[ Mizuki seems to be in a pretty good mood, in spite of everything; they offer him a wave, and note that he... does not seem as perky. A faint look of concern crosses their face. ]
All things considered, it's been all right. I wish some people had defected to Beauty-kun's side, but... well, maybe it's better this way. [ considering the killer is hiding with the defectors, apparently. ] Are you okay? You look exhausted.
[ the piety thing was also their guess - even if he's not on his team anymore, Ishikirimaru clearly had some affection for him, and he's not the sort who can let go of that so easily. It's only been a few weeks, but Mizuki thinks they know him well enough at this point to be sure of it.
His question has them cocking their head curiously. ]
Haha... Stress relief, huh? If there's something I can do, I'll be happy to help. Go ahead.
Ah, well-- there was something Nito-kun spoke about with me last week, that I've been somewhat curious about.
[there's a pause, there, but not a hesitant one so much as just thinking about how to phrase it; thoughtful, not uncertain.
but finally, he comes to a decision.]
Assuming we're able to find a proper place for it, considering what we've been given this week... would you like to accompany me for a date, Mizuki-san?
I am afraid I'm not very familiar with them, but if you are, that should be enough.
[senri's assured him they're supposed to be a nice time, and he enjoys mizuki's company. it seems like a good distraction to him.
it's debatable whether he means this in a serious way or not, though.]
[ wait, no, this can't seriously be happening to them. They can't believe this is happening to them, actually, in the middle of some kind of bizarre extra-dimensional battle royale where they're trying not to die while simultaneously converting people to follow their dorky teenager of choice - now they have to deal with this soap opera stuff, too?! They've never been in this position before. ]
-- No, wait, this is a problem. And to think I was the one calling Cunning-san Mr. Popular this week. Um, let's see...
[ give them a second to ORGANIZE THEIR THOUGHTS HERE. They run a hand through their hair, looking a little bit apologetic. ]
Ishikirimaru-san, I'd love to go on a date with you, but things have recently become complicated. There's someone else I'm involved with. Not that he and I are dating or anything, but it would be disingenuous for me to not mention it to you... In any case, I'm not sure I can say yes in good faith at the moment.
[the compliment gets him to flush a bit, actually-- was it cool? he supposes that's a good thing. he supposes he might like to hear them say things like that again-- but then they call it a problem, and he hesitates, waiting for them to continue with his brow slightly furrowed.
when they do answer, he's quiet for several moments; ishikirimaru is well practiced at keeping things hidden, but even so, there's a brief flicker of something difficult to read before it's smoothly shoved aside.]
-I see.
[that's probably for the best, he reasons. he's not fully human in spirit, much as he might be in body. it's best not to get too closely involved, better to have that answer before he actually gets attached. at least, any more attached.]
I apologize, then-- I wouldn't want to get in the way of anything. Perhaps I should have asked if that were the case, first.
[ and, naturally, they instantly feel badly. Ishikirimaru is a good man. Probably a better man than Majima is, to be frank. They'd kept their tone light in an effort keep the atmosphere from becoming too heavy; now they worry they'd hurt his feelings by doing so, instead. Mizuki frowns, walking over quietly. ]
You don't have to apologize. I like you a lot, you know? I can count the number of people who know which god I'm aligned with on one hand. You're one of the ones I know I can trust, Ishi-san. You're honest, kind-hearted, selfless, and smart.
[ it's ridiculous that they're here turning down someone like him (tall, dark and handsome, to boot), to be frank... ]
And you're my friend. [ a wry smile. ] Do you still think you can call me that?
If you still don't mind calling a tsukumogami that, then of course.
[there's no reason that would change, he thinks. they're one of the people he trusts here, whose company puts him at ease-- that isn't anything he'd give up so easily, and he gives them a slight smile there in response.
the compliments, though, he doesn't directly respond to. he's uncertain how.]
There's no need for anything to be different. I- simply misread the situation, I think.
[considering that was the first time he really held anyone's hand, he feels that's an understandable mistake.]
[ maybe the both of them did. But they'd rather not belabor the point. Drawing it out will only make things more awkward. ]
You've always just been a regular person to me. Nicknames aside.
[ he doesn't have horns or a tail or a spooky aura. Even if they're feeling more amenable to the idea of him actually being some kind of spirit, he doesn't seem very different from a human at all. ]
We can still go out and do something, besides! I haven't been to the west wing much because of those monsters...
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[ Mizuki seems to be in a pretty good mood, in spite of everything; they offer him a wave, and note that he... does not seem as perky. A faint look of concern crosses their face. ]
All things considered, it's been all right. I wish some people had defected to Beauty-kun's side, but... well, maybe it's better this way. [ considering the killer is hiding with the defectors, apparently. ] Are you okay? You look exhausted.
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[that, and piety being at one... local sword is Stressed.
but he waves a hand, shrugging it off.]
Right now, I am trying to keep my mind off of all that.
[and with a hum of consideration, he adds:]
I actually meant to ask you something related to that, if it isn't a bad time.
no subject
His question has them cocking their head curiously. ]
Haha... Stress relief, huh? If there's something I can do, I'll be happy to help. Go ahead.
no subject
[there's a pause, there, but not a hesitant one so much as just thinking about how to phrase it; thoughtful, not uncertain.
but finally, he comes to a decision.]
Assuming we're able to find a proper place for it, considering what we've been given this week... would you like to accompany me for a date, Mizuki-san?
I am afraid I'm not very familiar with them, but if you are, that should be enough.
[senri's assured him they're supposed to be a nice time, and he enjoys mizuki's company. it seems like a good distraction to him.
it's debatable whether he means this in a serious way or not, though.]
1/2
... You've got it in you, don't you, Ishi-san? That was super bold. Actually, it was cool...
[ between this and the smooth way he took their hand earlier?! their heart skipped a beat, maybe. ]
2/2
-- No, wait, this is a problem. And to think I was the one calling Cunning-san Mr. Popular this week. Um, let's see...
[ give them a second to ORGANIZE THEIR THOUGHTS HERE. They run a hand through their hair, looking a little bit apologetic. ]
Ishikirimaru-san, I'd love to go on a date with you, but things have recently become complicated. There's someone else I'm involved with. Not that he and I are dating or anything, but it would be disingenuous for me to not mention it to you... In any case, I'm not sure I can say yes in good faith at the moment.
no subject
when they do answer, he's quiet for several moments; ishikirimaru is well practiced at keeping things hidden, but even so, there's a brief flicker of something difficult to read before it's smoothly shoved aside.]
-I see.
[that's probably for the best, he reasons. he's not fully human in spirit, much as he might be in body. it's best not to get too closely involved, better to have that answer before he actually gets attached. at least, any more attached.]
I apologize, then-- I wouldn't want to get in the way of anything. Perhaps I should have asked if that were the case, first.
no subject
You don't have to apologize. I like you a lot, you know? I can count the number of people who know which god I'm aligned with on one hand. You're one of the ones I know I can trust, Ishi-san. You're honest, kind-hearted, selfless, and smart.
[ it's ridiculous that they're here turning down someone like him (tall, dark and handsome, to boot), to be frank... ]
And you're my friend. [ a wry smile. ] Do you still think you can call me that?
no subject
[there's no reason that would change, he thinks. they're one of the people he trusts here, whose company puts him at ease-- that isn't anything he'd give up so easily, and he gives them a slight smile there in response.
the compliments, though, he doesn't directly respond to. he's uncertain how.]
There's no need for anything to be different. I- simply misread the situation, I think.
[considering that was the first time he really held anyone's hand, he feels that's an understandable mistake.]
no subject
You've always just been a regular person to me. Nicknames aside.
[ he doesn't have horns or a tail or a spooky aura. Even if they're feeling more amenable to the idea of him actually being some kind of spirit, he doesn't seem very different from a human at all. ]
We can still go out and do something, besides! I haven't been to the west wing much because of those monsters...