Tweak

InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "It's the dodo's fault!"

Yamada Kai [山田海] (the_nadeshiko) wrote in disappear_rpg,
@ 2010-06-15 21:43:00

Entry tags:

WHO: Kai, Tom.
WHAT: Establishing a reason for Kai to take Tom shopping. Yeah.
WHEN: Day after Kiriko and Kai thread, otherwise why does he camp in the Butterfly Room for so long?
WHERE: Butterfly Room again.
WHY: Because Tom will eventually need decent clothes for a date with Seiko. :|

There are some things that never change.

Kai was exemplifying this today by having brought his sewing bag to the Butterfly Room with the actual intent to sew there. The atmosphere was calming enough to work, and the risk of his materials being carried off by mischievous Hands aside, he had to admit it helped him get stuff done. The Kaidoll seemed to like his presence there as well, and was seated next to his foot on the floor, mimicing his motions on a cloth scrap Kai had given it.

The project itself was just a craft, a simple cross-stitch, but it was something to do and keep his mind calm. That was all he wanted for the moment.

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-18 01:50 am UTC (link)

Kai nodded, though Tom's words filled him with unease. He didn't like being reminded that there were creatures out there that were trying to kill them. "I'm really not sure how to do any of that," he said, shrugging. "I've never had to think about this kind of stuff before."

"Oh, Seiko-san. Have you talked to her since then? How is she doing?" He put his hands in his pockets and shifted his weight so he was more comfortable standing. He started to relax more as he let the conversation drift into an area he was more comfortable discussing: relationships. "I was surprised to hear that you two were dating, but it sounds sweet. Is that why you asked me about Seiko-san back in the library?" Kai smiled, a hint of teasing apparent in it.

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-18 02:51 am UTC (link)

"Yes." Tom answered Kai's last question quickly and frankly. He looked over his notes at the table.

"Seiko is fine, trying to rest, I took her back to her dorm room and tried to get her to sleep." He sighed and straightened up.

"We aren't quite... uh... anymore... or maybe we are. I have no idea. " He returned his attention to the work on the table. "Would you want to stay in a relationship that drove you into Paradise because you were so afraid of it?"

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-22 02:51 am UTC (link)

"That's good." Kai nodded at this, and then realized that he was tired of standing and took a seat in a plush chair beside the couch.

He chewed his lip thoughtfully as he considered his answer. "...Have you tried asking Seiko-san about it? Really asking her? It looks like she was hiding a lot of demons deep down - those could have been bothering her longer than you know, and maybe they played a big part in driving her in."
Kai didn't exactly understand how Tom had come to that conclusion, considering that Seiko's dungeon had been so entrenched in glitter and fabulous he even forgot who he was towards the end of it. Seiko's motives had been even murkier to him.

He took his bag off and set it on the floor beside the chair so he could pull his legs up against his chest. "Relationships are scary in general. It's hard to be that open to somebody else, and not everyone's ready for it. Don't blame yourself, though, senpai. What happened to Seiko wasn't your fault. And you saved her in the end, right?" This, he delivered with his best sympathetic look at Tom.

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-22 03:26 am UTC (link)

"Of course it was my fault, just as Ikeda-san, Aomori, Sonozaki-san, Kondo-chan, and possibly Akuba-san and Ito-san. I may not have been responsible, or even the driving force that sent them in necessarily, but I didn't prevent it, which makes me culpable after a fashion." Tom put his project down on the table and looked at Kai. "Don't worry though Yamada-san, I don't beat myself up over it. Regret is a waste of itme, I only double my efforts to try and stop the killer."

After a moment he picked up a pen and began writing some notes.

"I haven't spoken to her since she got back. Coming back from Paradise requires rest, and it can change your perspective on a number of things. Seiko doesn't the pressure of trying to figure out where we stand right now... or trying to help me understand any of this. In addition, given the revelation that her enthusiastic persona is not the whole of her being, the similarities between the people wearing the sun flowered hat in her dungeon and the way she acted before hand, and that with the exception of Kondo-chan, plus Nawanaka-san at the end when I was pointed out, the only people who expressed concern for my situation were those wearing the hat, it suggests that her shadow was being truthful about her only wanting to be involved with me because of how... unlike other people I am.

My research suggests that the most likely outcome will be that Seiko suggests that it is not a relationship she wishes to pursue, given her new outlook, and ask that we remain friends." He shrugged for a moment, and sighed, trying not to let how much the thought seemed to bother him show.

"While I would prefer to continue the relationship, I will accept this outcome. Of course I am prepared for other contingencies."

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-23 02:21 pm UTC (link)

Kai frowned at Tom's frank answer. That didn't make any sense, because by that logic, Kai was responsible, too, and he didn't feel like he'd done anything wrong. He'd gone in to save Seiko. He hadn't had any clue about the things he'd seen in her place until her Shadow had shown them all, so he didn't intentionally exacerbate them. He'd cared about her. Didn't all of that make him at least innocent? Did having good intentions clear you of any possible wrongdoing?

He hugged his legs to his chest, suddenly feeling very small.

"...I'm sorry, I wish I knew what to say, but I can't speak for Seiko-san. You'll have to talk to her to find out, but if it helps, that compassion she has can't all be an act. You can't approach everything so logically, senpai. Sometimes you just have to feel things, you know?"

He let out an awkward, mirthless laugh, trying to break up the serious mood. Somewhere in the corner of the room, the Kaidoll hid its face in its stubby cloth arms.

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-27 03:22 am UTC (link)

"Not thinking rationally about the whole thing is what caused the mess in the first place. Plus feelings... complicate matters." Tom stood for a moment, trying to process his feelings on Seiko. Finally, he sighed and turned to face Kai, leaning against the table.

"But even thinking rationally... I do wish to continue the relationship." Tom reached up and tapped his chin. "I plan on speaking with her. But I'll reserve judgments on who the person she is now until I meet her."

"Alright Yamada-san. How would you propose I approach the situation?"

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-27 09:32 pm UTC (link)

"Some things just can't be solved by thinking, though. Feelings are complicated, but they're worth it." He smiled at Tom with trademark optimism...or sappiness, it was hard to tell.

"That's a plan." He pushed some hair behind his ear as he considered what his "proposal" even was. "Well, just go to Seiko-san and tell her that you still like her, and you want to get to know this new her. All you can do is ask her to give it a chance, and if she says no, or it doesn't work out, at least you tried."

He frowned. "I'm sorry if that's not a comfort. I'm really a much better person to ask about what to wear when you go see her, y'know?" He laughed, still awkward. "But I assure you a carefully-selected outfit would make you feel much more confident when you do go!"

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-27 10:46 pm UTC (link)

"..." Tom gave a confused frown.

"I was merely going to wear my school uniform. I could wear the black suit but it wouldn't make much difference. I only wear it when I want to distinguish myself the general student population of Nanakamado. Seiko knows I'm a student here, so there's no need to change clothing.

Plus I haven't altered it enough to carry all my weapons."

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-29 02:29 am UTC (link)

Kai's first response was an emphatic, "Senpai, no." Then his mouth quirked as he realized how...harsh that had sounded, and he tried to alter it. "You can't wear your same old school uniform to go see Seiko-san, and if she wants to continue dating, you definitely can't wear that on a date. She sees you in it every day, practically -"

He stopped short, eyes wide, once the last thing Tom had said sunk in. "...What do you mean 'carry all your weapons?' D-Do you seriously carry some on you all the time? Are you wearing some now?" If he could have scooted the chair away from Tom without looking painfully obvious, he would have.

"...Look, the point is - though there is much more to a relationship than appearances, and I doubt Seiko-san would want you obsessing over your looks, anyway, considering her Shadow - that you should at least try to look a little more exciting from time-to-time. If I have to take you shopping and then modify those clothes to carry weapons myself, I will." In a short time, his tone had changed from hesitant and tepid to direct and confident. Clearly, fashion agreed better with Kai than dating advice. "In fact, let's do that. If that's your idea of dressing yourself, you probably need more casual clothes, anyway, for things outside of Seiko-san. If you'll go shopping with me sometime this week, I'll modify whatever you get for whatever you want to carry in them."

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-29 03:00 am UTC (link)

Tom's mouth hung open slightly. He avoided patting the spots where he had his hidden weapons placed, it would be the first thing someone noticed.

"I've had weapons hidden on me at all times since I began my investigation into the killer. That was before I found out about Paradise. I've increased the amount of equipment I carry in my bag since then. At this point I barely carry around school supplies and it's almost completely full." Tom shrugged.

"Given that our enemies are targeting us specifically, both in and out of Paradise, it is unwise to travel unprepared for a fight."

He put a finger to his chin and titled his head.

"So you believe I should wear the black suit then? Aside from my t-shirt and the beach wear Kondo-chan made me buy the black suit is the only other outfit I have."

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the_nadeshiko
2010-06-29 03:22 am UTC (link)

"That...makes sense," Kai said, with an uneasy look on his face that said he didn't get it at all. But maaaaybe pushing someone who'd just admitted to carrying weapons on him at all times - someone who Kai was completely alone in the room with, oh God - was a bad idea, so Kai let the subject drop.

"...Really?" Kai's first instinct was to gasp at Tom's deprivation. How could someone not own more clothes than that? Did he not want any, or... That was impossible, right? "U-um, black is a nice color. A black suit might be a little too serious, though. You don't want to unconsciously compare meeting your girlfriend to going to a funeral, right? Even with rotating accessories, you can only wear the same outfit so many times before it looks stale. Are you sure you don't want to take up my offer? It's not a problem for me, I love sewing, really! And colors other than red and black are good for you, Senpai. We can start you out with dark blue if the change seems too sudden, even."

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ofmanydevices
2010-06-30 02:48 am UTC (link)

Tom put a finger to his chin, and cocked a head to the side.

"More clothing might help. The suit stands out, it works to distract people, but it also makes makes me stand out. Other clothing might help in more subtle missions. Plus having spots to keep weapons hidden would make things easier then having to wear jackets all the time.

I think provided we can find things that are light weight and allow me to fight in them I think you'd be a big help."

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the_nadeshiko
2010-07-01 05:56 am UTC (link)

"Excellent!" Kai said, pumping his fist to himself in celebration. "Clothes are useful like that, Senpai. You never know when you'll need exactly the right outfit. And I can help you make some great ones! ...That will carry your weapons, too," he quickly amended. That was going to be a fun project.

"I'd love to help! Hmmm, we can go to either Junes or Subako, I guess. I know I prefer the smaller independent stores 'cause the big places never have anything really unique, but I'd feel terrible modifying something really pretty..."

Kai, as usual when it came to the subjects of fashion and sewing, began to ramble on about design choices and the importance of developing a personal style. He'd slipped into his comfort zone, and any awkwardness from before fell away the longer he talked.

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ofmanydevices
2010-07-06 05:20 pm UTC (link)

Tom nodded.

"There isn't a Junes in Iburi. But I know where the closest one is. It's where I've picked up most of my knives." Tom's eyes lit up with a sense of recognition.

"Oh! I should get Seiko a present for our date..." He crosses his arms and titled his head to the side. "Hmm... oh she needs new knives. Her shadow destroyed the ones I gave her. I'll go ahead and get her some more." He Tom nodded, a satisfied smile creeping across his face.

"But yes, Junes. They'd have more generic clothes, easier for modification. We can take my car."

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the_nadeshiko
2010-07-12 03:55 am UTC (link)

"Yes!" If Kai weren't so excited at the prospect of shopping for new clothes and sewing, he would have pointed out that knives didn't make a very romantic present, even if it was practical. But, well, maybe they were romantic to Tom. ...That wasn't a very comforting thought, either.

He focused on sewing again to distract himself from that.

"That sounds great. Wait, you have a car? You're old enough to drive, Senpai? ...Huh, well you can pick me up any time that's good for you! You have my number, soooo..."

He stretched his legs out, bracing his arms on the chair to stretch and try to crack his back. "You won't regret it, Senpai. You'll look great!"

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ofmanydevices
2010-07-13 04:22 pm UTC (link)

Tom crossed his arms and glanced toward the floor.

"I have a car and I know how to drive, both were a gift from my aunt when i turned sixteen. She thought I was deprived living in here when I was born in the states." He frowned slightly. Thinking about his aunt did that. She was never one for rules, and her willingness to go overboard is what eventually resulted in her problems. It made him uneasy about volunteering to drive. Driving for the purposes of solving the case was a justified reason to break the law. Driving to buy clothes for general use wasn't, not when there were alternatives;. They couldn't ask Seiko, so then how to get there?

"But I'm not old enough to drive. We'll have to take the train."

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