#badkuya

In spite of how eventful the day has already been, it’s far from over. Makoto anxiously awaited the call from Byakuya, which came before long -- it was just unfortunate that he was showering at that point, so he took a little longer to answer than usual. He’d expected to be scolded but, somehow, that was evaded. It wasn’t the first time it happened, it became a recurring thing and he couldn’t help but notice a slight change in the other’s pattern of behavior. Was Byakuya trying to be nicer…?

The final details for their meeting are set and, in an hour’s time, Makoto presents himself at the appointed meeting place. Nervousness ate away at him, since he felt misplaced standing in front of a restaurant that was so fancy -- the only time he got anywhere close to such a place was when his father got a promotion, but even that wasn’t of the same caliber. If he was nervous at that point, by the time Byakuya arrived and ushered him inside, Makoto thought that his soul would leave his body. There were a few close calls, but the evening was surprisingly pleasant; they dined together, exchanged the knowledge that they both gathered on Stella City and before long, it was time to go.

Being treated to dinner in such a place didn’t sit well with Makoto, though he knew better than to make any remark on it. Not that Byakuya didn’t know, seeing how it easily read onto his face that he felt a little weird.

The night had long settled in and the crisp air of the evening greeted them as a breeze rolled by. Instinctively, Makoto drew the scarf that was draped around his neck a little higher and buried his nose into it, seeking warmth. “Togami-kun,” he quietly calls out for the other, pulling the scarf down slightly as he turned towards Byakuya. “I know I already said it once, but thank you for tonight. I enjoyed myself a lot!” The chilly air bites at skin, making his cheeks gain a rosy color, which get complimented in turn by a gentle smile. 

Kiibo was alive. 

Or, well, as alive as a robot could be. He hadn’t thought it possible for someone without the Ultimate Inventor talent to fix him up, but Wewery Rockbaall had been able to repair him and give him a full check up to boot. He should feel better than ever, reborn almost, but instead, he felt like crying. 

This was far from the first time Kiibo had experienced robophobia. By now he had gotten used to the stares and hurtful comments, but never would he have thought someone would dislike him enough to kill him. Kiibo’s dream of being accepted by humans as their equal seemed further away than ever. 

Kiibo had all the time in the world to think about his shortcomings. Wewery Rockbaall had been as kind to provide him with a small, cosy room for himself in the back of Ewesink Emporium. It was expected of him to stay here for four more days so that they could run a bunch of tests on him together. Kiibo felt that he was in good hands-- uh, hoofs here, so he would be a good robot and stay put until he was allowed to go home. 

Kiibo had been thinking hard of a new approach to letting humans accept him for who he was when someone suddenly stepped into his room. He had been hopeful one of his friends would come to check up on him, but that dream shattered when he saw who had come to pay him a visit.

If there was something Mila enjoyed, then it was the smoky flavour in toasted foods. When you had to hunt your food and eat scraps in the forest stolen from other predatory creatures, you get to appreciate the flavour that a fire puts into your food. 

So, with a bag of chestnuts, she’s made her way over to the rosters hanging over the bonfires, using the tongs provided to put them on the roster until done.

What she spots as well, however, is a certain individual with glasses and a pissy attitude, walking by like he owns the place. These people were the most fun to mess with, you know, because they think they’re so great, so they try to get back at everything you see- the banter is endless! It’s the best.

So let’s start some!

The idea of a tour through Wonderland Woods sounded interesting, not only because Makoto has yet to go there but also because of the thing that was advertised for this particular times of the year: mushrooms. Now, he wasn’t the biggest fan out there when it came to them, but after hearing that the mushrooms have interesting side effect, he was completely enthusiastic to learn more. This may or may not have something to do with a specific type of mushroom, that was said to make the person that consumes it grow 10cm for a solid 24 hours.

Nonetheless, the tour itself turned out to be extremely pleasant. Learning more about Stella City and its surroundings should also be of use at some later point, so this experience was both educational and self-indulgent. Unfortunately, Makoto didn’t get to reach too far with the tour -- by that, it means that he didn’t yet get the chance to discover the growth mushrooms he was eager to learn more about; to taste, too. Mid-tour, he was stopped by one of the sheep at the post office who had a letter for him; one that was slightly overdue, from what he got told.

Receiving a letter was strange, considering that there was nobody he really thought would have any reason to write him. Moreover, this didn’t seem like any regular letter, which further piqued his curiosity. Opening up the envelope, he took out the paper and began reading off of it. Confusion strikes immediately, with information not really adding up. No, it wasn’t even the information itself that didn’t make sense, because the content of the letter was clear and straight to the point. However, something felt off and Makoto couldn’t quite figure out what exactly it was.

Backtracking on the events from a few days back, things seem suspicious. He was supposed to meet up with Byakuya, since they’d agreed to have lunch together but the plans were suddenly cancelled out. Now, if there’s one thing that Makoto knows, it’s that Byakuya isn’t the type to cancel out plans unless something very important comes up. With that in mind, a conclusion begins to gain contour but it’s not something he wants to think much about. At least not until he has both sides of the story -- well, as much as a letter can be considered one, that is.

With a heavy heart towards the idea of finally getting to grow a little, even if temporarily, Makoto offers his apologies towards his tour guides before explaining that the tour had to come to an abrupt end; it felt as if they knew, even before he stepped up to mention it. Perhaps that’s just part of him being extremely easy to read into.

Guided out of the woods and back into the city, he bids farewell from his guides and then heads towards Gâteau Château as fast as his legs carried him. Granted that he was a mess by the time he arrived at the hotel’s lobby, Makoto tried to make himself a bit more presentable before asking for directions; there was nothing to be done about his unruly hair, however.

It’s okay dad we understand this and we love you.

Your reserve is extended until December 9th!!

Smooch we love you xoxox your kids (and grandpa too)

Oh, it’s you, Mr. 55% Leg Man. Do you pride yourself on being 10% more leg than the average person? Is this what it means to be a Togami? God, I hope not.

You’ll be living in Gâteau Château Room #505 alongside Britney Spears’ entire discography because I can’t read suddenly, I don’t know, you said you love her music, right?

But it already feels like it's been forever, and it sucks I can never be there for you when you are really sad and dissatisfied and lost.  This is when I don't feel great, because I feel I failed as a Kuya to you and it eats at me every single second.