Her exploration brought her a lot of answers - not everything was gone, even if a lot of it seemed to have been glossed over. Whatever supernatural force was affecting things couldn't hide it all though - deep in the bottom of her new favorite bag, wrapped in cloth to stay hidden, was an Evoker.
She didn't need it today. But she wasn't going to let that thing out of her sight, not while she worked to find out what in the hell was going on.
All of her sleuthing aside, though - she was looking forward to meeting up with Shibusawa. He was such a mixed bag when they texted about nothing in particular, but there was a realness to him, a sadness... Hamuko was determined to let him know that he wasn't alone in all of this. It was for him, and anyone else 'left behind' like the two of them, that Hamuko wanted to fight for now.
Double checking the address in her messages with the theater she found out of the station, Hamuko felt a bit relieved and a little curious what the 'date' would be like, even if it'd probably be pretty obvious it was only pretense to get him to show up again.
Something is amiss, Azathoth's voice would speak to him while his real body drifted away in its slumber.
Takuto never really dreamt. Even if he did...his dreams would revert back to Azathoth. A curdling black mess of tentacles overlapping each other, it left him feeling slightly emptier when he woke up in the morning feeling no less exhausted then he already did.
There was a really strange "dream" (meeting) that he had where Azathoth attempted playing chess with him.
He never really went beyond what that dream meant.
Is it...related to the problem case?
Yes.
I see.
And what will you do about it?
I am earning her trust. Like I earned humanity's trust and the phanton thieves' trust.
Did you go on dates with every single person in the damn world to earn their trust?
This is not a date.
"Then what is it?"
What was it you wanted to share before...Azathoth?
She's earned something from her past dream.
What?
If you don’t wish for me to interfere, fix this mess, dreamer. She's going to be a problem.
In the next 5 to 10 minutes, Maruki ignored the buzz in his phone and simply walked among the different pedestrians, this time wearing a simple cozy blue hoodie he had pulled over his head, paired with a pair of slightly tinted glasses resting on the bridge of his nose.
His hair was still a brushed up wavy mess and it was clear that for whatever reason- Shibusawa had a certain stillness to him.
The street remained busier than ever. And then he found her standing at the spot where the movie posters were lined up on full display.
But first he needed to test a theory.
A few messages would pop up on Hamuko’s phone.
I am here too.
Can you find me in the crowd ๏̯͡๏
If only to gauge whether she has already started to forget his face. That's what happened when he went to restaurants or to other places and offered his identification and number, everyone swiftly forgot how he looked like after he was done with their service.
Spot him in the crowd! Okay. Hamuko immediately looked up and did a quick scan.
Looking for brown... brown hair? Black hair. No, wait, was he clean shaven? She really wasn't paying a lot of attention in their talk, was she? She'd just recognized the way he stood, the way he sounded--
After a bit of looking, going from a cursory glance to more carefully studying, it almost seemed like she wouldn't find him - that is, until her gaze caught him again.
There he is. Suddenly the look of him clicked right into place the moment she recognized the way his mouth looked so, so tired and sad - she'd never forget that. The rest of the details filled right back in immediately, and she jogged over to him.
"Found you! Hoh hoh, thought the hoodie would be enough to trick me, huh?"
Shibusawa prepared himself in the meantime. He pocketed his phone and looked away, waiting out his time so that when he finally probes...the effect might just end up taking place and she will even forget why she was texting this random number for no reason. Why was she dressed for a date? A common fresh state like any other experiment where everything goes back to the control and ideal solution: An individual who didn't suffer.
He heard those footsteps making its way over to him. He falls short for a moment before levelling his gaze again at...Hamuko. Huh.
She found him after all.
For a moment surprise flickered on his face, causing him to step back. She...how did she recognize him? How did she-
She's talking.
"The hoodie...oh no," he fixed the hood over his head to make sure it doesn't slip off at the very mention of it. "I was...not exactly sure if I would be able to recognize you and I didn't want to make it awkward by running into someone else."
The slightly brown tilted glasses shift- nearly concealing Shibusawa's eyes along with the amusement in them. "What do you think was missing in my carefully crafted disguise?"
"I recognized your expression!" Hamuko answered plainly, shifting the bag up on her shoulder. Shibusawa kinda looked like he rolled out of bed and... that was weirdly endearing in its own way.
Or maybe she was just going crazy from not having anyone to have a meaningful conversation with.
"You can catch me because I always wear bobby pins here," she explained, tapping the left side of her head. XXII. Even if she felt more like wearing her hair mostly down, she was fine of getting an almost side-shaved look with just the pins.
"Well, the showing is soon, right? Let's get some popcorn!"
"My expression...?" That seems off. So she doesn't remember his face after all it was...no that doesn't make sense. He was happy with his decision, wasn't he? Maybe its just Hamuko trying to fill in the blanks somewhere or maybe its the presence of something bigger? He logs that information in the back of his head.
Well the mention of the pins to the head wouldn't have really mattered to Maruki but he will take it. The pattern the bobby pins make is rather interesting. 22- in roman numeral.
He should ask what that means.
Still...popcorn...
"I guess we will see how popcorn is going to work on an empty stomach," he smiles lightly. "What kind do you prefer? Sweet or salty?"
"Salty! And oh gosh, did you skip breakfast? Alright - you get the popcorn, I'll go run and get something and meet you in there," Hamuko insisted, looking around and eyeing a few vending machines. Hoh hoh... she had a big purse, she could sneak something in.
"I'll be right there! Find us some good seats, okay?" she insisted, taking off to go pick out something for Shibusawa.
Okay he knows running on an empty stomach isn't exactly what one would call optimal but he's completely fine with it. He has pulled enough one-nighters and unplanned fasting periods while working on his thesis paper.
"Wait-! There's no need for you to-" His eyes widen as he watches her suddenly take off like that. "And there she goes."
He sighs as he lets his hand fall, watching her. If he were any better he would be following behind her and peek into the vending machine itself but that would mean he's actually on a date.
How strange she was.
Takuto finds himself stepping away from the ticket machine and holds two of them in his hand. He did find them good seats at the middle. VIP might be too much...
Tickets acquired :D
He waits it out for Hamuko before the actual security check. As discussed.
It doesn't take her too long to return. She had picked out a few snacks, a few candies, a few drinks...! Her bag was heavy now, but it had a zipper so she zipped it shut. No way security would rummage through a lady's bag - that'd be rude.
"Alrighty, back! This'll be fun. Get us some good seats?"
Maruki turned over his heel to see her excitedly making her way over to her. He pulled his lips into a grin as he held up the two tickets between his fingers. "Don't worry I was checking the availability of seats before I even arrived here but its a good coincidence that we got free seats in the middle."
"Good for your eyes...but-" he squints down at her bag. "That looks awfully heavy."
"Heavy? Naaaaw... it's just some books. Definitely nothing else." Hamuko bat her eyelashes innocently as they got through the ticket check - no way a theater employee was actually gonna care.
Once around the corner, Hamuko fished out a packaged melon-pan. "Tada!"
Maruki watches as Hamuko proudly presents the melon-pan, her eyes glinting with mischief. And, well—he really shouldn't find this as endearing as he does. But he does.
The way she went out of her way—as if it was some kind of grand mission—he finds himself pressing his lips together, a quiet laugh slipping out despite himself. "Oohh-! Oh man, its been a while since I have had one of those."
It doesn't really hit him that she bought the snacks for him, yet. Or even to share. "Did you get that from the 777? I have heard they have a really good deal going around right now."
"Aaand seems like you have taken over my little hobby," he continues on- amused as he brings a closed fist to his mouth. "Oh, you got...more?"
Huh.
She brought snacks and drinks for them both.
At the utterance of getting their seats, he picks up on the cue and follows behind her. Much of what they say and do comes and goes and Maruki has questions but he almost feels...awkward? This isn't actually a date, it can't be. There's nothing common between them aside from not being treated by his Actualization. He shifts his footing as they shuffle their way down the aisle before glancing at her again, curiosity flickering in his expression. “I almost forgot—last time, when we first met, I gave you a snack, didn’t I?” His brow furrows slightly as he tries to recall while taking in the dim lighting of the cinema hall and the wide screen.
Remiscent of the one in his lab.
"Did you find yourself...'donut worrying' during your appointment?" Making a terrible pun out of that ridiculously perfect snack.
It was more of a question of how she's been holding up for the past few days. Then they can continue their conversation from there. A joke or two doesn't really hurt either.
She laughed at that as she settled into the seat, getting comfortable as the theater rolled various ads before anything started. Since the movie hadn't started yet, she felt a bit more at ease chatting for now, hungry for the company.
"It did help! Between that and our chat, I felt a lot better. I think I just had to get a bit of the crying out of the way," she admitted with a little bit of a laugh.
Shibusawa’s expression twists a little as he leans back against the seat, sighing as he shuffles deeper into his hoodie and folds his arms across his chest.
"That's a bit worrying, don’t you think? Crying before a stranger who just happened to wake you up randomly?"
His voice is light, teasing, but there’s a flicker of something underneath. He’s thinking about it—what it meant, what it still means. It must’ve taken a lot for her to be that vulnerable in front of him, and yet here she is, sneaking snacks into a theater like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
"In another circumstance, maybe. But I haven't been able to cry in front of anyone in months without them shutting down or just... acting completely wrong."
She paused to open a snack package, sticking the candies in with the bowl of popcorn so they didn't crinkle the packaging during the movie.
"I see," he nods, clasping his chin in his hand for a moment- scratching at light facial hair before sighing along and opens a Manta.
"I suppose for others they might think you are acting completely wrong," he pulls away the can. "...actually nevermind, this conversation might be too depressing in its own right."
"I read some positive reviews of the movie before coming here. ...maaay have ended up reading some spoilers. No warnings either but atleast there wasn't enough context for me to haunt you with them."
Hamuko turned to give Shibusawa a look before giving him a harsh poke in his side. "Don't start a conversation and then abandon it because you're scared!"
She had pretty much no more tolerance for it, at this point.
"..!" He's pleasantly surprised by the harsh poke, nearly making him spill some from his own can. Its been a while since anyone has retaliated like THAT.
He chuckles aloud, hearty as he looks away from her and takes another sip from his can.
"Who says I am scared?"
There's a beat of silence like he’s considering whether he should just ignore her or not.
"Bwah- what?" He whips his head to look back at her with the teasing, cheeks flushing out of embarassment as he shakes his head. "Er I- how am I any of those things when I just think its practical not to talk about depressive things before watching a movie? Its supposed to be a pleasant experience why would I-"
The strong one out of the two of us.
Shibusawa squints at her.
"You are acting like there's some big evil hidden around the corner," his smile sharpens- leaning forward as he angles his chin on the back of his palm. "Looks like the movie's already starting before my eyes."
Sorry, sorry, she's only laughing because you can't get that flustered at being teased and then try to be cool and mysterious. What's huh? Evil around the corner? Hamuko covered her mouth to stifle her laughter before it got too outta control.
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The next 'date'
She didn't need it today. But she wasn't going to let that thing out of her sight, not while she worked to find out what in the hell was going on.
All of her sleuthing aside, though - she was looking forward to meeting up with Shibusawa. He was such a mixed bag when they texted about nothing in particular, but there was a realness to him, a sadness... Hamuko was determined to let him know that he wasn't alone in all of this. It was for him, and anyone else 'left behind' like the two of them, that Hamuko wanted to fight for now.
Double checking the address in her messages with the theater she found out of the station, Hamuko felt a bit relieved and a little curious what the 'date' would be like, even if it'd probably be pretty obvious it was only pretense to get him to show up again.
(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))
I made it!
1/2
Takuto never really dreamt. Even if he did...his dreams would revert back to Azathoth. A curdling black mess of tentacles overlapping each other, it left him feeling slightly emptier when he woke up in the morning feeling no less exhausted then he already did.
There was a really strange "dream" (meeting) that he had where Azathoth attempted playing chess with him.
He never really went beyond what that dream meant.
Is it...related to the problem case?
Yes.
I see.
And what will you do about it?
I am earning her trust. Like I earned humanity's trust and the phanton thieves' trust.
Did you go on dates with every single person in the damn world to earn their trust?
This is not a date.
"Then what is it?"
What was it you wanted to share before...Azathoth?
She's earned something from her past dream.
What?
If you don’t wish for me to interfere, fix this mess, dreamer. She's going to be a problem.
That can't be, that's-
no subject
In the next 5 to 10 minutes, Maruki ignored the buzz in his phone and simply walked among the different pedestrians, this time wearing a simple cozy blue hoodie he had pulled over his head, paired with a pair of slightly tinted glasses resting on the bridge of his nose.
His hair was still a brushed up wavy mess and it was clear that for whatever reason- Shibusawa had a certain stillness to him.
The street remained busier than ever.
And then he found her standing at the spot where the movie posters were lined up on full display.
But first he needed to test a theory.
A few messages would pop up on Hamuko’s phone.
I am here too.
Can you find me in the crowd ๏̯͡๏
If only to gauge whether she has already started to forget his face. That's what happened when he went to restaurants or to other places and offered his identification and number, everyone swiftly forgot how he looked like after he was done with their service.
no subject
Looking for brown... brown hair? Black hair. No, wait, was he clean shaven? She really wasn't paying a lot of attention in their talk, was she? She'd just recognized the way he stood, the way he sounded--
After a bit of looking, going from a cursory glance to more carefully studying, it almost seemed like she wouldn't find him - that is, until her gaze caught him again.
There he is. Suddenly the look of him clicked right into place the moment she recognized the way his mouth looked so, so tired and sad - she'd never forget that. The rest of the details filled right back in immediately, and she jogged over to him.
"Found you! Hoh hoh, thought the hoodie would be enough to trick me, huh?"
1/2
He sighs as he looks up.
God did he need a smoke right now.He tapped his foot on the ground and waited.
Until-
no subject
She found him after all.
For a moment surprise flickered on his face, causing him to step back. She...how did she recognize him? How did she-
She's talking.
"The hoodie...oh no," he fixed the hood over his head to make sure it doesn't slip off at the very mention of it. "I was...not exactly sure if I would be able to recognize you and I didn't want to make it awkward by running into someone else."
The slightly brown tilted glasses shift- nearly concealing Shibusawa's eyes along with the amusement in them. "What do you think was missing in my carefully crafted disguise?"
no subject
Or maybe she was just going crazy from not having anyone to have a meaningful conversation with.
"You can catch me because I always wear bobby pins here," she explained, tapping the left side of her head. XXII. Even if she felt more like wearing her hair mostly down, she was fine of getting an almost side-shaved look with just the pins.
"Well, the showing is soon, right? Let's get some popcorn!"
no subject
Well the mention of the pins to the head wouldn't have really mattered to Maruki but he will take it. The pattern the bobby pins make is rather interesting. 22- in roman numeral.
He should ask what that means.
Still...popcorn...
"I guess we will see how popcorn is going to work on an empty stomach," he smiles lightly. "What kind do you prefer? Sweet or salty?"
no subject
"I'll be right there! Find us some good seats, okay?" she insisted, taking off to go pick out something for Shibusawa.
no subject
Okay he knows running on an empty stomach isn't exactly what one would call optimal but he's completely fine with it. He has pulled enough one-nighters and unplanned fasting periods while working on his thesis paper.
"Wait-! There's no need for you to-" His eyes widen as he watches her suddenly take off like that. "And there she goes."
He sighs as he lets his hand fall, watching her. If he were any better he would be following behind her and peek into the vending machine itself but that would mean he's actually on a date.
How strange she was.
Takuto finds himself stepping away from the ticket machine and holds two of them in his hand. He did find them good seats at the middle. VIP might be too much...
Tickets acquired :D
He waits it out for Hamuko before the actual security check. As discussed.
no subject
"Alrighty, back! This'll be fun. Get us some good seats?"
no subject
"Good for your eyes...but-" he squints down at her bag. "That looks awfully heavy."
no subject
Once around the corner, Hamuko fished out a packaged melon-pan. "Tada!"
no subject
The way she went out of her way—as if it was some kind of grand mission—he finds himself pressing his lips together, a quiet laugh slipping out despite himself. "Oohh-! Oh man, its been a while since I have had one of those."
It doesn't really hit him that she bought the snacks for him, yet. Or even to share. "Did you get that from the 777? I have heard they have a really good deal going around right now."
no subject
She started pulling a couple drinks out - Manta, Dr. Salt, Second Maid...
"Okay, let's go get our seats. I've got us covered for snacks and drinks! Heheh."
no subject
Huh.
She brought snacks and drinks for them both.
At the utterance of getting their seats, he picks up on the cue and follows behind her. Much of what they say and do comes and goes and Maruki has questions but he almost feels...awkward? This isn't actually a date, it can't be. There's nothing common between them aside from not being treated by his Actualization. He shifts his footing as they shuffle their way down the aisle before glancing at her again, curiosity flickering in his expression. “I almost forgot—last time, when we first met, I gave you a snack, didn’t I?” His brow furrows slightly as he tries to recall while taking in the dim lighting of the cinema hall and the wide screen.
Remiscent of the one in his lab.
"Did you find yourself...'donut worrying' during your appointment?" Making a terrible pun out of that ridiculously perfect snack.
It was more of a question of how she's been holding up for the past few days. Then they can continue their conversation from there. A joke or two doesn't really hurt either.
no subject
"It did help! Between that and our chat, I felt a lot better. I think I just had to get a bit of the crying out of the way," she admitted with a little bit of a laugh.
no subject
"That's a bit worrying, don’t you think? Crying before a stranger who just happened to wake you up randomly?"
His voice is light, teasing, but there’s a flicker of something underneath. He’s thinking about it—what it meant, what it still means. It must’ve taken a lot for her to be that vulnerable in front of him, and yet here she is, sneaking snacks into a theater like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
no subject
She paused to open a snack package, sticking the candies in with the bowl of popcorn so they didn't crinkle the packaging during the movie.
no subject
"I suppose for others they might think you are acting completely wrong," he pulls away the can. "...actually nevermind, this conversation might be too depressing in its own right."
"I read some positive reviews of the movie before coming here. ...maaay have ended up reading some spoilers. No warnings either but atleast there wasn't enough context for me to haunt you with them."
no subject
She had pretty much no more tolerance for it, at this point.
no subject
He chuckles aloud, hearty as he looks away from her and takes another sip from his can.
"Who says I am scared?"
There's a beat of silence like he’s considering whether he should just ignore her or not.
no subject
"Don't worry. I can be the strong one out of the two of us."
no subject
The strong one out of the two of us.
Shibusawa squints at her.
"You are acting like there's some big evil hidden around the corner," his smile sharpens- leaning forward as he angles his chin on the back of his palm. "Looks like the movie's already starting before my eyes."
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