beautifulmemer

[It's not necessarily that Lisa can't drive herself - she doesn't want to, cars are expensive and that's yarn money! Bus fare is cheaper. When there. Are buses. Which is clearly not any time this month, as she waits more-or-less patiently in line for one to head home after her grocery shopping (one of these days she'll find a store in Koubai that sells her usual odds and ends!), which is stuffed in her canvas tote bag, itself slung over her rain-jacketed shoulder. She's not nearly as miserable as she was last month, but the sheer press of people makes her a little nervous...

...which seems to have been the right decision, as the next bus that pulls in lets a few people off and then what feels like eighty people all rush the doors from all directions. She's pushed sideways - already a problem given the kinda-heavy bag hanging from her - and then someone else is shoved into her from in front, sending her back at an awkward angle, and she lets herself go down rather than try to stay standing and twisting an ankle. She'd have been able to recover from one direction, but both-

-hang on, she recognizes that shock of hair in front of her. Almost automatically, her arms come up to catch the smaller figure before both of them hit the sidewalk, Lisa falling onto her rear end then dropping onto her back. The fall is short and she manages not to fall on her tote bag, which probably would have hurt rather more. Still, she groans softly.]

Why do we even have lines... are you okay, Illya-chan?

[ It's hard for Illya to immediately register what's happening to her. One moment she's desperately trying to get onto the bus to make sure to get to home on time, and the next moment she's shoved aside to a point where it almost feels like she's flying through the air..

.. except the landing isn't nearly as hard as expected. In fact, it feels like something reached for her in those last few moments before she landed, though Illya isn't sure whether it was her imagination or not.

Or rather - she realises it wasn't when she realises the softness she landed right on top of is, in fact, another person. Her face grows red with a blush as she instantly flusters, skittering as quickly as she can to try to get off the other person, even if that just lands her right on her butt on the sidewalk. ]

Oh..!

[ It's a gasp of surprise, though not from her second landing. No, it's because she looks over at the person she landed on top of, and the sight combined with the voice is just enough for her to realise that she didn't even land on top of a total stranger. ]

I-- I-I-I-I'm so sorry!

[ That's not what Lisa asked, Illya.. But apparently she's so ashamed about having tumbled right on top of someone who's been kind to her that she can't help but immediately shoot into an apologetic panic. ]

I didn't mean to do that, I promise..!

[She's torn between laughing and smiling ruefully at Illya scrambling; she goes with the latter as she sits back up once the smaller girl moves off her.]

Hey, no harm done, it just surprised me a little. And I got pushed, too, so I get it, really! [She looks Illya over; nothing seems amiss, but better to be sure.] You didn't get hurt, though, right? Do I need to go talk to someone?

[Lisa shifts her tote bag to be against her side; the canvas is pretty sturdy, she's not worried about it, even on the ground for a bit. Her handbag seems to have survived the fall too, including the Sandglass clipped to the side.]

[ At least the panic seems to settle a little bit in the wake of Lisa's relatively calm and kind response. The fluster isn't fully gone, now settled as a pinkish blush on the girl's cheeks, but at least she's no longer yelling. Instead she's staying dutifully quiet, listening to Lisa speak - and then quickly shaking her head when the other arrives at those last two questions. ]

N-No, I'm fine! [ There's a tiny pause, and then she adds, a touch awkward but not ungrateful: ] Thanks to you.

[ Or rather, you know, thanks to Lisa breaking her fall. Details. ]

I'm just..

[ Her head turns to watch the bus they were trying to get onto drive away right in front of them, completely packed. ]

.. just a little worried about still getting home, I guess..

I'm glad. [And she looks it, too. She'd feel bad if she'd tried to help and it hadn't worked. Still-] All these adults keep forgetting we're back here, huh? [Lisa more means it referring to Illya, but it's kind of true on her end, too.] Yeah, they want to get home, but what about us? I don't even have a bike. My parents won't be free for hours...

[A look up at the sky; the rain isn't heavy but they'll have a hard time in it. And a quick check of her phone...]

It doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon, either. I'd offer to walk you home, but I don't think we'd get there for quite a while. But if you want to try, I'll take you. [She's trying to put on a reassuring expression, but that's a hike.] Or at least to a less-crowded stop.

.. you wouldn't mind?

[ There's a mix of emotions in her eyes, but Illya does properly look at Lisa rather than at the crowds still trying to look for a bus to get onto. There's some surprise in said eyes, but also gratitude already, even before hearing the answer.

Even if she knows Lisa is kind, that doesn't mean it doesn't feel like a huge surprise all the same every time she offers something like this. Especially since going home would mean walking for such a long time, and especially in this rain.. ]

I-- I mean, I know you also have to get home anyway, but I wouldn't want to make it too much harder for you by forcing you to help me out too, you know..?

[Lisa stops and considers her answer for a second. On the one hand, she does need to get home herself anyway, and if this incident is any indication it may take several more buses no matter how close to the front of the line she gets, then she still has to transfer later... But on the other, the rain really is gonna suck to wade through. It's not like there's standing water everywhere, but. Ehhhh. And then, on the gripping hand-]

If I'm being honest? It's going to be a rough walk, but like you said, the heart of Koubai is still a ways away and I need to get there eventually, and with the bus stops like this, who knows when I'd get on one? And I'd feel really bad leaving you out here to deal with all this. It would make me feel much better making sure you get home safe, than the walk will annoy me. So! I've decided. I'll walk you home, if you're okay with it. [A sharp, confident nod, and a smile, as she leans forward and pushes herself to her feet with a smooth motion. Then she offers a hand up to Illya; they've been down here making plans and someone's going to trip on them at this rate. Or push them again.] What do you say?

[ See, it's a good thing that Lisa knows exactly what to do in these situations. And it's not even about the decision she's making as to how to go home.

No, it's all about taking the lead. About being decisive here. Because poor Illya, bless her heart, would have spent at least fifteen minutes over here fretting about all of this, or what the right thing to do is. It's hard to make this sort of decision by herself.

But when Lisa is clearly making it, and then holding out her hand..

.. well, that's an easy choice. Not like Illya is going to reject this kindness, even though she looks a little flustered and blushy all the same as she takes the hand to help herself stand up. ]

O-Of course! I'm really glad you want to go together.. [ Because it's so much better than making that entire trek through the rain by yourself. It'd be miserable. ] So we should probably start heading that way then, right..?

[ Before they just get soaked by the rain while standing together here. At least Illya is showing some strength here by taking the first few steps herself, rather than waiting for Lisa to start walking, though she does look back at the other girl. ]

Besides..! You know, this means I owe you now! So if there's anything I can do for you in return.. you should totally let me know!

[It helps that Lisa has someone to look out for here; if it were just herself, she'd have just sighed, grumbled, and gotten back in line. But no, cute girls need to stick together and stay as dry as possible! And thus, the walk home, instead of waiting out here in the rain. After she hauls Illya up, she smiles at her, before the other girl surprises her by starting to walk. Lisa turns to catch up, giggling.]

Of course! Let's get going. The journey of a ward and a half begins with a single step! [A big, exaggerated, lunging step forward, before she starts walking normally to catch up.] And hey, let's make sure we actually get home first. But I'll keep it in mind!

[ The girl's eyes widen slightly as she listens to the other say that. ]

W-Wait..

[ .. you can basically see the gears in her head slowly turning, probably catastrophizing, especially since apparently that train of thought ended up at: ]

We will actually get home, right?!

[ Maybe you're taking what Lisa said a little too seriously there, Illya.. Just a touch too naive. ]

[Lisa can't hold it in anymore; Illya is too precious, seriously. She laughs brightly, glancing down at her.]

Of course we will, silly! I just don't like taking credit for things I haven't done yet. I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Illya-chan. Promise.

[...not us, just you, huh. Well, it's probably fine.]

Ah..

[ At least she does seem to realise herself as well now that she might have been worrying a little bit too much. It makes Illya look embarrassed, sure, but at least she does manage to laugh a little bit about it too..

Even if the laugh is more awkward than Lisa's own. ]

Sorry, sorry. It's just.. um.. [ There's a slight pause, like she's gathering her courage before delivering this compliment, but then-- ] You always seem so dependable, I thought you might even be able to look into the future or something..!

[She's glad she didn't freak Illya out too much laughing; it was a little mean, but it seemed like the best way to keep the mood up. That particular compliment, though...]

I'm really happy you feel that way, but nope, no future sight here. Just a lot of trial and error, and a lot of pushing myself to do my best no matter what. [A wry expression.] A lot of faking it until I make it.

[The rain keeps her from looking into the sky contemplatively, but it's more than enough to wash away the sound of her sighs.] Sometimes I wish I could do something like that... but maybe it's for the best. [Lisa forces herself to surface from her brief dive into darkness, trying to give Illya a more honest grin.] Hey, if I could see the future, would I even have gone out today?

[ Even as they're walking, Illya glances at lot in Lisa's direction while she's listening to the other speak. Thankfully the sidewalks aren't nearly as busy as the bus stop had been, which means she's not bumping into anything, despite being a little distracted over here. ]

I mean, you'd probably have somewhere to go anyway, right..?

[ A lot of people do. That's why the busses must have been so crowded..

Illya shifts the handles of her bookbag a little as she thinks. ]

And I don't think you'd ever not be responsible and skip something important you had to do..!

[Illya trying to keep an eye on her is kinda cute, if she's being honest; Lisa's keeping an eye on the path ahead to make sure nothing's going to get in their way between looking back down at her, not that pedestrian traffic is heavy out here in Torrential Rain: The Experience (tm). Her answering giggle is a little more pure this time.]

Probably, but it's future sight, right? If I knew with extra super-magical sureness it was going to rain, I just would have gone out another day, or ordered delivery, or something. As it is, I just needed a couple ingredients for dinner. I have this little specialty shop I like to go to, but it's kinda far from home. [She gives the shoulder holding her canvas bag an over-exaggerated shrug.] So I would have just made something else.

[ The girl lets out a small noise of amazement - a soft 'woah..', really - while she's moving her hands up to try and wipe her own wet bangs out of her face. Definitely a downside of the current weather.. ]

You're so mature.

[ .. is Lisa really?

Or, you know, Illya is just young enough that she can easily think this sort of thing about other people. Especially when she's never felt particularly mature herself, even when she's tried to be! ]

I hope I can become like that too one day..

[Is she really, though? She really doesn't feel like it some days.

Lisa makes a mental note to be a little less hard on herself - and on others! - around impressionable kouhai. Which is fine! It opens up more emotional capacity for being supportive and kind, which she wants to get back to instead of beating herself up all the time.]

Of course you can! I'm flattered you think I'm mature enough to look up to, though. If you keep saying all that, I'm going to get a big head!

[It probably isn't healthy to use praise from teenagers to patch up your ego, Lisa.]

No way, I know you, you'd never get a big head! [ Filed right under: things one could say that would give someone else a big head...

But Illya can't help it. It's not even that she's trying to butter up Lisa or anything. She's just saying all of this since it flies out of her mouth instinctively - since she truly believes in all of it. It's not even like Lisa is her best friend - she's a little too old for that - or even her big sister - they're not that close - but Illya still can't help but think of the other as an older person to admire. ]

Besides, you already know all of this about yourself, right?

[ Surely someone couldn't be suffering from low confidence here, right.

Right. ]

[Another metaphorical arrow lands straight in Lisa's heart with a comedic twang! This one joins "dependable", "responsible", and "mature", and Lisa lets out a soft, childish groan.]

Hey, I know I'm supposed to be a magical girl over here, but that's way more virtue than I have space for! I can do, like, two of those things, on a good day. [She coughs.] I think your image of me is... a little too rosy, Illya-chan.

[She's handing in all of her would-be Cool Older Friend points to make this admission.]

Edited 2023-07-01 21:48 (UTC)

.. but you're a Dreamer, right?

[ Just like Lisa herself is pointing out - even though Illya seems to be saying it a tad more cautiously here. Not even in a bad sort of way, more just because she doesn't dare to make these sorts of points that strongly when Lisa herself seems to be denying it.

But she thinks so much of Lisa - read: her view is definitely way too rosy - that she can't help but want to at least try to let the compliments stand all the same. ]

They're supposed to be amazing. Everyone thinks so.

Everyone thinks so, huh... [It's coming from a wholesome place, but boy, Lisa does not feel like she deserves any of this. Not after the month she's had.]

Being Dreamer Rhodonite doesn't make me any different on this side, though. I still make the same mistakes and I still have the same insecurities. I just get beat up in my sleep sometimes. [She looks down at Illya with a pained smile.] Being a Dreamer isn't... something that's worth respect all by itself, is it?

[ It's a little confusing. Hearing Lisa say those words, as if Lisa isn't obviously some great person - even without her entire Dreamer side, honestly, though the Dreamer thing only makes her more awesome in Illya's eyes.

But also that last question. ]

It.. isn't..?

[ She sounds so confused as she parrots that back to Lisa. It's clear that Illya seems to never have considered it that way. ]

Do you think it isn't?

Oh, Illya-chan... [She is trying very hard not to vent her worries. Yes, Illya is honestly asking, and there's probably a good reason for that. But not only has Illya not really done anything to deserve Lisa opening the floodgates, it's also... she just would feel bad. Illya looks up to her and that would destroy her, or if nothing else her image of Lisa. She... doesn't want that.

Does that make her a bad person? It kind of does, doesn't it? That twinge of shame joins the arrows as a pan falling on her head. So... maybe just a little bit of an answer to the question, as she also laments that her resolution to be nicer to herself lasted five minutes.]

I'm... not sure. There are a lot of Dreamers I respect! I would trust any of them to have my back. But I... don't know if I'm in that group for anyone. I'm not very good, and I don't really feel like I'm getting better. I don't know if I've earned that respect, you know? Is it enough to be something, even if you can't do it very well?

[...It's an oversimplification, but it's close enough that it hurts her heart to say aloud.]

[ Lisa ends on a pretty deep question, huh. But even before that, Illya already looks a little troubled to hear all of this, in a way that has nothing to do with the fact they're having a rather long walk home and in an absolute downpour of rain on top of it..

No, Illya's thoughts are turned entirely towards what the other is saying, rather than their present situation. She turns the words around in her head, really trying to consider them, especially with how much they catch her off guard. She never expected Lisa to say this. ]

Then.. Have you ever asked any other Dreamers if they think of you that way?

[ As someone who can be respected, or someone who would have someone else's back.

Illya would love to say that Lisa is both, but then again, it probably wouldn't be very believable, she figures.. Since it's not like she's ever seen Lisa in action that way. ]

.. Though I guess it's a little embarrassing to just ask something like that, huh.. [ Even Illya can see that with her lack of official Dreamer experience. Easily getting embarrassed in social situations just gives you that knowledge. ]

Really, really embarrassing. [Which is a no.] And besides, if you walked up and asked someone "hey, do you trust me?" there's no way they'd tell you no. Then they're being rude.

[The rain matches her melancholy that feels like it's reaching from the tips of her hair all the way to her toes. Which are starting to get a little cold, now that she thinks about it, but. It'll be fine. The walk isn't that long, for all she said that to Illya earlier.]

Sorry, I know it's kind of heavy, but... I've been kinda weird for a little bit, and I thought you deserved a proper explanation instead of me just playing it off.

TDM #3

transportation;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)