View source for 2416/More issues than the Library of Congress

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/01/27
|Location=Uminari City - Juuban Avenue - North
|Synopsis=CW: Ableism (internalized and external), self-destructive behavior, PG-15 harsh language. Nanami meets Nadeshiko! and Nagihiko. Between the two (three) of them it's pretty clear some of Tokyo's residents don't just have issues, they subsribe in bulk.
|Cast of Characters=194,134
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Seeing Nanami shuffle along with Alcyone at her side isn't too much of an unusual sight near Seishou, considering that Nanami attends school there and even lives relatively nearby. What is probably ''more'' unusual is seeing her in a shirt depicting a pastel rainbow-colored human with a similarly-colored dog that proclaims, in English, 'It's a service dog, not a unicorn!'.<br /><br />Though Alcyone's sight isn't the same as a human's, she knows that particular shirt's smell pretty well- it smells like Nanami seething with irritation, not truly enough to start a shouting match, but it smells like... well, ''offense'' and raw nerves. It was bad enough not commenting at school (and Alcyone privately thanks whatever person in Japan decided schools need uniforms, so Nanami can't ''wear this to school'') but now... well, a quick glance around and a sniff and it doesn't seem like anyone is paying attention, so Alcyone ''stops''.<br /><br />Nanami furrows her brow, looking down at her four-footed friend. "They didn't ''know'' how important your leg brace is, Nanami. Asking you to take it off was--"<br /><br />"Stupid, and asinine," Nanami finishes. Though her voice is in a higher range than Alcyone's, it's dropped into a low growl, the teenager narrowing her eyes. "A ''student'', sure, whatever, it's ignorant but not a dick move. A ''teacher'', though? The hell would they want me to do next, ''dance''?"<br /><br />Alcyone whines a little at the sharp words, and sighs. "I... maybe you're right, but that doesn't mean ''actually doing it'' and then letting yourself ''fall over'' to make ''them'' look like a moron is a good first idea!" Maybe if they'd been ''insistent'' on it, but Nanami could have just as easily offered her usual scathing ''verbal'' bite to that, instead of falling into ridiculously overblown and archaic formal terms for addressing a feudal lord and ''intentionally falling on her face'' to make a point. The fact that someone ''did that'' at school is probably hot scuttlebutt going between the schools at the moment, and not hard to trace back to the only student at Seishou with a dog that outweighs most ''staff'' there.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Out of nowhere there's a squeal just before a graceful looking girl rushes headlong. "Doggy!!"<br /><br />She goes to gives the dog kisses and smooches before she's roughly jerked back by a boy that looks similar to her. They're twins, obviously, the boy a few inches taller and lithe, whereas the girl is curvey. Both are very pretty by female standards. The girl is probably devastatingly so, depending on your tastes.<br /><br />"''Nadeshiko!'' You don't just ''do'' that!"<br /><br />The girl blinks at the boy, and suddenly her cheerful face twists into confusion. "But I...wasn't I..." She turns to look at Nanami, still looking very confused. "I'm...sorry. I was..."<br /><br />The boy sighs. "I'm sorry about her. We're...having some sudden issues. She's normally a lot better about running up to strange dogs, ''especially'' ones who are working!"<br /><br />This last bit is said with a pinch to the girl's side and a dark, embarassed, annoyed scowl on the boy's face.<br /><br />"Ow! Nagihiko, calm down! I said I was sorry!"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The ''other'' (and decidedly ''different'') twin duo jerk and twitch in unison, both craning their heads to look at Nadeshiko and brace- since Nanami ''can't'' move as fast as Alcyone would to get away from Impending Attack Hugs. There's a dark blue glance between the boy and girl, before Alcyone and Nanami turn to face Nagihiko. "'Thank you'," Nanami says, her tone weighty with it. "Alcyone is basically the good leg I ''don't'' have, and trying to hug and kiss her would mean ''you'' get to deal with the ''cripple'' falling over if her weight is pushed off too much or my hand gets separated from the handle. It's happened before." The fact that she's using slurs to refer to herself gets Alcyone's ears to flick back, and a very... ''human'' expression of upset seems to cross her face. At least Nanami isn't insulting the other girl's ability to ''read''... or letting go of the handle to prove a point. After Nanami seems to settle into what is at least a ''normal'' level of ill temper, considering the day's events at school, Alcyone pauses, sniffs deeply, sneezes, and sniffs ''again'', the white marking on her forehead wrinkled in doggy concentration. She doesn't want to say anything, so she wags her tail as hard as she can, ensuring that her tail smacks Nanami ''four times''.<br /><br />For her part, Nanami tries not to give away the game by looking ''too'' baffled-- it was something Nanami worked out with Alcyone after the dog started talking, a way of letting her know if there were people around. ''Four'' is... very different from the two she ''sees''. "I'm Nanami Hamakawa, by the way. I assume you're Nagihiko and you're Nadeshiko, and I've already mentioned Alcyone's name." She resists the urge to fuss at her hair with a free hand.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nagihiko shrugs, looking somewhat to blame for the whole thing. "Like I said, normally, she's ''so much'' better. Just...lately, she's sort of lost her...filter."<br /><br />Nadeshiko looks at him in surprise. "Do you think?"<br /><br />Nagihiko shrugs again. "If you think about it, it makes sense, right? What with the whole Kunzite thing?"<br /><br />Her brows furrow a bit more. And then she waves it off. "Well, either way, Nagihiko would have caught you and then he'd have a whole new slew of things to yell at me for."<br /><br />Nagihiko looks pained. And annoyed. And every single emotion he feels rolls across his face. "Be that as it may. ''No one'' is petting the dog without the lady's permission."<br /><br />This last bit may sound very weird unless they could see the two tiny charas that had suddenly flown into view. Temari is doing her best to hold Rhythm back, who is very intent on splatting on the fuzzy woofer's face for so many hugs! But at Nagihiko's words he slumps and stops his struggles, floating back and hugging against Nagihiko's hand. It might be weird to see the boy's thumb flick about in mid air, but really, he's letting Rhythm know it's okay, he's not really mad.<br /><br />Nadeshiko twirls, graceful. Annoyingly so. "Yes! Nagihiko and Nadeshiko Fujisaki, Of the Fujisaki Troupe!" She claps her hands and leans toward Nanami. "Have you seen? It's a very good show!"<br /><br />Nagihiko rolls his eyes. "Not everyone's interested in the Traditional style, Nadeshiko."<br /><br />The girl pouts, and somehow even that's pretty. "But we look so lovely when we dance!"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami's expression gets icy for a fraction of a second, ice splinters practically shooting out of her. Her chest clenches in a way that is obvious hurt and-- well, a ''knot'' of things she doesn't want to put name to, but they're all things that hurt and ache terribly. "Some people," Nanami says in a cold tone, aware of Alcyone's earlier rebuke about how she handles things. "Are not interested in watching people dance ''at all''. It only serves as a painful reminder for ''some things''." Not the most biting way she could have put it, to be sure, but better than ending up on the floor to prove a point. This icy hardness to her tone fades as she glances at the charas.<br /><br />"...Great, you're not just athletes, you're both friggin' ''magical'' athletes, aren't you." This is the only reasonable explanation for Tiny Flying People. Alcyone's nearest ear to Nanami flicks back, and she lets out a heavy, doggy sigh. That tone has a lot of resigned ''hurt'' to it, something Alcyone's only heard the edges of since they became magical. It's something she desperately ''wants'' to ask about-- but has ''no idea'' how. Instead, she whines softly and watches the charas.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami's tone and voice leave Nagihiko looking as though she'd struck him. He looks at her in a cross between horror and sadness, before his face falls and he sort of shuffles behind Nadeshiko.<br /><br />And then again, Rhythm looks at Nanami like a kicked puppy, knowing he's been spotted and making someone feel real bad! His little-large eyes well with tears at the thought!<br /><br />Which of course makes Temari's eyes glint. It's Nadeshiko who brandishes the naginata suddenly, pointing it at Nanami. "You ''will not'' make Rhythm ''or'' Nagihiko feel like shit for being who they are!" Unlike when they are combined, Temari-influenced Nadeshiko-only sounds almost regal, and not as though she were raised in a gutter. But its Nagihiko's hand on her arm and his whispered 'its okay' that has her bringing the weapon back to his side. "Do not presume to know people just for ''appearances'' sake." Her sneer and the once over is...intentional.<br /><br />Rhythm sniffled and wiped his eyes on his sleeves. "It's okay, Temari, honest! I just wanted to hug the puppy!"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami just raises her eyebrows at the naginata, blue eyes dull. She doesn't even seem ''intimidated'' by it, which has Alcyone... ''more'' than worried. "Go ahead, then," Nanami says softly. Her tone suddenly becomes just as hard and vicious as Nadeshiko's. "It's going to happen sooner or later anyway- someone decides to attack the ''crippled'' magical girl and finds out she has no offensive powers."<br /><br />There it is. In the open. Alcyone's training as a service dog is too ingrained for her to topple over or even sit in surprise, but she lets out a startled whine. "''That's'' what's been eating you!?"<br /><br />"If it makes you feel better, it's not about you, I'm just a bigger bitch than the literal one next to me, I guess." Nanami starts to turn- since Nadeshiko only seems to be ''brandishing'' the naginata, there's no reason to ''not''. Alcyone refuses to move, and Nanami- used by now to moving as almost one being with Alcyone- wobbles dangerously.<br /><br />"They can pet me if they want, since the game is up and I'm too smart to be distracted," the Newfoundland says, firmly. Nanami gives her dog a completely flabbergasted- and almost ''betrayed'' look. "Since ''they'' aren't taking out hurting inside on innocent people, ''you get to wait''."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko just rolls her eyes ''so hard'' at that. "Oh my god, seriously?"<br /><br />"''Nadeshiko!''" Despite just having had his feelings mutilated (apparently), Nagihiko is adamant on being polite. Nadeshiko just rolls her eyes but the naginata and the sprig of cherry blossoms dissapear.<br /><br />Rhythm GASPS at the percieved insult toward the wonderful puppy! "She's not a 'that word!' She seems very sweet!" Temari whispers in his ear. "Really?" Temari nods. Rhythm looks at Acylone. "Well, you may be technically 'that word,' but you're not it in the way its used lots!" He beams at her, all toothy grins and thumbs.<br /><br />Nagihiko, on reflex, catches Nanami by the elbow to help her with her balance. He isn't even thinking about how it could be taken. Someone wobbles, he helps. Its who he ''is.''<br /><br />At Acylone's permission, Rhythm lets out a joyous 'YAY!' and splats against her doggy snout, snuggling and cuddling against her fur. Nadeshiko scritches an ear. Even Temari takes part in the worshipping of cute puppy.

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami rolls her eyes at the charas. "If you'll notice, she's not offended by it- she caught the pun. I'm the only one it applies to in the 'being an asshole' sense right now." Alcyone just wags her tail at the charas and Nadeshiko, one ear flicking as Nanami--<br /><br />--completely lets go of the handle. She flashes Nagihiko a brief smile and shakes her head. "I'll be fine." The fact that she's trying to lean against a nearby wall aside, of course. "If Alcyone wants to stay here, she can. I'll just... figure out how to get home on my ''own''." Nanami doesn't have the self-control to keep how much that statement ''hurts'' out of her voice, and it ''definitely'' gets a baffled, upset look from Alcyone.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko laughs at that. "Oh sweetheart, please. If I ''wanted'' to be an asshole, or even a bitch--" She ignores Rhythm's gasp! "You probably wouldn't be able to leave your bed for a week."<br /><br />Nagihiko's expression of relief at his intentions not being taken for anything other than they are is clearly evident on his face. He looks between the girl and dog, and then the dog and charas. He then sees the cafe that many people frequent after school.<br /><br />"May I...make a request?" Compared to his 'sister,' his voice is soft. Its almost as though he's afraid of impeding on her personal space by breathing too hard. "It hasn't been just an ordeal for...us." He waves between the girl and himself. "The little ones have had it rough, as well. Would you be willing to join us at the cafe? On us, of course. It's just, loving on your dog is the most happy they've been in the past couple days." And immediately, he adds, "If it's alright with Miss Acylone, too, of course."

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami sighs at Nadeshiko. "Then ''have at it''." It's destructive, and bitter, and sounds every inch of hurt that Nanami's feeling. "Considering I barely can anyway, I could probably even spare you any ''effort'' involved." She glances at Nagihiko and shakes her head.<br /><br />"Thanks for the offer, but... you don't need ''me'' here for that, just Alcyone." Her tone, at least toward him, gentles considerably, even if it sounds like she's trying to cough up glass, not talk to another person. "I'll manage." Pointedly, she's ''not'' looking at him, because she's trying ''not'' to tear up- as much as she's been trying not to think about it, she's been nagged for a while by this feeling in her gut, something this little interaction just brought to an ugly head. "The most useless magical girl in Tokyo doesn't need to be there for that." There. She said it.<br /><br />Alcyone whines softly- even with human-grade intelligence, she doesn't understand ''why'' Nanami's been trying to run away from people- except for that statement, which puts it out in public. She looks between the twins, brown eyes sad and ''scared''. She wants to help her human, desperately, but-- "...N-- Nagihiko, please ''don't'' listen to her. Something's... wrong. A lot of something, I think, and I don't want to just let her ''try'' to walk away from it."<br /><br />The fact that Nanami is laughing bitterly, even as she keeps her head ''pointedly'' turned away from Nagihiko's line of sight, probably doesn't help.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Even the gentler tone doesn't stop the strike of hurt in Nagihiko's face. But he knows ''this'' isn't the girls fault.<br /><br />Rhythm stares at Nanami for a moment. Temari opens her mouth but the small boy places a hand on her mouth. He thinks for a moment. He's Winni The Pooh-esque with his pose, sitting with his little legs out as he thunks his fingers against his temples. Think, think, think!<br /><br />He snaps his fingers in victory and plasters himself against Nanami's face. "But Alcyone loves you and she's amazing so that means you're amazing! Yay!"<br /><br />Nagihiko whispers. "Be gentle to him." Then he clears his throat and speaks louder. He takes the canine's words into consideration, giving her sad eyes. "Be that as it may, it sounds like you could do with someone to talk to. Even if not, well, I need a distraction. I could even tell you why Nadeshiko and I are so screwed up right now in return, if you want."

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami jerks, ''startled'' more than anything by Rhythm's hug to her face. That... only moderately helps, if the party counting it as ''helping'' counts 'having that sobbing fit of tears, finally' as helping. Alcyone gets up and leans against Nanami's other side, ears back and tail wagging faintly.<br /><br />"Does it have to do with why you two smell ''exactly the same'', practically, instead of like normal twins?" Alcyone asks. The fact that Nanami is crying about it seems... ''good'' to Alcyone- more true, more healthy, instead of that brittle pained biting she was doing earlier. Nanami's trying to wipe at her eyes and regain her composure and failing ''utterly''. There's a quiet rumble-mutter about Rhythm being ''right'', almost too low for anyone to hear, from the dog. Nanami certainly does, though, and that just makes her sob so hard she ends up coughing.<br /><br />Talking might have to wait.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rhythm...wasn't exactly expecting tears. Still, he kept snuggling against the damp cheek, sniffling along with her, petting long her damp cheek. Temari wanted to stop the hurt caused to her 'brother,' but apparently his tiny hand on her mouth earlier stopped that glint from forming.<br /><br />Nagihiko's rather shocked by the tears, as well. He guides her the best he can, if he is able and if she lets him, toward the cafe and the outdoor chairs.<br /><br />Nadeshiko sighs. "Yeah. There's a reason for that, Puppers."

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami gently pats the chara's back, offering him a watery smile. "...Thank you. I don't really deserve you being nice to me, but thank you, both of you." And hearing the explanation for what's going on with these two might actually distract her, momentarily, from thinking too hard about what an utterly useless magical girl she is.<br /><br />Alcyone moves to her usual spot, headbutting Nagihiko gently. Nanami ''knows'' that weight and presence on her right side and automatically goes for the handle. There's a long moment where she leans heavily against the harness and handle, her heavily-braced right leg not cooperating, but Nanami seems... impatient with it, resorting to half-hopping with it dangling and dragging. She's definitely going to follow Nagihiko there, though when she ''does'' sit down, she's focused on her hands. Alcyone curls up next to the seat, resting her not-inconsiderable head against Nanami's feet with a sigh. Both handler and service dog jerk and bristle at the sound of voices, maybe not directed ''at'' them but certainly not kept to themselves, either.<br /><br />"What do you want ot bet she's faking so she can take that ''monster'' places with her?"<br /><br />Normally, Nanami would have a witty comeback about how their stupidity is not the kind of disability supported with a service dog. Normally, that mask of anger is firmly in place. Not right now. Right now, Nanami just sags and squeezes her eyes shut, as if maybe closing them might shut out the idiots, or keep her from crying again. It does neither. Alcyone ''whines'', as much hurt by the aspersion on her legitimacy as Nanami is, and gives her handler's fisted hands a small nudge.<br /><br />"Can we just.. go ''anywhere else''?" It's a rough, pained whisper.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rhythm looks up at Nanami with large and watery eyes. If nothing else, he looks frikkin adorable. "But even if you're being a grumpy you right now, you're still trying to be you, which is amazing!"<br /><br />Because to Rhythm, being yourself is the best thing ever. While Nanami isn't quite there, he can tell she's trying!<br /><br />Nagihiko makes sure she's settled, maybe hovering a bit, and to be honest a lot of it is instinctual after helping his beloved Aunty after really bad storms. (She's not a spring chicken, afterall!)<br /><br />Nagihiko winces at the gossiping voices. He's used to them. He's experienced them.<br /><br />Nadeshiko doesn't wince. Her response is immediate. "How much do you wanna bet you're just butt-hurt that ignorant stupidity won't let you bring your ankle-biter places?" Her expression is similar to the one she gave Nanami not too long ago, complete with a disdained once over, but this time, its colored with disgust.<br /><br />For once...Nagihiko doesn't yell at her. Instead, he shrugs at Nanami, amusement and embarassment both clear on his face as he leans toward her. "If you want...?"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>For once, it's not Nanami who's making the biting commentary. "And let those idiots know they ''hurt her''? No. I'd give them a piece of my mind, but-- Nanami usually tells people like that it's too bad their stupidity can't be made up for by a service dog," Alcyone adds. "And right now-- I agree." She doesn't growl- she's too aware of the fact that she outweighs these idiots, and they're exactly the kind of people to try screaming 'vicious dog' if she so much as scratches herself while on-duty.<br /><br />Hearing her own admittedly vicious words out of her dog's mouth seems to rally the dark-haired girl, a little. She smiles weakly, nodding to what Alcyone says before patting Nagihiko's arm. "Too bad for you ''petty jealousy'' that I had one of the prettiest guys in Tokyo fussing over me doesn't count as a disability. Maybe yours is neurologic too- starting at the ''source''." She exaggeratedly and slowly taps her forehead with a particular mockery of 'I am so stupid' on her face, so they clearly get the memo, before turning her back to them. She takes a deep breath. "They're not worth any more than that, Fujisaki-san," she says, her tone indicating that she means ''both of them''.<br /><br />The girls huff, but the damage of Causing A Scene has been very thoroughly ''done'', both by Nadeshiko and Nanami. The idea that someone is picking on the ''disabled''- and that the pickers ''got'' a lot better than they ''gave''- is spreading, turning public opinion against the gossipers. It won't be long until they leave in a disgraced huff.<br /><br />"I... I'm sorry about earlier. I get this kind of thing a ''lot'', and... I guess I started biting ''first'' because I just expect it from people, especially people who can do something I'll never be able to."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nagihiko ''blushes'' but also grins. Cutest guy? Nah. "Kukai's the cutest."<br /><br />The correction is quiet and subtle, but she can hear it. And maybe even the great affection in his voice.<br /><br />And then, a bit louder, "Nadeshiko, behave."<br /><br />It's...not that he's scolding her. Its more for the horrified looks as 'Fujisaki' and 'Nadeshiko' coelesque in the gossiper's minds.<br /><br />Nadeshiko pouts as she finally slumps in her seat. "I thought you didn't like name throwing."<br /><br />Nagihiko shrugs. "I don't. But they were jerks."<br /><br />Nadeshiko rolls her eyes and reaches her hand forward. "Well, she likes you best. So gimme."<br /><br />Nagihiko blushes again and pulls out his wallet and handing it over before turning to Nanami. "What would you like? And I don't have a dog, but is a roast beef sandwhich okay for Miss Acylone?"<br /><br />He turns to Nadeshiko. "Either way--"<br /><br />Nadeshiko rolls her eyes. "A bottle of water, I know, now ''gimme!''"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'd be fine with that. I don't normally eat while working, but..." Nanami laughs softly.<br /><br />"At this point most of your training is stupid and kind of insulting for you, dear. Are you hungry?" There's real, deep affection there. Alcyone wags her tail a little.<br /><br />"A snack, I guess, but I'm not super-hungry." Nanami nods at the sandwich idea, finally. "So Nanami can have the sandwich- she likes them- and give bits to me. Also, I don't need a 'miss' on my name, just Alcyone is fine. Or Alsie." She noses both Nadeshiko and Nagihiko gently, before sneezing again. "You two really ''do'' smell the same, aside from one of you smelling like a guy and the other a girl. Not even ''littermates'' in dogs smell that similar."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko snatches the wallet and waits for the order. She already knows what Nagihiko wants, because, well, she wants the same thing. (Actually, she'll get two different things and they'll split. A benefit of being...well...split.)<br /><br />She perks and pets Acylone's head before she flounces off. "Don't mind him. He's super reserved in some aspects."<br /><br />Nagihiko blushes as the girl bounds inside to order. He turns to the dog and shrugs. "Well...that's because..." He hesitates for a moment, but they're both obviously magical. "We ''are'' the same. Or were, until the other day."

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"...So, what, you were one ''incredibly genderfluid'' person and somehow got split into two?" Nanami seems to mull this over before nodding. "That... makes a lot of sense, considering that only a few weeks ago, Alcyone was a normal service dog and I was just a giant bitch." In a world where Alcyone talking and being apparently her platonic soulmate is a thing, a genderfluid person becoming ''two'' people makes some degree of sense.<br /><br />Alcyone just looks confused. "...What does 'genderfluid' mean, Nanami? I'm a little lost here." Nanami chuckles, scratching Alcyone behind the ear a bit.<br /><br />"You remember Taylor and how some days they'd be 'Taylor' in pretty skirts and other days they'd say it more like 'Tyler' and wear super, super dudebro clothes? Taylor's genderfluid." Alcyone brightens at this explanation, tail thudding on the ground. "More pertinent, who are these two cuties? I mean, little dude here hugging my face is cute, but I think introductions are in order." She gently smushes Rhythm, making it clear that while she might be commenting on him being there, it's not ''unwelcome''.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nagihiko blushes at the word. Is he? Well...yes.<br /><br />He also scrunches his eyebrows. Is that it?<br /><br />But its easier to introduce two tiny charas. "The face hugger is Rhythm. The protective lady is Temari." <br /><br />The pink chara bows in her kimono. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Rhythm is young, and I wish to help him maintain his youthful optimism." That's the most apologetic she'll get over her actions...<br /><br />A moment later Nadeshiko returns with drinks. She pours the bottle of water into a shallow bowl she requested, scritching Alycone's ear, before she sits down. "Food will be out in a moment. What are you talking about?"<br /><br />"She didn't think I was crazy when I told her we were one person a few days ago and I introduced our dreams."<br /><br />Nadeshiko slumps a bit in relief. "Ug, such a pain pretending!"<br /><br />"But you're the actor."<br /><br />"Yeah, but you're the one who makes sure I don't put my foot in my mouth, apparently." She turns to Nanami. "So, are you curious what sort of diddly bits we had when we were one person?"<br /><br />Nagihiko blushes! "''Nadeshiko!'' That's so unseemly!"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nanami nods slightly to Temari. "So you're the older one?" She smiles a little, offering her free hand to Temari. "I can understand wanting to do that." Not that she ever ''had'' it, but... She can understand wanting to preserve it all the more ''because of that''.<br /><br />Nanami raises her eyebrows at Nadeshiko's return, then snickers faintly. "Alcyone and I are apparently a Twinsoul, but ''you'' take it to a new level of meaning," she offers wryly, taking a sip of water. At the question, though...<br /><br />Nanami needs a moment to get wayward water out of her ''nose'', shaking her head. "Not really. What you missed was-- I had a classmate back in Cali. They were also genderfluid and it was just a case of... well, it ''doesn't'' matter to me, for a number of reasons. Not because it's unseemly- I don't think I have much modesty left to my name, or ''dignity'', but just... it's invasive to ask, and..." There's a slight darkening of expression, and that free hand goes to rest on her braced leg. "...Well, let's just say that I don't think 'someone else's diddly bits' is ever going to be something I have to think about." It's backhanded, but there. 'Who would want to think about that kind of thing with a cripple.' Alcyone sighs heavily and laps at her water.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Temari shakes one of Nanami's finger. It's...the best she can do. "I hatched first." She gives a nod!<br /><br />Nagihiko continues with his impression of a heating hotplate, face growing more and more red. Nadeshiko nods along to Nanami.<br /><br />"We didn't either. I mean, Nagihiko was ''raised'' to be me, and tricking someone into thinking we were someone we weren't isn't very nice, now, is it?"<br /><br />"Nadeshiko..." His voice is quiet and almost a hiss.<br /><br />She waves him off. "Anyway. One of our friends found out. And, well...he's about the only thing we agree on."<br /><br />Despite himself, Nagihiko can't ''help'' the sudden grin on his face. "Shut up."<br /><br />Another wave of her hand. "Anyway, Kukai doesn't care which one of us we are, or even if we're neither or both. He's just..."<br /><br />She trails off, and after a moment they both speak at once, each with their own levels of affection and complete adoration. "Kukai."<br /><br />Nagihiko's face burns even more. "Would you stop that?" He clears his throat and turns to Nanami, desperate for a change in topic. "What's a Twinsoul?"

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The exchange- and commentary dancing around Kukai- gets a slightly amused smile. "You have it ''bad''," she remarks at last. Her tone is at least affectionately teasing- as much as she might have a twist in her chest over the idea of romantic relationships, and a painful one at that, she's good at ignoring it to the point where it's barely a thing she notices.<br /><br />"Apparently, a human that is more or less 'platonic soulmates' with an animal, or the other way around if you want to get rid of anthrocentrisim," Nanami says. She flicks a little at the wire-wrapped marble hanging off of her hair. "I don't... ''really'' know what that actually means, or ''why'', but I know there are some people out there who are ''severely'' messed up over having a bond like the one Alcyone and I have broken. Like... they sound like a ''bad'' psych ward in a hospital, someone who got completely ''broken'' in the head by grief." She shakes her head a little- however messed up she is, she would never want to trade her problems for theirs.<br /><br />"And we don't really have anyone helpful to pop up and explain." Nanami sighs a little. "I mean, in all the stuff Nanami's been reading about magical girls, it's usually the animal companion who explains things, but... I really ''was'' a normal service dog before this. It changed ''me'' a lot more than it changed ''her''."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko, at least, is able to feign ignorance. Nagihiko, unfortunately, is doomed to showing every emotion he feels on his face. Embarassment at being caught, annoyance at Nadeshiko for 'forcing' him to drag it out, and increasing levels of affection because yes, he has it ''real'' bad.<br /><br />And then his face shifts. He listens and, even though its technically not the same thing, he can sympathize with the people in psych wards over this. After all, if something happened to either Temari ''or'' Rhythm, he knew that it would not end with him being happy. He holds out his hand, and as though sensing his thoughts, both charas float over to hug a finger or two. He strokes their tiny little heads and they nuzzle back.<br /><br />"I don't know about Twinsoul. But in my experience, at least, sometimes its even a case by case experience. Temari isn't Rhythm, after all, just like Rhythm is too sweet to be Temari." He ignores the little chomp on his pinkie for that. "Even if you never find anyone to help you, just...trust eachother that you'll figure out what works for you."

:'''{{#var:194|Alcyone| (194)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And therein lies the nasty, toxic core of the problem. "As much as that's great in theory... my powers pretty much boil down to 'giant wall of pressurized water as a shield' and 'help the poor sods who are missing their Alcyones move on from this cruel world'. I wasn't kidding earlier, when Nadeshiko was making threats. Sooner or later, someone is going to figure it out, and because I rely on Alcyone ''so much'' for everything, we are going to be ''jointly'' very, very screwed. I'm the most useless magical girl in Tokyo. I can barely fight, and if it's an unwinnable one, ''I can't run away''." Nanami is Not Looking at them again, eyes focused on her hands curled into her pants.<br /><br />Everything about Nanami's body language reeks of fear and self-worth issues. "It's because of that Kas... that... ''Miss White'', isn't it? You're scared because of what she did?"<br /><br />"Had she ''not'' gotten wise to the fact that we're not a mage and familiar, I think we would have been in a ''lot of hurt'', if not dead, Alcyone."
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