[ It's nice. Junpei's been able to build superficial friendships here, but this feels like his first real connection in this place. Something worth fighting for beyond his world. He smiles after Scott's affirmation, and not that cheeky ear to ear grin he normally wears when he's excited or playful or goofing around. It's genuine. It's honest. And it shows what Scott has said means a lot. Especially because after what happened, Junpei's not so sure he could rely on himself to stand strong in the face of a terrifying scenario, so he wouldn't blame Scott if he felt the same toward Junpei.
But with something to fight for, someone to fight for -- Junpei could stand strong. He thinks he could, anyway. Having a reason behind fighting gives a strength all on its own. And that's what he wants to do. He wants to use his power to protect his friends.
The playfulness seeps back in to spare them both from having to analyze their feelings too deep. They're guys, after all!!! Gotta be cool and manly about this shit. ]
Ohhh the Falcon, eh?? Always gotta one up me on the badassery. You Americans..
[ Junpei shakes his head with good humor. ]
But I can't complain too much. It'll be freakin' sweet you showing up in style like that. Just uh...when the ladies are going full swoon over you and your coolness, make sure to give me a shout out. It's almost Valentine's Day and I still haven't scored a date.
[There is something really... fulfilling? Seeing that smile on Junpei and knowing that he helped him feel like that. Is this what a leader does? Is this what Cyclops does for the X-Men normally? Or is his leadership style different? The other Scott here is extremely serious and the other mutants keep on saying that the original Scott is an asshole, so who knows. Whatever, it doesn't matter, he's finding his own footing. It helps that Junpei doesn't have another Scott to compare him to.
And they're both totally cool and manly!!]
I'll try to remember.
[Mostly teasing! But okay, now he has to ask a very important question.]
Is there someone you want to ask out for Valentine's Day?
[Very important!! They're at least sliding to regular, dumb, teenage talk instead of discussing world ending crisis. Or talking about morals. He's going to give himself full permission to give Junpei shit too depending on this answer, because that's what a bro does when it comes to the love life.]
[ He should have seen that coming! The question doesn't necessarily blindside him, but Junpei's not exactly prepared to answer it with full conviction. He's met a few cute girls here, but asking them out for Valentine's Day feels like a massive leap. At least he has a cultural cheat code built in and decides to go that route! ]
Well. Valentine's Day isn't the same in Japan as it is in America, bro. I know that much! In Japan, it's the girls who are supposed to come to the guys. So I'm keeping my options open and expect to be buried in chocolates.
[ Kyoko will at least give him chocolates as his friend. He'd totally dropped the hint that Sandry should do the same. But....buried? That's definitely a leap. ]
Ask me again in a month, though. 'Cause that's when White Day comes around and it's the guy's turn to step up and do what you Americans do on Valentine's Day. However.
[ Junpei unwraps his straw partially, blowing the paper across the table at Scott. Two can play at this game! ]
You gonna go ahead and secure that date with Maelle? I told you before, man, I'll so play wingman if you need me to! But cool guy like you has totally got this in the bag.
Huh, seriously? Didn't know that was a tradition in Japan...
[Sounds like it would make things easier, in some ways. Like don't have to second guess yourself in giving chocolate to a girl if she didn't give it to you in the first place. Not that it would make a difference for him back home because he can't imagine anyone giving him chocolate, but not the point!!] Hopefully the girls that you like here know that little tidbit of information.
[So that Junpei can be 'buried' in chocolate. And. Okay, he trusts his 'bro' to at least score a chocolate or two, but... anything more than that? Maybe pushing it a little. If partly because there isn't like a ton of girls around their age here, right? He knows Maelle-- and HEY WAIT. THAT'S UNFAIR. This question can't be turned on him!!
He flicks his wrapper back at him.]
I don't know man, maybe. She's not Japanese and neither am I, so it'd make sense if I still gave her chocolate. [...] Unless she doesn't know Valentine's Day at all. She's French, but like, she came from a shitty French world.
[ The rebounded wrapper is blocked by an open palm and Junpei smiles like he'd just made some winning baseball play or something. Dunking his straw into the glass of coke, he lifts it to take a sip after his victory. It also gives him a moment to think about what Scott's said -- racking his brain for anything he might know about France. It's a shame Mitsuru isn't here. She likes to throw out random French words, so she likely knows a thing or two about the country, right? ]
I wonder if there's something specific to Valentine's Day in France you could incorporate? But I guess if her world's like a shitty French world, it might be a better idea to shelve anything that could remind her of it. Probably better to go with what you know in that case. Oh, but dude...
[ Hear him out for this BRILLIANT idea. ]
What if you learned some French phrases? Like you could say something to her that'd mean something to the both of you, but in her language? I bet she'd be sooo into it. And I'm not talking something corny like a grand declaration of love. I'm talking more like....
[ Hmm. ]
So back home there was this girl I'd just met named Chidori. And I kept running into her at the station where she'd be sitting there, drawing in her sketchbook. If she wasn't Japanese, I might learn how to say something about art? Or...the flowers that were behind the bench she sat at? Something that meant something to both of us.
[ Of course, his thing with Chidori could hardly compare. He'd only known her for a little more than a week and that wasn't nearly enough time to establish anything meaningful. But it's more for the example -- the type of thoughtful thing Junpei thinks a girl would appreciate. Let it go on record that Junpei Iori has some rizz. ]
[Huh... that's actually not a bad idea at all. He knows that their earpieces auto-translate for them, but guess they can always temporarily take it off so that he can show Maelle that he's tried to learn some of her language. It wouldn't be hard to ask one of the Expeditioners about this sort of thing either, Gustave or Sciel comes to mind. They're pretty chill about this.
It's clear that he's really considering this piece of advice, with a thoughtful look taking a hold of him.]
Showing that you're paying attention to something they like, right? Or something that defines them. Yeah, it's a good thought.
[Maybe even more impressive than saving someone while flying the Falcon-- okay apples and oranges here, not to mention that he is genuinely taking this seriously. He can imagine Maelle smiling or maybe even teasing him if he messes up on the pronunciation a little, but he would try pretty hard.
He nods, and there's a small smile on Scott before he sips at his soda.] It's a pretty good idea man. I know a couple of things she's into, like fencing and flowers. There's also flower field I take her to.
[ Junpei brightens when Scott seems receptive to the idea, mentally patting himself on the back. Total Lady's Man and all! He taps his index finger to his forehead and then points it toward Scott in some sort of pseudo-salute. ]
That'd be perfect, dude! It's kind of a shame one of my teammates ain't here. Maelle's sounding more and more like Kirijo-senpai with everything I hear about her and I bet she'd be able to help you out! I do know one thing, though...
[ Junpei yanks a napkin from the holder and reaches into his jacket pocket to pull out a pen. On the napkin, he writes the words: Champs De Fleurs. He slides it over in Scott's direction so he can have that as a starting point. ]
Don't ask me how to say it, bro. But apparently it means Field of Flowers. The last mission I was on with my team was at a hotel with that name. Kirijo-senpai was the one who translated, so I'm pretty sure it's right! She's real smart and rich. Probably well-traveled, too!
[ The spelling is also actually right. The hotel name isn't something Junpei would forget. For. Reasons. Dropping his chin on his palm, he smiles at Scott. Maybe this can start the process of repaying Scott for coming all this way at 2am for emergency late night breakfast. ]
[He looks at the writing that's on the napkin, eyebrows slightly furrowed as he tries to pronounce the words written there. Definitely French and uh, it's not like he's ever tried to speak the language before, but this is a good starting place as any-- especially as Junpei explains the actual meaning behind them. Field of Flowers, huh? Just like their favorite spot and everything. It's a connection and thus all that sentimental stuff that girls like.
And fine he likes it too, not that he'd ever admit it.
His expression visibly softens as he keeps the napkin by his side. Yeah, he's going to start with this for sure. He'll keep practicing here.]
Yeah, I think that's good, thanks man. [Him just 100% believing that the words here actually mean Field of Flowers, but truly, he isn't worried about that.] And I'll come back later and tell you how to pronounce it. Maybe you can even impress Kirijo in return.
[And soon, their breakfast is finally being delivered to them! The companion bots come strolling by with plates and plates of food: pancakes, eggs, bacon, all the works. They won't be hungry after this.]
We can probably end here unless you wanna do one more!
Heh! I'd appreciate it, man. Although when it comes to Kirijo-senpai, sometimes I dunno if I'd rather impress her or be punished by her.
[ Goonpei Iori, at your service. But he thinks if Scott ever saw her, he'd totally get it. In the meantime, his entire demeanor brightens as these massive portions come out. Scott wasn't kidding when he boasted about how the Americans do it! And Junpei is so ready to tuck into this.
He meets his friends gaze across the table and smiles -- both out of eagerness but also appreciation. He's glad in all of this mess, after the trauma he faced on Mesa, he could come back to Etraya and have a good pal. It's all thanks to Scott that Junpei's able to put himself back together, at least a little bit. But he said all that sappy shit earlier, so for now what he settles on is: ]
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no subject
But with something to fight for, someone to fight for -- Junpei could stand strong. He thinks he could, anyway. Having a reason behind fighting gives a strength all on its own. And that's what he wants to do. He wants to use his power to protect his friends.
The playfulness seeps back in to spare them both from having to analyze their feelings too deep. They're guys, after all!!! Gotta be cool and manly about this shit. ]
Ohhh the Falcon, eh?? Always gotta one up me on the badassery. You Americans..
[ Junpei shakes his head with good humor. ]
But I can't complain too much. It'll be freakin' sweet you showing up in style like that. Just uh...when the ladies are going full swoon over you and your coolness, make sure to give me a shout out. It's almost Valentine's Day and I still haven't scored a date.
[ Yes. Look at the total lady's man in action. ]
no subject
And they're both totally cool and manly!!]
I'll try to remember.
[Mostly teasing! But okay, now he has to ask a very important question.]
Is there someone you want to ask out for Valentine's Day?
[Very important!! They're at least sliding to regular, dumb, teenage talk instead of discussing world ending crisis. Or talking about morals. He's going to give himself full permission to give Junpei shit too depending on this answer, because that's what a bro does when it comes to the love life.]
no subject
Well. Valentine's Day isn't the same in Japan as it is in America, bro. I know that much! In Japan, it's the girls who are supposed to come to the guys. So I'm keeping my options open and expect to be buried in chocolates.
[ Kyoko will at least give him chocolates as his friend. He'd totally dropped the hint that Sandry should do the same. But....buried? That's definitely a leap. ]
Ask me again in a month, though. 'Cause that's when White Day comes around and it's the guy's turn to step up and do what you Americans do on Valentine's Day. However.
[ Junpei unwraps his straw partially, blowing the paper across the table at Scott. Two can play at this game! ]
You gonna go ahead and secure that date with Maelle? I told you before, man, I'll so play wingman if you need me to! But cool guy like you has totally got this in the bag.
[ Don't fuck it up. ]
no subject
[Sounds like it would make things easier, in some ways. Like don't have to second guess yourself in giving chocolate to a girl if she didn't give it to you in the first place. Not that it would make a difference for him back home because he can't imagine anyone giving him chocolate, but not the point!!] Hopefully the girls that you like here know that little tidbit of information.
[So that Junpei can be 'buried' in chocolate. And. Okay, he trusts his 'bro' to at least score a chocolate or two, but... anything more than that? Maybe pushing it a little. If partly because there isn't like a ton of girls around their age here, right? He knows Maelle-- and HEY WAIT. THAT'S UNFAIR. This question can't be turned on him!!
He flicks his wrapper back at him.]
I don't know man, maybe. She's not Japanese and neither am I, so it'd make sense if I still gave her chocolate. [...] Unless she doesn't know Valentine's Day at all. She's French, but like, she came from a shitty French world.
no subject
I wonder if there's something specific to Valentine's Day in France you could incorporate? But I guess if her world's like a shitty French world, it might be a better idea to shelve anything that could remind her of it. Probably better to go with what you know in that case. Oh, but dude...
[ Hear him out for this BRILLIANT idea. ]
What if you learned some French phrases? Like you could say something to her that'd mean something to the both of you, but in her language? I bet she'd be sooo into it. And I'm not talking something corny like a grand declaration of love. I'm talking more like....
[ Hmm. ]
So back home there was this girl I'd just met named Chidori. And I kept running into her at the station where she'd be sitting there, drawing in her sketchbook. If she wasn't Japanese, I might learn how to say something about art? Or...the flowers that were behind the bench she sat at? Something that meant something to both of us.
[ Of course, his thing with Chidori could hardly compare. He'd only known her for a little more than a week and that wasn't nearly enough time to establish anything meaningful. But it's more for the example -- the type of thoughtful thing Junpei thinks a girl would appreciate. Let it go on record that Junpei Iori has some rizz. ]
no subject
It's clear that he's really considering this piece of advice, with a thoughtful look taking a hold of him.]
Showing that you're paying attention to something they like, right? Or something that defines them. Yeah, it's a good thought.
[Maybe even more impressive than saving someone while flying the Falcon-- okay apples and oranges here, not to mention that he is genuinely taking this seriously. He can imagine Maelle smiling or maybe even teasing him if he messes up on the pronunciation a little, but he would try pretty hard.
He nods, and there's a small smile on Scott before he sips at his soda.] It's a pretty good idea man. I know a couple of things she's into, like fencing and flowers. There's also flower field I take her to.
no subject
That'd be perfect, dude! It's kind of a shame one of my teammates ain't here. Maelle's sounding more and more like Kirijo-senpai with everything I hear about her and I bet she'd be able to help you out! I do know one thing, though...
[ Junpei yanks a napkin from the holder and reaches into his jacket pocket to pull out a pen. On the napkin, he writes the words: Champs De Fleurs. He slides it over in Scott's direction so he can have that as a starting point. ]
Don't ask me how to say it, bro. But apparently it means Field of Flowers. The last mission I was on with my team was at a hotel with that name. Kirijo-senpai was the one who translated, so I'm pretty sure it's right! She's real smart and rich. Probably well-traveled, too!
[ The spelling is also actually right. The hotel name isn't something Junpei would forget. For. Reasons. Dropping his chin on his palm, he smiles at Scott. Maybe this can start the process of repaying Scott for coming all this way at 2am for emergency late night breakfast. ]
no subject
And fine he likes it too, not that he'd ever admit it.
His expression visibly softens as he keeps the napkin by his side. Yeah, he's going to start with this for sure. He'll keep practicing here.]
Yeah, I think that's good, thanks man. [Him just 100% believing that the words here actually mean Field of Flowers, but truly, he isn't worried about that.] And I'll come back later and tell you how to pronounce it. Maybe you can even impress Kirijo in return.
[And soon, their breakfast is finally being delivered to them! The companion bots come strolling by with plates and plates of food: pancakes, eggs, bacon, all the works. They won't be hungry after this.]
We can probably end here unless you wanna do one more!
[ Goonpei Iori, at your service. But he thinks if Scott ever saw her, he'd totally get it. In the meantime, his entire demeanor brightens as these massive portions come out. Scott wasn't kidding when he boasted about how the Americans do it! And Junpei is so ready to tuck into this.
He meets his friends gaze across the table and smiles -- both out of eagerness but also appreciation. He's glad in all of this mess, after the trauma he faced on Mesa, he could come back to Etraya and have a good pal. It's all thanks to Scott that Junpei's able to put himself back together, at least a little bit. But he said all that sappy shit earlier, so for now what he settles on is: ]
Let's feast, my brother!