Drumming to the beat of my heart!

Eyes narrow as he casts his gaze downwards towards the girl. He purses his lips, noting her fearful, nervous fidgeting provoked by his familiar. He feels something akin to… sympathy? Maybe a bit of guilt? It was his familiar that added to the girl’s distress ─ the young girl, he assumes ─ who is most plausibly in a situation similar to his own regarding their arrivals to the city. griffon, thankfully, takes the hint. He lands on the ground beside V, tucking his wings to his side and tilting his head a bit, looking up at the girl.

“ Unnerving? Perhaps. ” V echoes her choice of word. For a nervous girl her age, yes, this would be unsettling. V would be lying if he said this whole thing didn’t bother him on some level, too. “ Best to remain calm and adapt to the new setting at hand, lest your nerves consume you. ” he muses gently, relaxing a bit. And at that, V glances down at his familiar, “ nerves leading to stress and unnecessary outburst. ” the implication is heavy, Griffon quickly catching on.

‘ ehh, yeah yeah! whatever! sorry, miss. didn’t mean to scare ya’. ’ the demon huffs as he forces out an apology, not quite sincere… but v’s satisfied he apologized at all.

❝ Remain calm... ❞

Kanon repeats to herself, letting out a deep sigh as she tries to soothe her nerves. She’s completely out of her comfort zone here, even now with her speaking to a stranger-- but it’ll be fine! It’s fine. She knows how she is, her tendency to fall into a pit of anxiety that would most definitely cripple her ability to function properly if she’s not careful. At the very least she’s not alone here, right? She’s not the only one who was taken here without consent, so there’s a small comfort in that. Anything helps at this point.

The apology causes her to quickly shake her head, waving her hand. Sure, the sudden yelling spooked her, however it was warranted. 

❝ It’s okay, thank you... um... I’ve never really been outside of Japan, so this is all very new to me. I know for others this is nothing, but... ❞

She fiddles with her hands, soon deciding to just clasp them together. Usually she’s not one to speak so much to someone she just met, it’s often the opposite, but there’s a sense of support and familiarity for her here. So, she’ll let herself open up, even just this once.

❝ I’m glad I’m not the only one here. That probably sounds really bad, but I think I’d be even more nervous if it was just me. ❞

               The dark haired man nodded in acknowledgement. Kanon Matsubara. He’d try to remember that — NO, not for any bad reasons. The tall man simply found some names hard occasionally — though given it was Japanese he’d likely have a better time than with some of the other people he’s ran into. 

              “ Dice Arisugawa. ” He simply introduced himself taking her hand in his giving a decent shake. It wasn’t quite the same shake he’d give if he were being introduced to someone his age or older — in fact, it was the same amount of ‘ gentle-ness ’ that he used when speaking to a child which was rude, he’d openly admit as much — but he didn’t want to just SCARE her. He wasn’t that kinda guy — not intentionally at least. 

               This was all besides the point however, as he continued his simple sentence. “ Can’t say I know a lot about this place either, honestly. I came here what, a few days… week… Eugh— a WHILE ago. ” Unfortunately, as good as Dice was at math he wasn’t all that great at keeping track of time. “ What about you ? ”

Oh! So he’s not originally from here, then. That’s good! Well, it isn’t, he’s probably as confused as she is, but this helps her feel a little less lonely. The man-- Dice, now that she knows his name-- doesn’t seem malicious or anything, so she seems to perk up and give a small smile.

❝ Same for me, actually... I’ve been here for a while. I’ve, erm... kinda gotten used to everything, which isn’t a good thing. I don’t know why I was brought here... ❞

Kanon sighs and fiddles with her skirt as a distraction. It hasn’t really dawned on her how long she’s been a part of this kingdom’s rule, and it’s not starting to unnerve her. She shouldn’t get all distracted and gloomy, though, especially with someone watching! She shakes her head and puffs up, trying to look a little more confident. (Although, really, she just looks like a tiny penguin...)

❝ B-But at least we’re not alone in this, right...? We can help each other! ❞

A pause follows, before she shrinks back to her meek aura. You two just met, why are you doing this, Kanon? Know your place, seriously... 

❝ ...If you want to, of course... ❞

                 This place was pretty weird — but they just let kiddies go around on their own ? Maybe it was less grand than he thought initially.. He thought to himself, squinting while making sure she wouldn’t fall over again. She kinda reminded of him of a leaf blowing in the wind, kinda felt bad for her. 

                 He waved a hand in a dismissive manor at her apology, “ You’re fine, quit apologizin’. ” He frowned. Dice wasn’t the most eloquent of people— far from it actually, in fact, some people might find him rather rude. It’s not like he meant it that way though, he just thought once once was enough when it came to apologizing. 

                “ You’ve gotta watch where you’re going though — bein’ small isn’t an excuse to get ran over by other people. ”

                 Dice was familiar with her kind. Short people. Back where he was from his division leader was actually shorter than she was and he didn’t let himself get trampled over !! True, this was some kid who all he knew about was her being anxious, but STILL he couldn’t just NOT comment on it. 

❝ I-I’m sorry... ah, I mean! Uh... ❞

Augh, she’s bad at this. Kanon’s been on edge ever since she arrived here, but she’d rather not get on anyone’s nerves. She is rather short... and she’s already gotten trampled one too many times... he has a point! He does! She sighs and gives a weary smile. He doesn’t seem mean, really, she’s just assuming the worst of people. It’s a way to defend herself! Kinda. She has no idea what she’s doing.

❝ Right... thank you. I’m not too familiar with this place... what’s your name? Mine is Kanon Matsubara, it’s nice to meet you...! ❞

❝ Time goes by fast, huh...? ❞

It didn’t take long for him to order after her, and he was already starving since before meeting kanon. Their food arrived with their drinks as asta had not let a moment go by as he was already devouring the food before him. Honestly, the drink was the only thing left in his range of reach in about a minute of having it. 

“This place has a lot of yummy stuff! Plus they aren’t super expensive either! I try to come by once in a while. So how you like it, kanon?”

Kanon bows her head as thanks once their meals arrive, and she eats... very slowly. She’s a little shy to be eating with someone new, but that’s soon gone as she sees the other eating from his plate without a second thought. He eats even faster than Kokoro... she didn’t even know that was possible. She stares in shock for a moment, before eating at a quicker pace. No need to be shy--

❝ It’s very good! I always frequent cafes back home, a friend of mine has a family that owns one. They’re just comfier than bigger restaurants, I think... ❞

@mochafururin​ || S.C || 

┫❝I’m not sure whether to laugh or be upset at the fact that my instrumental talent does not transfer well with such a gift.❞ he admitted aloud as he looked at the colorful wooden flute within his grasp. He had just tried to play it and it (much to no one’s surprise) emitted an awful ear piercing sound. He’s more than certain that he likely got some side eye glares, but he was to occupied with figuring out how to control the sounds from the toy.  

┫❝ What if I add a few more holes to it…? Do you think that it would sound better? ❞  he causally asked a bystander, whether she would take note to him or not, he didn’t mind whichever outcome would be thrown at him.  ❝ …Maybe I could trade it for a bamboo stick instead? It would sound the same but! I think it would look cooler! ❞

...What was that noise? Kanon can’t help but grimace as the flute is played, covering her ears until it stopped. Ah, maybe it was a ‘gift’ from the ones who run this place... even if what they get isn’t very useful in the long run. She got a toy drum set, and she might have played it a few times... there’s no actual drums around here, after all! She sees the man playing the flute walk over and speak to her, and she thinks for a moment before answering.

❝ I don’t think adding more holes will change much... a bamboo stick can be used to, um... hit people...? ❞

That’s a decent self defense weapon, right? It’s either that or causing more ear damage. However, she soon realizes that he said something about instrumental talent... does he actually play an instrument back home? She can’t help but be curious.

He had to bite his tongue- both metaphorically and literally, in order to stop a biting response. He knew he couldn’t let his anger out on this poor girl- she’d done literally nothing wrong. To respond to her with vitriol would just be unfair. He took a few moments, breathing deeply and letting it escape slowly, before reopening his eyes.

Now that he got a better look at her, she seemed incredibly nervous. No doubt in response to his earlier outburst, but at least she hadn’t fully closed off or run away from him. That was a start. A rocky, shaky beginning, to be sure, but it was a point from which to launch. He stood back up, drawing himself back to his full height, sheepishly running his hand through his hair.

“I- I’m sorry if I scared ya. I’m just really frustrated, y’know? I got pulled here with neither my knowledge nor consent, it’s all ass-backwards and I’m lost as hell. I just wanna find my place here so I can try’n puzzle shit out. I uh. I’m Kanji, Kanji Tatsumi. Who’re you?”

❝ It’s okay, really! I understand your frustration, I was taken suddenly too... ❞

Kanon hesitates for a moment before holding her hand out, giving him a small smile. She shouldn’t be rude, even if she’s still nervous. He’s confused and lost, just like she was, the least she can do is provide some sort of comfort, even if it’s small. Being all worked up over this is normal.

❝ I’m Kanon Matsubara, it’s nice to meet you! Do you know the name of where you’re staying...? There’s different apartments. ❞

The surprised yelp and sound of wood on stone snap him out of his infuriated stupor momentarily. A scowl affixed to his thuggish mug, he scanned around him briefly, wondering where that was coming from. It was only then that he looked a bit more downward, spying a young woman who looked as if she were about ta burst into tears somewhere near his knees on the ground. He sighed, the feeling of anger flowing out, only to be replaced my something akin to guilt.

He knelt down, righting the fallen purse and reaching out for the sticks that had fallen, pausing as he reached out. He lifted them in his hands and began to mime out the routine he’d practiced for the Junes concert, absentmindedly making the soft sounds of imitation for the drums as he swung them, stopping after a few measures as his face grew beet red and he stuffed them hurriedly back into her purse, lifting it and pressing it out toward her forcibly.

“S-sorry about that. Next time, don’t slip, dumbass, an’ shit won’t fall out.”

Ah, he’s walking towards her. Oh. Oh no, he’s walking towards her!! She fully got herself back on her feet, about to grab her purse until he knelt down and got it for her. That was fast.. she was about to rush out a reply, but watches as he... plays with her drumsticks? Huh? She stares in surprise as it happens, not sure what to say or do. Well... it’s better than yelling at her, that’s for sure! Maybe he knows how to drum... but before she ponders on that some more, she feels her purse pushed against her. A slight wince escapes as she hears him speak, and she lowers her head.

❝ I-I’m sorry... ❞

Every part of her is telling her to run off and pretend this never happened, but she keeps her feet firmly placed on the ground. Even if she’s intimidated by this stranger, she shouldn’t leave him when he’s clearly frustrated with something.

❝ Do you, um... do you need help...? ❞

“Mmm, the same goes for me, actually…”

This is quite a predicament. Two different people who… are bad at directions and completely lost. Nothing could have thought to see the day where to similar people would be in the same proximity. He was close to laughing about it, since it was so silly, but he decided to keep shut about it.

“Oh, right. Yes, yes, we can figure this out!”

He agrees, while hyping himself up. No use into giving up. Ritsuka wanted to find his apartment as soon as possible, too, if he could. He was especially curious about the apartment… but no time for his thoughts to wander.

“Uh….” He put his finger to his chin trying to remember if he did or not go through the path she pointed out. “I don’t think I did. It’s worth a try, I feel!”

❝ R-Right! We can do this! ❞

Kanon is definitely getting way too pumped up about this. Better than moping around, right? With someone next to her, they’ll be able to find the apartments in no time! Probably! Keep a positive view... don’t think negatively... mhm. She starts walking, turning to look at Ritsuka from time to time.

❝ Okay, um... oh! Where exactly are you headed? ❞

mochafururin liked your post:Starter call! Fuck me up fam.

This was roughly the seventh time he ended up in this identical square. He hated navigating this hellscape of sorcery and order already, and he’d only been here about an hour. He was getting visibly frustrated, tapping out a rhythmis beat on his biceps with his hands, arms crossed over his chest. Unconsciously, it transitioned into the intro beat from Wipeout, complete with properly placed emphasis on the correct beats of the rapid procession.

It did nothing to allay his frustration.

“Son of a bitch!”

Alright, she’s gotten a better grip of how to navigate this city. It took a lot of trial and error, but she can safely say she won’t get lost... most of the time! Half? It’s better than nothing... Kanon just shakes her head and keeps walking. Some fresh air would do her some good, especially since she’s trying to memorize where all the shops are. But soon enough she notices a... rather intimidating looking guy start pacing around. Hasn’t she seen him a few times already? Maybe he’s lost...

She should help, right? Even if she’s not the best at directions, maybe she can give him some idea! However, right when she starts heading towards him, he lets out a loud yell, causing her to squeak and fall on her rear. The drumsticks in her purse topple out, and she tries to get up as quickly as possible. Oh my gosh?? She didn’t expect that at all, she almost had a heart attack--