[So he and Kotone has made up, but he kind of neglected to mention to her all the people he got mad at. It'll be a conversation for later that will go extremely well!
One thing at a time.]
Hey.
[So now that he's no longer angry and pissy, regret and a moderate amount of shame crops up because fuck. He... treated Yu pretty poorly, huh? Treated one of his friends like shit. Well, worse than that really, because he actually threatened him. Even if he didn't go through with it, he still considered it and that thought makes his stomach turn. Sure, Yu has his powers and Personas, but that doesn't matter.]
It's fine, really.
I'm surprised you even want to talk to me. You don't have to force yourself.
[Also, he's not sure if he's ready for this conversation. Maybe he won't have a choice.]
[It was a mistake to start this in text, wasn't it. He can't read the tone of voice, can't examine any facial features, so he doesn't know if it really is fine or if Scott is just brushing him off again.]
Or force you?
[... That's a little more prickly than he meant to be. But it's hard to imagine Scott wanting to talk to him again. Besides -- that is the sort of thing you say to someone when you're trying to gently get out of a conversation. And this isn't something Yu wants him to get out of.]
[A small frown tugs at the corner of his mouth seeing that silent emphasis, but he deserved that, didn't he? If Yu is upset with him, Scott can't really blame him, although it makes him wonder why he's checking on him at all. Maybe he's just that good of a guy.
His feelings are practically confirmed as he read the next text and okay, guess he shouldn't avoid him. Scott inhales slowly, before deciding to man up and text back.]
I'm sorry for treating you like crap. Really, I'm okay now.
It's okay, he wants to write almost reflexively, but -- it's not, not really. He manages not to say anything to that effect in the end, instead opting for--] Thank you. I'm glad.
[But the rest of it is still bothering him. The way Scott seemed to take his presence so personally, the way he seemed so frustrated at Yu without saying what was on his mind... Something was clearly wrong, and as someone who has habitually sought the truth, he can't help but think on it.]
[It should make him feel nervous when Scott confirms it, but in a way, he's relieved. Whatever it is, it's better to get it out in the open. They're probably not quite to the point of punching it out or anything, but the fact that Scott is okay talking about it is a good thing, he imagines.]
That sounds like a good idea. In front of the inn, maybe?
[No punching!! Probably not, at least. He's already going have to tell Kotone later that he threatened Yu with his optic blasts, he's not going to add 'later I punched him anyway' to the list.]
Sure, okay.
[Okay, he can do this. Scott takes a breath, before typing his next response.]
Meet you in a few? Or busy right now? [Given that Yu contacted him in the first place, he's probably not busy, but Scott's just prolonging this for a little bit longer. It's hard talking to people after a fight, especially one where you're definitely in the wrong.]
[How long is this unsettling feeling going to last? Probably not until he talks to Yu, huh?
So he's here and while he doesn't exactly wave at Yu as he comes into view, he walks straight towards him without delay. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his jacket and he doesn't seem much like his normal confident self, despite how things have improved between him and Kotone. It's just... hard talking to a friend that you just had a fight with, but he's not going to run away or puss out now.
Scott stops before the other teen and nods, doing his best to look neutral as he looks into Yu's eyes through the haze of his ruby quartz.]
[Observation is a trait that Yu has carefully cultivated during his time in Inaba, taking every opportunity to learn more about how to figure people out. It's...kind of a strange way to become friends, admittedly, but it's habit more than anything by now, and sometimes, he finds it both useful and reliable -- now, for instance, hands in his pockets as he watches the approaching mutant's body language. He doesn't avoid eye contact, at least...that seems like a good sign.
Admittedly, his eyes flick to the injured hand. Scott said it was fine, but he's said his share of placating "I'm fine"s, enough to recognize that it might not always be true.]
Thanks for coming.
[The corner of his mouth twitches, maybe not into a smile, but it forms a more neutral line than a frown.]
[His eyes glance over to his own injured hand for a moment, before returning to focus on his friend(?), he hopes still at least.]
Yeah.
[Is there any way he can delay the inevitable conversation for just a bit longer? Engage in small talk? It's possible, but honestly, the more he thinks about it, the less appealing that option becomes. Maybe it's just best to get this over with, and maybe he'll feel less shitty about how he behaved.
The other teen at least doesn't seem pissed at him, even though Scott knows that can change in this conversation. Well, guess no point delaying this any longer, and he slowly pulls his hands out of his pockets, although they just remain by his side.
Although, instead of immediately getting into it, Scott starts with something else.]
If you want to punch me in the face, you can. I won't... do anything in return. [Once in a lifetime offering? Scott figures he owes Yu that much anyway, if he wants to sock him.]
Scott offered his face for punching, maybe as a way to get even...
>punch him >suggest they both punch each other >why are so many of his social links like this??? >absolutely not
Surprise shows clearly in Yu's expression at the-- offer? But he certainly doesn't move to take it; in fact, he pulls a heel back by about half a step instead.]
I don't want to hit you, Scott. I just want to know what's going on.
[In a weird way, he kind of hoped that Yu would punch him, but guess he's too good of a guy to do that. Scott's not about to bait him either, so he says nothing for a few seconds, letting Yu's answer ring between them for a while, before he finally nods and lets out another breath.]
I was angry. [Okay, obviously--] And jealous.
[Jesus christ saying all this out loud is somehow even worse than thinking about it. So much for feeling better getting it out, but guess that's not the point, is it? It's not about him feeling better, it's about giving Yu an explanation that he deserves.]
...That you were going out on dates with Kotone. [Okay, not just Yu, but Scott decides to leave that out.]
[Can't tell if he'd get two music notes for that or three. Oh well -- it happens sometimes.
Yu's expression goes through phases, here: confused, surprised, thoughtful. He takes a moment to respond, working through what Scott is telling him. Almost more importantly...what Scott isn't telling him, the lines he has to connect on his own, the implications. It all takes a moment.]
... You like her, [he ventures at last, less a question than a statement, his tone laced with surprise.] I didn't know.
[It feels really stupid that Yu wasn't even aware about any of this. Which makes sense, honestly, he doesn't see Yu as the kind of guy to try and steal someone's girlfriend-- and it's not like he and Kotone were dating at the time. Just dumb assumptions on his part, on multiple things.
Scott isn't sure how much he can say to him, well, he can say everything, so maybe the real thing is want.]
Yeah, I like her a lot. [He nods as if emphasizing how he feels, although his mouth twists into a small frown.] And... and I know. That you didn't know. [...] It's not like you were the only person Kotone took out on a date during the festival.
... I sort of figured that. [A bit of a wry smile.] It's the same for me, I guess.
[Not that he's sure he'd call it "dating," whatever this thing is with Mikey. But it certainly wasn't exclusive between them. Maybe there's something about the wildcards that makes them want to reach out to others, form as many bonds as they can...
It takes Scott a second, but he figures out what Yu means by that and uh, guess that's cool? He's never really been the type to go out on dates just 'purely' for fun and stuff, which is sort of why he and Kotone had a misunderstanding. It's definitely part of it and everything at least. But Scott just nods to Yu's comment, mostly looking rather neutral about that particular admission from him.]
I don't... really do that.
[Maybe that's enough to fill in some blanks?
His mouth finally twitches upward for a brief moment at the other teen's question, because yeah, things are okay now. Mostly. Guess they're still talking about some things? Also rectonning early tag because they might have talked about Scott threatening Yu and Kotone being Pretty Upset about him--]
Yeah, she knows now. [He bites his lip, wondering if he should mention that Kotone always knew that he liked her, but he doesn't want to say that if he doesn't have to.] We're definitely on the same page and everything. Guess talking things out really helps?
[Yu rubs the back of his neck. Yeah, that does fill in some blanks.]
I don't think you're alone in that.
[Most people want that, he'd assume. Exclusivity. It's just-- well, they're all young, and things are complicated, to put it mildly. A lot of things feel really temporary, especially in a place like this.
... The admission has him exhaling with a small amount of relief. Things are complicated enough here without the three of them --maybe more-- entangled in some weird over-the-top dorama thing.]
Oh, does it? [He huffs out a laugh. If he's disappointed at all --he is, a bit, he can't lie-- it doesn't show on his face.]
[Maybe some small encouragement from Scott's side to try and find one person partner to stick with. He's not going to push it too hard, because Yu can have fun with whomever, but maybe it's good to just throw that idea out there. It's something he's always known about himself, but he's pretty sure Kotone is still happy with just being with one person now.]
But thanks, Yu. [A more genuine smile flashes across Scott's face, definitely not noticing the small disappointment on his end. Although, it soon shifts back into something a little more serious, because saying sorry over text doesn't seem enough.]
And... I am really sorry about what happened, back at the house.
[look-- listen-- there's no need to be rude here okay
Nice, huh? When he puts it that way, Yu can't help but feel like it must be pretty genuine between them. As for the encouragement, he's not fussed. It'll happen if it happens. There's no sense rushing things in a place where everything can change within moments.
He smiles a bit, sighing as he slips a hand into his pocket.]
Alright, I accept defeat. Guess I'll have to let her have you.
[There's a glint in his eye that shows he's kidding. (Mostly.)
As to the apology--]
Thanks, Scott. It's all history, here. But...if there's a next time, let's try talking first.
[He smirks just slightly, going along with the joke, mostly. While he doesn't believe that Kotone would suddenly cheat on him or Yu is that kind of homewrecker guy, he'd actually Fight Him if it happened.
Which may make his next statement a little ironic--]
Yeah, talking things out actually works. [But he's glad he and Yu are cool again. Whatever remaining stress that's been riding on the mutant's shoulders leaves and he huffs out a small laugh. He's... honestly pretty lucky his friends are like this.]
[Yu huffs out a laugh as Scott goes along with it. He's relieved, all said. It may not show, exactly, but he was worried, at the festival, if something had changed irreparably. He's glad to know he was wrong.
His response at first is a small, knowing smile. Talking things through is usually his preferred method of dealing with things, Yosuke notwithstanding --Yosuke seems to be an exception to just about anything, oddly enough-- though if he's being honest, he'd rather not have any drama like that in the future to begin with. It does bother him a little that Kotone never said anything...but that's not really Scott's problem. For now, he's just glad they're still friends.]
--Hm? [Speaking of still being friends. Normally he might protest and counteroffer to split the cost, but if this is an apology gesture, it'd be rude not to take him up on it.]
I'd like that, yeah. Have you tried the cart down there that has different hand pies?
[Of all the people that he snapped at during the festival, Yu probably got the worst of it... but he really just accepted his apology despite being threatened with the equivalent of a high powered laser or something. Sounds a little dumb, but it's true.
While Scott can stand around and be so fucking relieved about all this, a more open and easy smile crosses his face as he joins in the conversation about hand pies and stuff.]
Huh, I haven't actually, but I'll give it a shot. You kinda have a good head when it comes to picking places to eat, the curry place was pretty good.
[It's-- almost nostalgic, a bit, for Yu. As if Scott revealed his own Shadow that needed acceptance. It wasn't exactly like that, not really, but he can appreciate when he's been shown someone's darker side...being trusted in spite of that. It almost feels unfair, sometimes, that other people have to reveal those things and not him.
Maybe that's just a bit of luck that'll run out, eventually.
Anyway, food is an easy subject. Something to bond over, maybe...at least it has been in his experience.]
Glad you liked it. Curry's good, when it's made right. [Chie. Yukiko. He nods for now, gesturing in the direction of the pie place.] I haven't tried it either. It'll be a first for both of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text, a few days after the mingle
[...
In lieu of calling him out, in case he's still upset--]
How's your hand?
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One thing at a time.]
Hey.
[So now that he's no longer angry and pissy, regret and a moderate amount of shame crops up because fuck. He... treated Yu pretty poorly, huh? Treated one of his friends like shit. Well, worse than that really, because he actually threatened him. Even if he didn't go through with it, he still considered it and that thought makes his stomach turn. Sure, Yu has his powers and Personas, but that doesn't matter.]
It's fine, really.
I'm surprised you even want to talk to me. You don't have to force yourself.
[Also, he's not sure if he's ready for this conversation. Maybe he won't have a choice.]
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Or force you?
[... That's a little more prickly than he meant to be. But it's hard to imagine Scott wanting to talk to him again. Besides -- that is the sort of thing you say to someone when you're trying to gently get out of a conversation. And this isn't something Yu wants him to get out of.]
I do want to. I was worried about you.
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His feelings are practically confirmed as he read the next text and okay, guess he shouldn't avoid him. Scott inhales slowly, before deciding to man up and text back.]
I'm sorry for treating you like crap. Really, I'm okay now.
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It's okay, he wants to write almost reflexively, but -- it's not, not really. He manages not to say anything to that effect in the end, instead opting for--] Thank you. I'm glad.
[But the rest of it is still bothering him. The way Scott seemed to take his presence so personally, the way he seemed so frustrated at Yu without saying what was on his mind... Something was clearly wrong, and as someone who has habitually sought the truth, he can't help but think on it.]
Scott. Is there something we need to talk about?
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Reading the question, however, Scott finds himself sighing at his device. Yeah, guess no avoiding this.]
Yeah, probably.
Do you want to talk in person?
[Not that Scott really wants to, but he figures he owes Yu that much, if the other teen wants to take that offer.]
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That sounds like a good idea.
In front of the inn, maybe?
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Sure, okay.
[Okay, he can do this. Scott takes a breath, before typing his next response.]
Meet you in a few? Or busy right now? [Given that Yu contacted him in the first place, he's probably not busy, but Scott's just prolonging this for a little bit longer. It's hard talking to people after a fight, especially one where you're definitely in the wrong.]
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The nervousness radiates off of Scott's message. Yu is quick to respond here -- maybe due to a similar feeling.]
Now is good. See you soon.
[True to his word, he's waiting by the entrance to the inn not long after, a little off to the side.]
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So he's here and while he doesn't exactly wave at Yu as he comes into view, he walks straight towards him without delay. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his jacket and he doesn't seem much like his normal confident self, despite how things have improved between him and Kotone. It's just... hard talking to a friend that you just had a fight with, but he's not going to run away or puss out now.
Scott stops before the other teen and nods, doing his best to look neutral as he looks into Yu's eyes through the haze of his ruby quartz.]
Hey.
[Great start.]
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Admittedly, his eyes flick to the injured hand. Scott said it was fine, but he's said his share of placating "I'm fine"s, enough to recognize that it might not always be true.]
Thanks for coming.
[The corner of his mouth twitches, maybe not into a smile, but it forms a more neutral line than a frown.]
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Yeah.
[Is there any way he can delay the inevitable conversation for just a bit longer? Engage in small talk? It's possible, but honestly, the more he thinks about it, the less appealing that option becomes. Maybe it's just best to get this over with, and maybe he'll feel less shitty about how he behaved.
The other teen at least doesn't seem pissed at him, even though Scott knows that can change in this conversation. Well, guess no point delaying this any longer, and he slowly pulls his hands out of his pockets, although they just remain by his side.
Although, instead of immediately getting into it, Scott starts with something else.]
If you want to punch me in the face, you can. I won't... do anything in return. [Once in a lifetime offering? Scott figures he owes Yu that much anyway, if he wants to sock him.]
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Scott offered his face for punching, maybe as a way to get even...
>punch him
>suggest they both punch each other
>why are so many of his social links like this???
>absolutely not
Surprise shows clearly in Yu's expression at the-- offer? But he certainly doesn't move to take it; in fact, he pulls a heel back by about half a step instead.]
I don't want to hit you, Scott. I just want to know what's going on.
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I was angry. [Okay, obviously--] And jealous.
[Jesus christ saying all this out loud is somehow even worse than thinking about it. So much for feeling better getting it out, but guess that's not the point, is it? It's not about him feeling better, it's about giving Yu an explanation that he deserves.]
...That you were going out on dates with Kotone. [Okay, not just Yu, but Scott decides to leave that out.]
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Yu's expression goes through phases, here: confused, surprised, thoughtful. He takes a moment to respond, working through what Scott is telling him. Almost more importantly...what Scott isn't telling him, the lines he has to connect on his own, the implications. It all takes a moment.]
... You like her, [he ventures at last, less a question than a statement, his tone laced with surprise.] I didn't know.
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Scott isn't sure how much he can say to him, well, he can say everything, so maybe the real thing is want.]
Yeah, I like her a lot. [He nods as if emphasizing how he feels, although his mouth twists into a small frown.] And... and I know. That you didn't know. [...] It's not like you were the only person Kotone took out on a date during the festival.
[Guess he's going to mention that now.]
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[Not that he's sure he'd call it "dating," whatever this thing is with Mikey. But it certainly wasn't exclusive between them. Maybe there's something about the wildcards that makes them want to reach out to others, form as many bonds as they can...
...
That's not important right now, though.]
Does she know? That you like her.
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It takes Scott a second, but he figures out what Yu means by that and uh, guess that's cool? He's never really been the type to go out on dates just 'purely' for fun and stuff, which is sort of why he and Kotone had a misunderstanding. It's definitely part of it and everything at least. But Scott just nods to Yu's comment, mostly looking rather neutral about that particular admission from him.]
I don't... really do that.
[Maybe that's enough to fill in some blanks?
His mouth finally twitches upward for a brief moment at the other teen's question, because yeah, things are okay now. Mostly. Guess they're still talking about some things? Also rectonning early tag because they might have talked about Scott threatening Yu and Kotone being Pretty Upset about him--]
Yeah, she knows now. [He bites his lip, wondering if he should mention that Kotone always knew that he liked her, but he doesn't want to say that if he doesn't have to.] We're definitely on the same page and everything. Guess talking things out really helps?
[He almost snorts admitting that last bit.]
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I don't think you're alone in that.
[Most people want that, he'd assume. Exclusivity. It's just-- well, they're all young, and things are complicated, to put it mildly. A lot of things feel really temporary, especially in a place like this.
... The admission has him exhaling with a small amount of relief. Things are complicated enough here without the three of them --maybe more-- entangled in some weird over-the-top dorama thing.]
Oh, does it? [He huffs out a laugh. If he's disappointed at all --he is, a bit, he can't lie-- it doesn't show on his face.]
... I'm glad you worked it out. Really.
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[Maybe some small encouragement from Scott's side to try and find one person
partnerto stick with. He's not going to push it too hard, because Yu can have fun with whomever, but maybe it's good to just throw that idea out there. It's something he's always known about himself, but he's pretty sure Kotone is still happy with just being with one person now.]But thanks, Yu. [A more genuine smile flashes across Scott's face, definitely not noticing the small disappointment on his end. Although, it soon shifts back into something a little more serious, because saying sorry over text doesn't seem enough.]
And... I am really sorry about what happened, back at the house.
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look-- listen-- there's no need to be rude here okayNice, huh? When he puts it that way, Yu can't help but feel like it must be pretty genuine between them. As for the encouragement, he's not fussed. It'll happen if it happens. There's no sense rushing things in a place where everything can change within moments.
He smiles a bit, sighing as he slips a hand into his pocket.]
Alright, I accept defeat. Guess I'll have to let her have you.
[There's a glint in his eye that shows he's kidding. (Mostly.)
As to the apology--]
Thanks, Scott. It's all history, here. But...if there's a next time, let's try talking first.
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[He smirks just slightly, going along with the joke, mostly. While he doesn't believe that Kotone would suddenly cheat on him or Yu is that kind of
homewreckerguy, he'd actually Fight Him if it happened.Which may make his next statement a little ironic--]
Yeah, talking things out actually works. [But he's glad he and Yu are cool again. Whatever remaining stress that's been riding on the mutant's shoulders leaves and he huffs out a small laugh. He's... honestly pretty lucky his friends are like this.]
Did you wanna grab something? It's on me today.
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His response at first is a small, knowing smile. Talking things through is usually his preferred method of dealing with things, Yosuke notwithstanding --Yosuke seems to be an exception to just about anything, oddly enough-- though if he's being honest, he'd rather not have any drama like that in the future to begin with. It does bother him a little that Kotone never said anything...but that's not really Scott's problem. For now, he's just glad they're still friends.]
--Hm? [Speaking of still being friends. Normally he might protest and counteroffer to split the cost, but if this is an apology gesture, it'd be rude not to take him up on it.]
I'd like that, yeah. Have you tried the cart down there that has different hand pies?
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While Scott can stand around and be so fucking relieved about all this, a more open and easy smile crosses his face as he joins in the conversation about hand pies and stuff.]
Huh, I haven't actually, but I'll give it a shot. You kinda have a good head when it comes to picking places to eat, the curry place was pretty good.
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Maybe that's just a bit of luck that'll run out, eventually.
Anyway, food is an easy subject. Something to bond over, maybe...at least it has been in his experience.]
Glad you liked it. Curry's good, when it's made right. [Chie. Yukiko. He nods for now, gesturing in the direction of the pie place.] I haven't tried it either. It'll be a first for both of us.
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