On sunday evening, Tsubasa had sent a text to Miku asking her to come to school a little early to talk. Thus, mondau morning, half an hour before classes start, Tsubasa is standing on the school grounds near the entrance, leaning against the wall while reading through one of her school books. She seems relaxed, and though not quite looking /well/ yet, she's on her own feet, with no crutches or other assistance.
Coming to school 'a little early' is not exactly rare for Miku. The green-haired girl is a bit of an overachiever, so 'a little early' is really just 'right on time'. After making sure Hibiki at least has breakfast waiting for her, and a change of clothes prepared (because if she doesn't do it, Hibiki is as liable to come to school in her pajamas as not), Miku sets off for campus with a whole lot of curiosity.
Since when has Kazanari-san really even noticed her? It's not like Miku is the most amazing singer on campus, and she doesn't have Symphogear of her own. The only reason she's ever thought Kazanari-san might even know her name is because of her close relationship with Hibiki.
Miku therefore bears a puzzled, curious expression as she approaches Kazanari where she stands against the wall. "Kazanari-san," she says by way of greeting. "Good morning."
Tsubasa doesn't quite get right to the point, smiling faintly at the younger girl on the approach. "Good morning, Kohinata-san." She closes her school book, it's a textbook on English, the normal one for her class. "How are you doing?" She gets the pleasantries in on what seems like autopilot.
This only serves to put Miku a little on edge. The girl tilts her head at Tsubasa, then puts on her best smile. "I'm okay," she admits honestly. "There's a full moon tonight, which should be very beautiful. How about you? I haven't seen you since you ..." she trails off, then clears her throat. "You know."
"Doing better, I should be able to get back to... you know." Tsubasa doesn't look quite ready, but also like arguing it won't get anywhere. "How is Tachibana-san doing?" Ah, so it is about Hibiki, "She's still new, and it can be hard to balance it with school life, I want to make sure she hasn't been running herself ragged trying to make up for my absence."
Oh. That explains everything. Miku lets out a little sigh of relief she didn't even realize she was holding onto, then shrugs. "She's trying too hard, as usual, but the Noise haven't been very active the past few weeks you've been in the hospital."
"That's good to hear." Tsubasa sounds genuinely relieved, though there's still some concern in her voice. "I've made it pretty clear to her that she doesn't have to do this, but she seems to feel like she has to." That's said with so little emotion to it that it's hard to figure out whether that's good, bad, confusing or some mixture of it all.
"Mmmm, no," Miku says, shaking her head just a little. "I don't think Hibiki-chan feels obligated. It's not that. It's just ..." Miku trails off, trying to figure out how to explain it. "It's just that Hibiki-chan wants to feel like she's helping others. This is something she's good at--something she feels like only she can do. Or at least only she and you and a few select others. She doesn't do it because she has to; she does it because she really wants to. I wish I could be more help to you both, too. I feel like I'm more in the way than useful. But I'm still going to do everything I can to make a difference, so that you and Hibiki aren't alone in this."
Tsubasa listens to that explanation with a pensive look, clearly considering the way Miku says that, and what she says. "As far as motivations go, I suppose it's fine." That, again, is said behind a poker face that masks what she really thinks, she's trying to be the emotionless sentinel, again. "To be perfectly honest, I'd rather not have to worry about someone vulnerable being in the area on purpose." A hint of 'but I appreciate the thought' shines through.
Miku's expression hardens at the statement, her eyes narrow and her lips purse in irritation. "Then don't," she says honestly. "Don't worry about me being in the area on purpose. I know the risks, and I take them willingly. If I die because I'm trying to help someone and you can't save me, then it's a good death, because I probably bought you another second to save them."
"I'm sorry." Tsubasa sighs and looks away from Miku, "I can't, even if I wanted to." The mask breaks, and the idol finally mentions one of the things that's been bothering her all this time. "I'm feeling resposible for keeping Tachibana-san out of harm's way even though I know I shouldn't. I know she knows the risks and is aware she doesn't have to take them, and she's far more capable at protecting herself than you are."
Miku studies Tsubasa carefully, quietly, for several breaths. Slowly, her anger fades, to be replaced by calm understanding. For another moment she simply stares at the idol, then she frowns, "You're selfish," she accuses her outright. "Thinking that only you can possibly defend us from the Noise or whatever else comes along. Thinking that Hibiki isn't strong enough to do it herself. Selfish and arrogant. You say Hibiki's motivation is 'fine', well I say yours sucks."
"That's not it." Tsubasa sounds actually upset by this accusation, and there's a few moments of silence where she is trying to find a way to phrase how she can better say what she's trying to say. "It's... hard to put into words, but I know Tachibana-san can take care of herself, I know she's been doing well. It would be easier if I believed otherwise, because I wouldn't feel so conflicted about this." She looks away from Miku, "I don't know how to say this. Sorry."
Miku crosses her arms, now, glaring at Tsubasa. "If you know she can defend herself, then why do you think it's your right or responsibility to keep her out of harm's way?" The green-haired girl raises her nose, and although Tsubasa is much taller, she seems to almost be looking down on the idol. "She fights as hard or harder than anyone to keep people safe. So what's there to be conflicted about?"
And this makes Tsubasa just lock up, lost for words, facing an angry Miku, she picks up her bag. "Forget I ever said anything." She sounds a little frustrated, but not upset. "I won't stop you if you want to help." She almost sounds a little hurt, just a little.
"Tch," Miku replies frustratedly. "You called me here just to tell me how you feel responsible, even though you try to throw away your life again with your Swansong. You called me here to tell me how Hibiki's motivations aren't good enough? And now you're running away. Just like you tried to do with your swansong. Well you know what, Tsubasa Kazaanari-san?! I'm going to make sure you live! I'm going to see to it that you survive whatever you try to do, because someone has to!"
And by now, Tsubasa is trying extra hard to hide her face from Miku. Because, well... her eyes are getting wet and she doesn't want Miku to see that. She doesn't say a word, but does start slowly walking away. There's an attempt to actively avoid acknowledging she's heard Miku's chastising.
"Baka," Miku mumbles, then turns to stalk the other direction. Now she's mad, and she has to go to class and sing? Impossible. So instead she heads to the restroom to try and calm herself down before class. Hibiki had better be on time, or she's going to be really mad.