Track 2: Well, this is awkward.

[princeofjunes]

ACTION: THAT CAFE WHERE RURI WORKS

[Ever since waking up in his bed safe and sound, Yosuke has been more than confused. How can death really not matter? What can they do, when the town can turn people against each other so easily? Did he really take a bullet for Chie?

Wracked by confusion and uncertainty, Yosuke isn't sure where to turn. Souji is the obvious choice, but with Chie involved... he needs a little time before he seeks out his partner. Ultimately, he decides that the best course of action is to try and take his mind off of things for a while.

So, making good on his promise, he wanders the city until he finds what he thinks is the cafe Ruri told him about and walks in the door.]

Lets see, I think this is the place...

Comments

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"I wasn't on the kill lists. I tried to help the people who were but weren't killing, but... I'm just a young girl, not a magical girl or anything."

[princeofjunes]

[He breathes a sigh of relief.]

I'm just glad you're safe.

I don't care if death doesn't matter here, I've already seen too many people I like die.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Did you die?"

[princeofjunes]

[He's taken back by her bluntness, but he's glad she brought it up - it's good to have a chance to talk about it.]

... yeah. I took a bullet meant for a friend of mine. And then she got shot anyway.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

[She sets a cup of tea in front of him and sits down]

"I'm sorry."

[princeofjunes]

[He's not quite sure why it's so easy to talk to Ruri. Maybe because she was the first one he really talked to here? It doesn't really matter the reason - just something about her is making him spill his guts.]

It's alright. I mean, I came back, so I'm sure she did.

I just... everything is... ugh, I feel so damn... argh!

How the hell could people do this crap to each other?!

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Is she your girlfriend?"

[She peers at him a bit]

"People do it because they're idiots. But not the kind of idiots that are fun, the kind that are just... Stupid."

[princeofjunes]

[And just like that, Yosuke is blown completely off guard.]

W-what?! Chie, my girlfriend? No, no, it's not like that! She and I fight all the time! I mean yeah, she's a friend - even a good friend, but it's not like that!

[At least there's the fun kind of idiot in front of you, Ruri.]

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

[She just stares at him]

"Really. I see. Taking a bullet for someone is a big deal. Akito would have done that for Yurika back home, but, whatever you say."

[princeofjunes]

Hey, I'd take a bullet for any of my friends! The eight of us went through a lot back home. I mean yeah, I might not be that close to Kanji or Naoto... but still. I'd do it for all of them.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Nobody from my home is here, which I kind of think is a good thing, but, back home I was fairly solitary. People die too easily."

[princeofjunes]

... yeah. I never realized how quickly you can lose someone.

But, I don't think I could live a solitary life because of that. I have too much fun with my friends.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Then you are a very lucky person."

[princeofjunes]

[He can't help but laugh a little.]

Yeah, I must be. Only I'd be lucky enough to get stuck in this place, shot and killed, and get the one cute waitress nice enough to let me get away with setting up a tab.

[Speaking of tabs, that tea looks awfully nice, so he takes a few sips.]

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"We're all stuck in this place, but you have close friends to support and support you. The town probably just knew that I'd have nothing to do with its game and there isn't much to make me go any crazier if I didn't."

[princeofjunes]

I know you said no one else from your home was here, but I'm sure you've at least made some friends around town, right?

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"I know lots of people. To be fair, I don't make friends well. Too many people close to me at home have died so... I tend to keep a bit distant. Its easier that way."

[princeofjunes]

I find that hard to believe. I mean, you've been pretty awesome to me, so it's hard for me to picture you having trouble making friends.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"I try and treat everyone well. I myself just... I don't want to loose any more friends so..."

[princeofjunes]

I can't say I blame you for that.

But I think you'll find having idiots like me around is worth the risk.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Oh... I miss my ship of fools. Every idiot on my ship was a special person. All 350 of them. That being said, a certain amount of detachment helped when we got into fights. There were always injuries. Space is a cruel mistress."

[princeofjunes]

Oh yeah, that's right. You're a military girl. That explains things a little more.

Still, I wonder if you'd change your tune if you met my Partner. He has a way of getting through to everyone.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Partner? Is that like a boyfriend?"

[princeofjunes]

[Damnit Ruri stop throwing Yosuke off.]

No no no no no! I'd sooner date Chie than him! He's my best friend, and we work well together, so... Partner.

[hontobakabaka.livejournal.com]

"Oh. I've heard partner used in other contexts. That's why I ask."