginning to get a better picture of how these two crossed paths. And Tsubomi being Tsubomi, she can't help but think that Itsuki not accepting this invitation would be a wasted opportunity. But before she can speak of, Itsuki speaks instead, slowly shaking her head. ]
It's all right. My brother's in training to reclaim his place as heir, and a lot of that training will involve the other students. I'd be happy to spend some time with you, Taiyou.
[ Tsubomi lets out a very small squeal of joy, and Erika pats her friend on the back-- which then turns into a two-handed push towards Taiyou.
"Then we'll go cheer on Satsuki-san! Enjoy your date, Itsuki!!" ]
Outing-- [ But she's flustered, and it shows. Taiyou's practically lit up, both on the outside and within, and it warms Itsuki at the same time that she, for once, finds herself at a loss as to what to do. He'd called her his inspiration, and he wants to repay her for... causing a ruckus in the hospital, apparently. And also what kind of girl goes on a date in a gakuran? ]
Heir? [A curious glance to the other two, although their little silent conversation meant that would just have to be a question he'd save for later. Right now, it was waiting to see if Itsuki would say yes, the most important part of a date!
And when that yes comes, his hand extends to his heart, letting out a breath of relief. So his train trip today wasn't in vain, and with the way her voice flows like honey, he could only sense genuine affection in her statement.]
That's so great...
[The girls push her forward, giving her soft words of encouragement before leaving as Taiyou can't help but light up in reaction. He'd really have to introduce himself to those two at some point...they were his unofficial wingwomen right now, after all...With a little warmth to his cheeks, he waves them off, chuckling lightly at Itsuki's correction.
An outing it was, then. If Taiyou felt deterred by Itsuki's outfit, he certainly didn't show it, as he got that silent acceptance from her friends as well as affirmation from Itsuki herself.]
Come on, Itsuki-san. There's this place I really want to show you.
[While it was pretty far from Arakumo Gakuen, the school was relatively close to Raimon, and there was one place in particular in that town that came to mind the moment he'd made his promise for a date. It was quiet, sentimental (to him), and at this time of day...beautiful.]
[ She'd really thought it was a playful joke-- a whim, at best, something he'd maybe lightly entertained but hadn't given a whole lot of thought to. But Taiyou had come all the way here to find her, and not only that, but had worked out some manner of plan concerning it to the point that it included where he wanted to take her.
... Taiyou's cheeks aren't the only ones that are slightly warm now, but even as her heart thumps a little more quickly, Itsuki's shoulders relax and a lot of the confused tension goes with it. Thinking of this as an outing with a friend who just wants to show her a favorite place... she's done things like this before. Nature of the situation aside, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
She'll just keep telling herself that, nodding as she turns to follow him. ]
[Originally, it had been. Taiyou had teased the idea from the moment she'd exited through his window, and while he wasn't overly serious about it when the words came out of his mouth, he found himself thinking more and more about the girl with the honey-coloured hair, just a couple of inches taller than him and bright amber eyes. Sata would often complain about how much he brought her up, this mysterious girl he'd smuggled into his hospital room...as if that was something normal people did!
And the more he thought, the more he actually wanted to take her out on a 'date', as casual as it was just to show her something like a riverbank after school.
He starts to walk towards the school gates, arms behind his back as he leads the way and taking in the sights, only diverting his attention when he hears that giggle from Itsuki's school bag. There's a playful little smile towards the girl, giving a little wink before whispering to the bag.]
Do we have a stowaway with us on our date?
[The curious tone quickly turns to a gentle one, nothing but a whisper so the other students can't hear.]
[ Movement in the bag becomes more pronounced, ceasing only when Itsuki presses a gentle hand against the side, because it's not safe to come out yet. Not that she wants to deny Potpourri a chance to see her second favorite sun, but Taiyou was one of the few civilians (and definitely the oldest) who knew what she was (sort of) and was more than okay with it. Not everyone could understand that yet.
So she waits until they're past the gates, when the trickle of students calling out goodbyes to her has ended, and they're well on their way before she unzips her bag and lowers her voice. ]
All right, Potpourri. You're clear.
[ ... Which is all it takes for the fairy to zip out of the bag and straight towards Taiyou, just so she can happily nuzzle his cheek. It makes Itsuki's smile turn soft, just watching the two of them. ]
[Taiyou's eyes momentarily track the movement on her bag as they make their way to the gates, nonchalantly putting his hands behind his head and turning his eyes up to the trees overhead. He had a feeling that Potpourri wasn't something everyone carried around in their purse, and bringing attention to it could cause more trouble than Taiyou was willing to throw them into.
Besides, he liked keeping secrets.
They pass the gates as the bystanders now make their way towards their after school activities or towards their homes, and with Itsuki's signal of all clear, he can see Potpourri fling herself out of that bag.
Laughter erupts from Taiyou as Potpourri makes a beeline for him, and hands gently cup around her to give a little nuzzle in return. After all, he'd missed her just as much as he'd missed Itsuki...]
Is that so...
[A smile spreads, reaching up to tickle the little fairy with his fingers.]
[ And if anyone could testify to that, it would be the one who got to hear all about how much Potpourri liked Taiyou at three in the morning, or while walking home, or gently turning down another girl behind the school (and that hadn't been the best timing for multiple reasons).
Now, it's easy to smile at the sight the two of them make, each equally thrilled to see each other again. When she thinks about it, Taiyou does seem to possess the same love of life and exuberant happiness that her fairy does, albeit with much more maturity. ]
It seems you really made an impression on Potpourri. That's pretty impressive, Taiyou.
[ Potpourri giggles, although whether it's sign of being ticklish or just Potpourri being happy-- no one really knows.
"He's warm, like the sun, and like Itsuki! Of course Potpourri likes him!"
[The little fairy sung praises of him, huh...there's something about hearing those words that spreads warmth throughout his body. Potpourri, while their meeting had been unexpected, seemed almost fated. The little fairy took to him almost immediately (after he'd foiled her little doll imitation), especially once he'd promised to keep her existence secret.
He can't explain why, but then again...there's a lot in this world we can't really explain. Keshin, hissatsu, and now these fairies. The world's full of things we don't have to make sense of.]
The feeling's mutual, it's why I tracked you down again after our first meeting, after all... I can't really explain it, but there's something special about you two...
[Potpourri's comment only makes him glow more, fingers giving one last little tickle before letting her loose to hover around them and tangle his fingers in that mess of orange hair instead.
He's lost in though a few moments, humming softly before snapping one of his fingers.]
[ Sooner or later, Taiyou is going to get tired of seeing Itsuki's surprised face-- and truthfully, Itsuki herself isn't used to letting her surprise show all that often, or even being surprised at all that much. After Potpourri, she could handle most anything with composure and a great sense of calm, but now there's this sunny boy who just blurts things that she's really only heard from her brother or the Fashion Club and never from another boy.
(She was never going to include Cobraja in this list.)
But this is the first time she can feel a great amount of heat suffusing her face, and is alarmingly aware that she's turning redder than she has in a very long time. It's only when Potpourri perches on a shoulder with a questioning noise that Itsuki is able to drag an answer forth. ]
I... don't think that's it. Maybe you were just curious?
[It's common fact that Cobraja should never be included in that lineup.
But the way Itsuki gets surprised every time it's mentioned is exactly why he's so upfront about it. This is a girl who's clearly never been complimented like this...at least not so bluntly, from another boy. And for someone like Taiyou, who found people so interesting as a whole, he couldn't help but feed into that. He wanted to see her get surprised. He wanted to see that surprise become the norm, for her to expect comments like that.
After all, in his eyes, and probably anyone who knew her....she deserved them.
Her attempt to deflect his affection has him smiling even wider, giving a little wink to Potpourri before turning his attention back to her.]
Hmmmm....
Well you're not wrong, Itsuki-san. I've been interested in learning more about you since we met.
[Can you not word everything like a vague attempt at flirting.]
Mm... I suppose you really didn't get a chance to learn anything past my name.
[ For understandable reasons that involved hiding from hospital staff, but there's definitely more breathing room now. This also seems like a safer topic, so Itsuki settles into it easily enough. ]
You know my school and you probably know I'm a second-year... the older brother Erika mentioned actually stayed at the same hospital you were at for a short while, which is why I think Potpourri got confused and tried to find me there. He's been sickly and frail ever since he was born, but he recently underwent a risky surgery to try and fix that. He's fine now, but he does have to go in every so often to make sure nothing's wrong.
[ Itsuki looks away now, forward-- ]
He's the rightful heir of our dojo. Up until this point, I've been acting in his place, so that's why... [ she'll motion to the gakuran. ]
Your older brother was at the same hospital? [With hands still behind his head, he tilts his body slightly towards her in acknowledgement. Taiyou's often one to believe in fate, and something like this...while nothing more than just sheer coincidence and a line of reasons why they would have met (involving Potpourri's shenanagins, no doubt), seemed more and more like fate in his eyes.]
Sounds like he was in there for the same reason I was. It's such a hassle, and normally I get so stir crazy in that place... [He sighs wistfully, smile creeping across his lips.] But small checkups are worth it if it means I get to stay out of there for good and visit you at school.
And Potpourri, too!
[A hand reaches out to the fairy, offering a hi-five. As short lived as it is, as his attention is soon drawn to her, looking her up and down as if this were....the first time he'd noticed it.]
Ah, you wear the boy's uniform to act in his place? At the dojo too?
[ It's still so strange to imagine Taiyou having been at the hospital in the first place. If Itsuki hadn't met him there herself, she doubts she would have believed it. Even now, as she watches Potpourri happily bring a paw forward to meet his palm, that aspect of it just feels like some sort of odd dream.
But he is here in front of her, after all, and she smiles. If he's doing better, that's all she needs to hear. ]
That's right. I didn't think anyone would take me seriously if I didn't at least try to act as a boy, and showing weakness at the dojo was even more of a fear to me.
... Of course, I think a lot of that was self-imposed. My brother always told me I didn't have to force myself so much.
[He'd always been one to not let his sickness define him, let alone take over his life. To him, it was something temporary, and his will to play soccer and experience life like everyone else would triumph.
And nothing gave proof of that more than right now. His desire to get out into the world and play soccer with Tenma, to see Itsuki again, they were all stepping stones to conquering his own physical limitations.
The sky was the limit with him, and that was where the sun belonged.]
I agree. Your dedication alone is enough to warrant respect, the way I see it.
But--
[Another wink to Potpourri. This next line's going to be a good one.]
Boys or girls uniform, you're very cute, Itsuki-san. The sun just glistens off you.
[ ... Are boys normally this forward?? Their future student council president had blurted out his desires when he thought she wasn't listening once, but she'd never caught him actually trying to flirt with anyone. Her own brother might say things like this, but that was her brother, and as Yuri had said once, all older siblings doted on their younger ones to a certain extent-- even Momoka.
If Taiyou keeps talking like this, it's going to be very difficult to keep her composure; indeed, Itsuki is already pressing a palm over her face. He doesn't seem like the type, but... ]
[Most boys have a filter--but Taiyou, someone who's always been so confident in who he is, how he feels, and what he wants to do, never saw the point in masking what you want to say. He had tact, of course, it's not like he went out shouting to the world what he thought without a filter, but when it came to expressing things that he felt were obvious...positive ones, he never held back.
From the looks of it, Itsuki wasn't one who really got comments on her appearance as upfront as his. It made it feel a little special, in some ways.
A smile spreads further, blue eyes calm and collected, and his voice mellowing to match.]
I'm not teasing. You have a glow about you that makes it impossible to resist gravitating towards. Whether you're in a boys uniform or a girl's uniform, that radiance still beams like the sun.
[He closes his eyes, nodding sagely.]
It's why I'm here. And it's why you have such good friends like Potpourri and the two girls I just met.
[ Potpourri nods sagely (for once), because as far as she's concerned, Taiyou is absolutely right. Itsuki had a certain warmth and brightness to her that drew people in, and kept them there when they learned that the warmth they'd seen wasn't just for show.
But very few people have ever told her that, in such glowing terms, and Itsuki is already doing her best to stay firm on the subject here. She can't let him throw her too far off-guard. ]
... Thank you, but a lot of that was due to them. And you have a radiant sort of charisma yourself, Taiyou.
[ ... This boy is ridiculous. And even as Itsuki blinks at him, completely startled by just how easily affectionate and playful he is (despite knowing Erika), a laugh escapes. ]
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Such thoughts had led her to her brother's side, who (as usual) had his calming smile and soft words of encouragement ready, and had told her that if Taiyou already had the will to be healthy, it was bound to work out. A nervous call to the hospital had confirmed that he'd been discharged, and...
She hadn't known where to go from there, finally settling on the fact that if Potpourri had met him by chance before, at one point, she'd probably meet him again.
Having that meeting be right outside her school while she's bidding the rest of the student council (and her crowd of giggling admirers) goodbye and heading out the gate with Tsubomi and Erika, though?
Potpourri lets out an excited noise from inside her bag as Itsuki comes to a sudden and surprised halt. It's rare to see her ruffled, so Tsubomi shoots her a concerned glance, and Erika raises a hand to shade her forehead and peers at the boy waving enthusiastically at them-- or, more specifically, Itsuki. For two of the three, he doesn't look familiar at all-- not the uniform, and not the face, but for the third...
She's already stepping forward, quick to recover from the shock-- mostly. She still looks fairly surprised. But it's also wonderful to see him out of hospital garments, and that finally tugs a genuine smile forth. ]
Taiyou!
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Today was a good day for him, health-wise. He'd never felt better since he'd gotten out of the hospital, which was good news for both him and and Fuyuka. With multiple checkups showing nothing but positive results, his next appointment was scheduled far in advance. He didn't have to go as often, and...well, the chance of his body relapsing on him would go down as well.
If you asked him, his surprise visitor that fateful day had something to do with it.
He trots up to her, hand coming forward in a gentlemanly bow to her as well as Tsubomi and Erika, who seem to be looking at him as if he'd grown a second head. Or...you know, maybe it's because you don't go to this school, Taiyou.]
It's been awhile! You didn't think I'd forget about the date we agreed on, did you?
[He's about to look for Potpourri...but something tells him that things like her are something that's meant to be kept secret. For now, his lips will stay sealed.]
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A date?
Itsuki stares back at her friends, a little apologetically, if just because it hadn't come up in conversation before. She hadn't wanted them (Erika especially) to get the wrong idea or worse, follow through on that wrong idea and make things difficult by trying to track down a boy she'd met once.
Her eyes return to Taiyou's face, as though she's searching for any signs-- a hint that he's joking. Maybe also to make sure that he's really feeling all right, but he's still brimming with energy and cheeriness and that same brightness that had made her trust him in the first place. ]
... Honestly... [ And she says it quietly, because she's never heard that sort of offer from a boy before. ] I didn't think you were being serious at the time.
[ And yet... here he is.
Erika pipes up with a playful "If it's a date, we'll tell your brother not to expect you!", though. Perfectly helpful. ]
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Not being serious?
[Well, that's to be expected. Their whole meeting was a bit strange. But it does nothing to deter him from what he came for.]
Itsuki-san, you're the reason I worked hard to get out of that hospital! [A hand presses to his chest, eyes closing for just a moment.] It's just repaying you for being my inspiration.
...[But he pauses, hearing Erika speak.]
Brother.
Ahh....Is now a bad time? [A finger taps his chin, in thought. Well...he supposes he did arrive a bit surprisingly, and it's not like he could have known her schedule.] That's a shame...and here I was going to brag to Sata about it tomorrow.
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It's all right. My brother's in training to reclaim his place as heir, and a lot of that training will involve the other students. I'd be happy to spend some time with you, Taiyou.
[ Tsubomi lets out a very small squeal of joy, and Erika pats her friend on the back-- which then turns into a two-handed push towards Taiyou.
"Then we'll go cheer on Satsuki-san! Enjoy your date, Itsuki!!" ]
Outing-- [ But she's flustered, and it shows. Taiyou's practically lit up, both on the outside and within, and it warms Itsuki at the same time that she, for once, finds herself at a loss as to what to do. He'd called her his inspiration, and he wants to repay her for... causing a ruckus in the hospital, apparently. And also what kind of girl goes on a date in a gakuran? ]
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Right now, it was waiting to see if Itsuki would say yes, the most important part of a date!
And when that yes comes, his hand extends to his heart, letting out a breath of relief. So his train trip today wasn't in vain, and with the way her voice flows like honey, he could only sense genuine affection in her statement.]
That's so great...
[The girls push her forward, giving her soft words of encouragement before leaving as Taiyou can't help but light up in reaction. He'd really have to introduce himself to those two at some point...they were his unofficial wingwomen right now, after all...With a little warmth to his cheeks, he waves them off, chuckling lightly at Itsuki's correction.
An outing it was, then. If Taiyou felt deterred by Itsuki's outfit, he certainly didn't show it, as he got that silent acceptance from her friends as well as affirmation from Itsuki herself.]
Come on, Itsuki-san. There's this place I really want to show you.
[While it was pretty far from Arakumo Gakuen, the school was relatively close to Raimon, and there was one place in particular in that town that came to mind the moment he'd made his promise for a date. It was quiet, sentimental (to him), and at this time of day...beautiful.]
I've got it all planned out and everything.
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... Taiyou's cheeks aren't the only ones that are slightly warm now, but even as her heart thumps a little more quickly, Itsuki's shoulders relax and a lot of the confused tension goes with it. Thinking of this as an outing with a friend who just wants to show her a favorite place... she's done things like this before. Nature of the situation aside, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
She'll just keep telling herself that, nodding as she turns to follow him. ]
Lead the way.
[ Her bag is excitedly squeaking. ]
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And the more he thought, the more he actually wanted to take her out on a 'date', as casual as it was just to show her something like a riverbank after school.
He starts to walk towards the school gates, arms behind his back as he leads the way and taking in the sights, only diverting his attention when he hears that giggle from Itsuki's school bag. There's a playful little smile towards the girl, giving a little wink before whispering to the bag.]
Do we have a stowaway with us on our date?
[The curious tone quickly turns to a gentle one, nothing but a whisper so the other students can't hear.]
I missed you too, Potpourri....
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So she waits until they're past the gates, when the trickle of students calling out goodbyes to her has ended, and they're well on their way before she unzips her bag and lowers her voice. ]
All right, Potpourri. You're clear.
[ ... Which is all it takes for the fairy to zip out of the bag and straight towards Taiyou, just so she can happily nuzzle his cheek. It makes Itsuki's smile turn soft, just watching the two of them. ]
For about a week, you were all she'd talk about.
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Besides, he liked keeping secrets.
They pass the gates as the bystanders now make their way towards their after school activities or towards their homes, and with Itsuki's signal of all clear, he can see Potpourri fling herself out of that bag.
Laughter erupts from Taiyou as Potpourri makes a beeline for him, and hands gently cup around her to give a little nuzzle in return. After all, he'd missed her just as much as he'd missed Itsuki...]
Is that so...
[A smile spreads, reaching up to tickle the little fairy with his fingers.]
Good things, I hope, yeah?
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[ And if anyone could testify to that, it would be the one who got to hear all about how much Potpourri liked Taiyou at three in the morning, or while walking home, or gently turning down another girl behind the school (and that hadn't been the best timing for multiple reasons).
Now, it's easy to smile at the sight the two of them make, each equally thrilled to see each other again. When she thinks about it, Taiyou does seem to possess the same love of life and exuberant happiness that her fairy does, albeit with much more maturity. ]
It seems you really made an impression on Potpourri. That's pretty impressive, Taiyou.
[ Potpourri giggles, although whether it's sign of being ticklish or just Potpourri being happy-- no one really knows.
"He's warm, like the sun, and like Itsuki! Of course Potpourri likes him!"
Duh. ]
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He can't explain why, but then again...there's a lot in this world we can't really explain. Keshin, hissatsu, and now these fairies. The world's full of things we don't have to make sense of.]
The feeling's mutual, it's why I tracked you down again after our first meeting, after all... I can't really explain it, but there's something special about you two...
[Potpourri's comment only makes him glow more, fingers giving one last little tickle before letting her loose to hover around them and tangle his fingers in that mess of orange hair instead.
He's lost in though a few moments, humming softly before snapping one of his fingers.]
Maybe it's because you're both cute!
[TAIYOU!]
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[ Sooner or later, Taiyou is going to get tired of seeing Itsuki's surprised face-- and truthfully, Itsuki herself isn't used to letting her surprise show all that often, or even being surprised at all that much. After Potpourri, she could handle most anything with composure and a great sense of calm, but now there's this sunny boy who just blurts things that she's really only heard from her brother or the Fashion Club and never from another boy.
(She was never going to include Cobraja in this list.)
But this is the first time she can feel a great amount of heat suffusing her face, and is alarmingly aware that she's turning redder than she has in a very long time. It's only when Potpourri perches on a shoulder with a questioning noise that Itsuki is able to drag an answer forth. ]
I... don't think that's it. Maybe you were just curious?
[ Help her, Oniisama. ]
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But the way Itsuki gets surprised every time it's mentioned is exactly why he's so upfront about it. This is a girl who's clearly never been complimented like this...at least not so bluntly, from another boy. And for someone like Taiyou, who found people so interesting as a whole, he couldn't help but feed into that. He wanted to see her get surprised. He wanted to see that surprise become the norm, for her to expect comments like that.
After all, in his eyes, and probably anyone who knew her....she deserved them.
Her attempt to deflect his affection has him smiling even wider, giving a little wink to Potpourri before turning his attention back to her.]
Hmmmm....
Well you're not wrong, Itsuki-san. I've been interested in learning more about you since we met.
[Can you not word everything like a vague attempt at flirting.]
Maybe it's a bit of both.
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[ For understandable reasons that involved hiding from hospital staff, but there's definitely more breathing room now. This also seems like a safer topic, so Itsuki settles into it easily enough. ]
You know my school and you probably know I'm a second-year... the older brother Erika mentioned actually stayed at the same hospital you were at for a short while, which is why I think Potpourri got confused and tried to find me there. He's been sickly and frail ever since he was born, but he recently underwent a risky surgery to try and fix that. He's fine now, but he does have to go in every so often to make sure nothing's wrong.
[ Itsuki looks away now, forward-- ]
He's the rightful heir of our dojo. Up until this point, I've been acting in his place, so that's why... [ she'll motion to the gakuran. ]
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Sounds like he was in there for the same reason I was. It's such a hassle, and normally I get so stir crazy in that place... [He sighs wistfully, smile creeping across his lips.] But small checkups are worth it if it means I get to stay out of there for good and visit you at school.
And Potpourri, too!
[A hand reaches out to the fairy, offering a hi-five. As short lived as it is, as his attention is soon drawn to her, looking her up and down as if this were....the first time he'd noticed it.]
Ah, you wear the boy's uniform to act in his place? At the dojo too?
[Is this girl a fuckin' black belt.]
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But he is here in front of her, after all, and she smiles. If he's doing better, that's all she needs to hear. ]
That's right. I didn't think anyone would take me seriously if I didn't at least try to act as a boy, and showing weakness at the dojo was even more of a fear to me.
... Of course, I think a lot of that was self-imposed. My brother always told me I didn't have to force myself so much.
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And nothing gave proof of that more than right now. His desire to get out into the world and play soccer with Tenma, to see Itsuki again, they were all stepping stones to conquering his own physical limitations.
The sky was the limit with him, and that was where the sun belonged.]
I agree. Your dedication alone is enough to warrant respect, the way I see it.
But--
[Another wink to Potpourri. This next line's going to be a good one.]
Boys or girls uniform, you're very cute, Itsuki-san. The sun just glistens off you.
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If Taiyou keeps talking like this, it's going to be very difficult to keep her composure; indeed, Itsuki is already pressing a palm over her face. He doesn't seem like the type, but... ]
Please, don't tease me...
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From the looks of it, Itsuki wasn't one who really got comments on her appearance as upfront as his. It made it feel a little special, in some ways.
A smile spreads further, blue eyes calm and collected, and his voice mellowing to match.]
I'm not teasing. You have a glow about you that makes it impossible to resist gravitating towards. Whether you're in a boys uniform or a girl's uniform, that radiance still beams like the sun.
[He closes his eyes, nodding sagely.]
It's why I'm here. And it's why you have such good friends like Potpourri and the two girls I just met.
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But very few people have ever told her that, in such glowing terms, and Itsuki is already doing her best to stay firm on the subject here. She can't let him throw her too far off-guard. ]
... Thank you, but a lot of that was due to them. And you have a radiant sort of charisma yourself, Taiyou.
[ Which she's sure he knows. ]
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[He smiles, blue eyes cutting through her rebuttal.]
Tell me, Itsuki-san. What attracts bees to flowers? Whatever it is--colour or pollen or scent, its something the flower had from the start.
[His arm reaches over to hook hers confidently, leaning in to rest his chin on her shoulder.]
Buzz, Buzzzzz~...
[...and then bursting into a fit of laughter.]
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Has anyone told you that you're unusual?
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All the time.
[Although, he couldn't sound more proud of that if he tried.]
'Unusual' is more exciting, though, don't you think? No one ever changed the world by being 'usual'.
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[ In the wake of their laughter, Itsuki completely relaxes, letting him stay connected to her. ]
Is that what you'd like to do? Change the world?
[ Because that's kind of a process and half the time Itsuki isn't sure what she's doing anyway. ]
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