☄ 002 | Video; ID reads "Gran"

[starlinings]

[It's been a little over two months since Gran's been in this place. Maybe two exactly if we're getting technical. He's settled in, he's gotten himself signed up for school, he's started working at his jo-


Well. Sort of started working at his job. With his school and sports schedule, he's had to currently work around it in a lot of ways, and he really started emphasizing the 'part' in part-time. It didn't leave much room for training, to be honest. And the most he could really show up for was signing papers and watching videos on how to behave around kids.

He lived with kids, too. So this wasn't exactly new to him.


But now here comes the fun part. The video opens to him sitting on the steps to King Pong, paddle in hand as he idly taps it against his palm.]


So. I'm...supposed to be a Ping-Pong instructor here. I don't mind it, the kids are nice, and the staff is kind to me. But I was just wondering...


[The next part of this comes somewhat sheepishly, a hand running through his bright red hair and pulling it out of his eyes for just a moment, keeping it's shape almost immediately until he fixes it.]

...Does anyone know how to play Ping-Pong?


[He is vastly under-qualified.]

Comments

[sasaeru]

[She'd been told assigned jobs have little rhyme or reason behind them but she didn't expect it to be so much. Hiroto, playing ping-pong... she also knew about this, but. She hms thoughtfully.]

If you intend on staying there, it's probably best if you learn. I'm sure there're books on it.

[And she has a handy dandy De Chima Public Library card that she can use for the both of them now.]

[starlinings]

...I guess I have a lot of studying to do.

[He felt pretty oddly placed, he had to admit. But they were generous enough to give them a steady income as it was, and he wasn't about to turn down that considering their past.]

Maybe I can find something to practice on at a recreational center...

[sasaeru]

Mm.

I'll pick up some books for you today. And I only have work when there are games, if you have trouble finding something. [or someone]

[starlinings]

...

It's a two person game, after all.


I'm short one player, right now. [He may not pick up on many clues, but that was one of them.]

[sasaeru]

[she nods]

Should I get a paddle?

[starlinings]

I could ask if I could borrow one from my work. I don't know how convincing I can be, but it's worth a try.

[Hiroto, you could charm even the most stonefaced adults into whatever you want.]

[sasaeru]

... All right.

No need to get paddles, then.

[She knows it'll work.]

I'll get the books. When are you coming home today?

[starlinings]

Mmm.

[He takes a little look at the building. Technically his shift was over, and said that he had the weekend to prepare for his first class.]

I actually just finished. Did you need me to pick anything up?

[sasaeru]

Only if you need anything.

I can meet you with the books.

[starlinings]

...There's a cafe in De Chima. We could meet there.

[He just got paid, after all.]

Have you eaten yet?

[sasaeru]

Not yet.

I haven't started dinner yet, either. [So it wont' be a problem.]

[starlinings]

Good, I'll treat you, then.

[His voice is so airy, as if the news was a breath of fresh air for the conversation. It isn't every day that he's allowed to do things for her for a change...]

I can pick you up just outside the house.

[sasaeru]

[She's still getting used to this life of being able to get each other things or accept things from people, but with Hiroto, she's adjusting better than others (thanks, Maya). So she nods.]

I'll be ready. Let me know when you're close.

[starlinings]

[It's a new feeling for him, too, but one he has no problem getting absolutely drunk off of. After his birthday, all he wanted was for other people to feel the exact same feeling he had.]

It won't take me long. Five minutes tops.

[He'd run if he had to make that time frame.]

[sasaeru]

... Look both ways before you cross the street. Don't cross when the light is blinking. Use crosswalks.

[watch out for trucks]

I won't go anywhere even if you don't rush, so get back safely.

[starlinings]

I know...I know.

[His tone is affectionate, trailing off as he makes sure he adjusts himself from taking a step into Jaywalk territory. He knows she can't see him, but he's not willing to take that risk. Reina just knew things.

Also trucks are fucking deadly.]

I'd never hear the end of it if something happened to me, right?

[sasaeru]

I'll talk you into the next millennium. Five minutes?

[She's gonna be waiting on the steps.]

[starlinings]

Less than. I think you can even see me if you squint.

[And just to be sure, he waves his hand safely from the crosswalk a few streets down. His red hair should make him a beacon, at least.]

[sasaeru]

... You're fast.

[She doesn't hang up although she definitely sees him. She gets up from the steps to wave back at him, blue hair on her head also standing out against the grey clouds up above.]

Do you need to drop anything off?

[starlinings]

I didn't want to keep you waiting.

[He looks at his bag as he talks, weighing it a moment--he did still have his books in there...]

I may need to drop off my school books. Is that alright? It'll only be a moment.

[sasaeru]

Mm.

I'll wait for you. [a pause] Hiroto.

[starlinings]

...Hmm?

[His name catches his attention, stopping at the next crosswalk.]

Is something wrong?

[sasaeru]

... Nothing.

I felt like saying it. [She just had to think for a moment whether anybody would overhear or not.]

[starlinings]

[A sudden warmth surrounds Hiroto as he makes that last stretch towards the house. And although he's silent, he doesn't hang up until he reaches the house, shutting his phone and pocketing it. Something about her wanting to say his name...it's comforting.]


It'll just be a moment.


[He wouldn't make her wait too long.]

[sasaeru]

[She doesn't hand up until he does, either, nodding as she sits down on the steps outside of the house -- their house -- and hunches her shoulders against the chill.]

Mm.

[There's a curl to the corners of her lips in the faintest ghost of a smile.]

I'll be right here. Take your time.