Everybody's Working for the Weekend!

[leekspins]

WHO: #1: Peter Parker [Closed]; #2 Tokidoki Rikudoh and Noboru Gongenzaka [Closed]; #3: [OPEN!]
WHAT: Weekend antics! Whether it's getting to hear Peter's crimefighting stories, fighting deep-set mental trauma, or running around Soleil shopping for sewing materials and spending time with friends, Orihime is guaranteed to never be bored.
WHEN: January 19th-20th, 2019
WHERE: #1: On Campus, Peter's Dorm Room; #2 & #3: Soleil


[Log #1: Peter Parker and Orihime Inoue]

[When Orihime arrives at Peter's dorm, she has a backpack slung over her shoulder, sagging heavily with the sheer weight of all the soda she brought. She couldn't decide on what to get from the vending machine, so she just pumped in her coins and got one of everything. Why not? She can splurge for this.]

[As she waits, it hits her that maybe...maybe...she really shouldn't be hanging out in a boy's room. It's not very proper, and she wouldn't want people to start getting the wrong idea. But no one seems to be around to take note (yet), so...maybe it's fine. She's heard that boys and girls sometimes room together, so maybe that kind of thing just isn't a big deal in France.]

[It's fine.]

[Besides, she's excited to hear about his stories. A real superhero...! And he's so young, too! This is going to be amazing and spectacular.]

--------------------

[Log #2: Noboru Gongenzaka, Tokidoki Rikugou, Orihime Inoue]

[After meeting with White Chain, Orihime's definitely glad for a chance to catch her breath and be around friendly faces. Tokidoki is always positive and cheerful, and she's looking forward to spending more time with him. While she's never met Gongenzaka, he seemed pretty polite when she spoke with him over the network.]

[She waits for them just outside the school gates, gloved hands behind her back, nuzzling her nose into her scarf and exhaling to warm her face with her breath. She's got a list of measurements and notes in her pocket so she can get all the things she needs for her massive sewing project. If she can earn enough, maybe she can invest in that runic armor equipment that Gunvolt told her about.]

[Hearing footsteps crunch in the snow, she perks up and turns to greet the first person to arrive.]

Good morning! Are you ready to go?

--------------------

[Log #3: [OPEN!]]

[There are plenty of people who seemed interested in going to the sewing supply store in town to choose the materials for their formal clothes, so Orihime is more than happy to walk them around and point out good bargains, as well as mentioning the pros and cons of good quality cloth versus something cheaper but easier to clean.]

[But she could be spotted anywhere in town, especially near the bakery where she stares in awe at the display case through the window. Someday, she'll have a fancy cake store of her own. Or at least a part-time job at a place like this! ...Maybe... Now that she knows about the impending doom of Nightfall, a cake shop isn't as important to her future as it used to be. She should be sad about that, but...she's not. It feels good to do something important for a change, and to get strong enough to protect the people she cares about.]

Comments

1

[made_up_names]

[ Peter had much the same thought after they'd ended their conversation. Not that it matters for him? Like, any gender in his room would potentially be a romantic interest? But it sure seems different inviting a girl to his room. If she hadn't seemed so excited (or if he'd thought of it sooner), then he'd have asked her to come to the common room instead.

But nope, they're meeting at his room, it's probably fine? He's not in there when she arrives, but she doesn't have long to wait. A few seconds later, he comes up behind her with a great big bowl of popcorn. (He's not sure how much she eats, but he already knows his appetite is massive.) ]

Oh hey, you're here already. I was just finishing up.

[ He's running a little late, mostly because he was working on something and lost track of time. The popcorn is 100% American at least - he snuck it back after their mission, since apparently France doesn't have this kind of thing. What kind of crazy country doesn't have microwave popcorn? It's rude.

Anyway. He sort of double-takes at her bulging backpack when he realizes what's clinking around in there. ]

-- Is all of that for us?

[leekspins]

We'll never go thirsty again!

[Of course they're not going to drink ALL of it, that would be physically impossible. She's also planning to leave half of the cans for him and his roommate afterward, and the rest will be a fun present for Tatsumaki.]

[The smell of the popcorn is fantastic. Is there anything in the world more addictive that fresh popcorn smells?]

[Orihime shuffles aside so he can open the door. He's taking the lead here, she's not sure where she's allowed to stand or sit.]

Thank you for the popcorn. It's been a couple years since I've had it!

[made_up_names]

[ Hey, he could probably put a dent in it. But. He'll try not to.

He nudges the door open (it was unlocked in case she stopped by early), and kind of nods for her to follow him in. It sure is a dorm room! Not too messy - he'd picked up before she came - but with obvious piles of junk stacked up on the unused bed. He's using his lack of roommate as a temporary workspace.

For sitting, he's piled up some pillows on the floor in front of an ungodly ancient TV. Currently, it appears to be functional? He's frankensteined a DVD player to the top of it, though both the TV and the player have wires sticking out everywhere. A work in progress. ]

Yeah? Is popcorn not really a thing in Japan?

[leekspins]

Oh, it is! But I've been living in France for the past three years, and I haven't gone to the movies in a long time. So it just hasn't really come up on my grocery list!

[She takes a moment to look around, and a slow smile spreads over her face. Proper or not, it's got all the trademarks of his personality, and she likes that. It's the room of a tech genius for sure.]

[She had an old CRT set in her apartment too. Moving into storage was definitely a struggle! It's nice to see one again. She follows him toward the pillow pile, very comfortable with the set-up. She unzips her pack and sets out all of the cans, making a colorful beverage display. She's all about that lemon seltzer to start.]

What about you? What do you eat in America?

[made_up_names]

You've been here three years? Dude, that's awesome.

[ He's still like. Ridiculously bad at French okay. He's glad that the school provides them with food and stuff because grocery shopping would kind of be suffering otherwise. Speaking of which, he lights right up at the range of sodas she pulls out of her backpack, impressed by the colorful array. Let's start with ... this orangina stuff? ]

All kinds of stuff? I live in New York, so I can get take out from pretty much any country on the planet. But my favorite is pizza. Also this deli right down the street with the best sandwiches in Queens.

[leekspins]

...It is?

[She never thought of her stay in France as being 'awesome' before. It was scary and lonely and sad, and she definitely remembers breaking down in tears once because who would put incense on her brother's grave if she wasn't there?]

[On the other hand, this is what led her to meet Tatsumaki. And if she hadn't met her, then Orihime's powers might have been dormant for her entire life.]

[So she sits pensively for a moment, looking at her seltzer in her clasped hands. Then, slowly, she starts to smile.]

I guess it's been a pretty good experience! And hardly anyone knew Japanese so I had to learn French by immersion. So that was good.

[She leans forward curiously as he lists his favorite foods. She knows what pizza is, but...]

I've never tried pizza before. I like the big variety of toppings you can put on it, though. You could eat a million slices and never eat the same thing twice!

[made_up_names]

[ Oh. He said the wrong thing, didn't he? The instant she looks sad about it, he kind of winces guiltily. Probably if he'd been made to come here at twelve, then he'd have been upset and sad and lonely too. ]

W-well, it is a cool school so far. I'm glad you had a good experience.

[ Even if she was obviously sad too. Jeez, Peter, try not to stomp on her heart quite so much. He's gonna try talking about more cheerful things, like pizza. ]

That's kinda the idea, yeah. And New York style is like the best. Maybe we could make it sometime.

2 -!

[betheman]

[The crunching, of course, comes from the geta- and Orihime will see just what Gongenzaka meant by them for that matter. A good three inches of solid steel are crunching through the snow, bare feet only slightly red despite everything. With his coat and hat on however, he doesn't quite look himself. The trademark sash and headband are hidden well, and the snow around his very feet thus cloaks everything else.

Gongenzaka waves, beaming despite his nervousness.] Auh..! Hello...Orihime, yes?

[leekspins]

[Orihime turns. And looks up.]

[And up and up.]

[She smiles. She's never seen anyone so big look so completely unintimidating.]

Yes, that's me! Hello!

[She speaks in Japanese since he said that's what he was most comfortable with, and she's pretty sure Tokidoki is the same way.]

Tokidoki wanted to come too, so let's make sure to wait for him. We can all eat lunch together after we're done shopping. Have you met him yet? He's so nice!

[yokeye]

[Toki's a little late perhaps, but that's nothing new. He gets lost easily. Orihime's hair stands out, so that's what he's focused on and not whoever else is around.]

Orihime~! Hi~!

[He waves and quickly walks over, nearly tripping once, because his boots are untied.]

[betheman]

T-Toki? [He repeats- and fortunately quietly, because he hears Toki before he even arrives.

Gongenzaka isn't typically one to hide- but he may, in fact, be pulling his scarf up a little.

Just a little.] Ahhh....

...Lunch sounds fine! [He manages, perhaps a little quicker (and definitely more muffled) than intended.]

[leekspins]

[Completely unaware of her egregious error in judgment, Orihime swivels around at the sound of her seer friend's cheery voice. Her hand shoots straight up to wave to him.]

We're over here!

[She takes a startled step toward him when it looks like he's about to eat ground, but she sighs in relief when he pulls up just in time. Thank goodness he's okay! BUT NOT FOR LONG.]

Ready to hunt for purple suit materials?

[yokeye]

[Apparently, she'd brought a friend. Toki could always use more friends. He joins them, barely registering Gongenzaka's presence to begin with, because Orihime radiates too much energy for him to pay attention to anything else.]

Yes, it will be a challenge! You look beautiful today~! That scarf brings out your eyes!

3

[heromedal]

[ As planned, because Rex had a plan for everything, he joined her ostensibly for the learning experience. Making himself useful as a toweringly tall guy who casts as much a literal shadow over everything as he is a metaphorical black cloud, he's carrying pretty much everything. It's the least he can do, even if it looks kind of weird to have effectively teenage Lurch following her around carrying fabrics.

But her hand gestures are illustrative! She must be free to gesticulate. ]

...Did you learn these things out of necessity or passion?

[ He's been full of questions on the topic itself and genuinely very interested. He wants to know everything there is to know about everything, he really does. But that's the first one that's really personal as such. He's curious. ]

Thank you for handwaving the fabric lessons, I am the worst at sewing and know nothing

[leekspins]

[She's surprised at his offer to carry her shopping bags, but once she's sure he really wants to, she doesn't put up any kind of a fuss. She's actually very grateful! What a nice classmate!]

[Just as planned, she's able to gesture easily as she falls into step beside him as they talk. Or...as she talks. Whichever the case may be!]

Both! I picked it up in the arts and crafts club I used to go to. The president was a master, he could mend anything in the blink of an eye! So I asked if he'd teach me the basics, he did, and it seemed really useful to make my own clothes instead of buying them.

[Orihime beams as she lays her fingertips together.]

What about you? Do you think you'll take a home economics class to learn how to do it too?

aint nobody got time for that

[heromedal]

[ Rex is a good dog boy despite it all and being helpful is borderline instinct, though he'll always have some internal excuse as to how it factors into his selfish schemes. Carrying her stuff serves many purposes. That it is nice is purely coincidental and of no relevance. ]

I might. It is quite fascinating. And anything which grants greater independence is always a positive.

[ He chooses not to mention that he's gonna use that knowledge to clothe his minions when he creates them, because that's on a need to know basis. Or that he's already thinking about how he can create an over the top badass outfit with a cape because that's embarrassing. But he'll do it anyway. ]

But it's more likely once I've grasped the basics I'll turn to self-study until I'm satisfied. I don't really have any grand ideas.

[ LIAR ]

[leekspins]

[She smiles as she listens. Rex actually reminds her a little of her sewing instructor. Quiet, intelligent, maybe a bit on the stiff side, but overall a nice person.]

That seems like a solid plan. Once you learn which kinds of stitches to use, it's pretty easy to get more creative!

[It's admirable, really, that he can pick up new hobbies and skills with such focus and determination.]

Do you usually teach yourself things like that? What else did you figure out how to do?

[heromedal]

Creative, huh...

[ He ponders if that's an accurate way to describe him and concludes it probably is- he's pretty imaginative, it's just mostly used to picture the future, how bad it's gonna be and how to stop it being...that bad. ]

Oh... Most of the things I know, I suppose.

[ Which isn't really an answer, but this is one of those situations where his 'kind of' answers will probably be less effective than a partial one. ]

Just the basics of most things people find useful, like cooking and first aid. I'm mostly self-taught with magic.

[ He gives a shrug, all the bags shaking as he does. ]

It's not like this is your only hobby either, is it? You seem too lively for that.

[ That's Rex for 'let's talk about you.' ]

[leekspins]

Those are useful!

[She nods in agreement.]

I actually didn't know much about first aid before coming here, but it's definitely something I'm glad we're covering.

[Her face lit up with curiosity at his mention of magic. She wanted to ask how he managed to teach himself in such a fashion, and wanted to know who had taught him magic in the first place.]

[His question, however, stops her before the first syllable escapes her open mouth. Orihime blinks. Er...well, she supposes she can ask later.]

I guess not. I like all kinds of things. Especially if I get to try something new! I got to try swinging through the woods by shooting webs at tree branches, that was a lot of fun! I'm not sure how often you have to do it before it counts as a hobby, though.

[Now back to the more interesting subject!]

Is it okay to ask about your magic? I'm really curious about it!

Log #4 Surprise! - Closed to Hector

[leekspins]

During the day, the campus was far too busy and full of people who might not take too kindly to ghosts. But at night, when students were full from dinner and sought the warmth of their dorm rooms, the exterior was peaceful and quiet.

There was a faint shimmer in the air, then that shimmer became a man. He was well dressed in a business suit, his dark hair just long enough to frame a face that appeared kind, but sad.

He hovered just a few feet above the ground outside the Aube dormitory, gazing at the window that revealed nothing of the inhabitants inside. The curtains were closed, lit with a soft glow, only occasionally disturbed by a shadow of movement within.

His head sank a little further as his shoulders slumped.

[unpocoloco]

There are a lot of really, really wierd things in his life, now that he's dead. He can't say he's accepting it all gracefully, but he's trying his best for most of it. A man hovering a few feet off the ground? Okay, he'd accept that.

However, it's after taking a few steps forward that it hits what he's not willing to accept. Quickly, he doubles back.

"Hey. Hey! I don't know if you go here or what it is you think you're doing but there are children here and you cannot hover outside their windows. I am talking to you there, amigo!"

The man might look depressed but that's no excuse for this. He puts his hands on his hips and waits.

[leekspins]

There was no response. Not even a twitch of alarm at being discovered registered in his posture.

Inside the dorm, the shadow of one of the girl's passed the window, followed by the muted sound of a closing door. The floating man turned hopefully to the front entrance, but no one emerged. The hopeful look on his face turned pained, then he floated upward.

Now he was hanging out by what appeared to be Peter Parker's window, if Hector knew which space belonged to who.

[unpocoloco]

"Hey!" He calls again, but of course, still nothing. Is this guy deaf? Ignoring him? Well he's not going to just let the guy stay there, there's got to be something he can do.

He looks around, searching for a solution, only for his gaze to go to his owns. Alright. If this is how he's got to play, he'll do this. Steeling himself, he creeps around the guy-- not as if he's even paying attention to anything but the windows of kids anyway, but precaution is important all the same. He moves to the closest tree he can and steps behind it. Then, with a breath, lets his power light. The markings glow first, then the rest of him, and in no time he's shifted to his skeletal self.

He peers around, checking to see that the man is, in fact, still there. Then, plucking his hand of his wrist, he curls those fingers into a ball and holds it in his other hand. His arm goes back. Three... two...

Meaning to latch on with his skeletal fingers, his left hand is lobbed at the guy's back.

[leekspins]

That seems to do it. The gloomy glaze of his stare is washed away, clarity restored with each startled blink. He turns in place, trying to see what's gripping the back of his suit. He's confused, but not frightened.

At least, not until he sees the skeleton on the ground glowering at him.

"GAH!" he yelps, arm jerking upward. "What do you-- You can see me?"

[unpocoloco]

He means to slip back out of the way, get hidden after he's got the guy's attention... pull his hand back before he shifts or else that would be a mess... okay, he didn't time this great but, on the positive, the man doesn't seem to recognize him which means he's still got his cover for now.

And this problem to deal with.

"Obviously I can see you, you're right there! I have eyes!" Eyes settled in dark sockets. Not the point. "The real question is, what do you think you're doing? This isn't a zoo where you come to ogle, those are children's rooms! I am not going to say it again, you cannot be hovering out here and if you keep doing it or I catch this again then we're going to have a problem."