[ She didn't hop to peer behind the glass and encounter at the goods on display. He imagined it. There was nothing at all bird-like about the manner or that visible bit of excitement. She is a dignified and respectable lady grinning ear to ear in looking at those specialty bagels and crepes because -- well, technically the terms aren't egregious, but those aren't off the table and what better way to start a lesson in bargaining than this? ]
Everything looks so good! Where've you been hiding this place, Yosuke-kun?
[ He totally saw that. He did not imagine it! He hid a chuckle behind a small cough, but he couldn't quite hide the small grin. He crossed his arms as he peered into the display as well. He honestly wasn't really that hungry for a bagel, but he may as well get something.
He opted for a sundae. What? Don't judge him. ]
Aren't you the bird, Setsu-nee? Shouldn't you have good enough vision to find little places like this?
[ He barely realized that he'd suddenly shortened her name, it just came so naturally. Like the day Teddie and Nanako called him Yosuke-nii. It just felt right. She was an adorable young lady, but he didn't feel attracted to her. She felt more like family, especially with the bullying much like he did to Teddie. ]
[ Setsura may very well have started to lift her head for a quiet swell of pride with that first question because of course. She would've asked him if he'd heard the word if that shortening of her name hadn't registered alongside that generous attachment. She stops where she stands, allowing that tease to pass as she turns violet eyes on him. ]
What did you call me?
[ She trusts her ears. Sharpens them against the din of the shop in listening for his response now. She knows the meaning. What she's not sure of is the grip that "Setsu-nee" has on her heart, how it seems to want to turn into something else, like a hug. ]
[ That's when he realized what he'd said and it'd just been so natural he completely forgot that she may not actually feel the same way, that he could just be some dumb teen to her that she just happens to talk to and--
His face burned and he looked a little mortified, waving his hands slightly. ]
S-Sorry, it just came out!! I tend to talk without thinking and say really stupid shit and I'm sorry, I won't do it again, I promise!!
[ He honestly looked like he was ready to get smacked, cringing a little as he held his hands up in surrender. ]
[ She holds her curious expression in observing him, her violet gaze quietly keen and watchful. There'd been a natural confidence to his words a moment earlier, so to hear him fold and stutter with his face burning and that look and gesture alongside those words is telling. Kind of adorable, really, until he cringes like that and a certain bell goes off in her head. She straightens and moves quietly, quickly in stepping forward to gently take his hands in hers, an easy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. ]
Yosuke-kun, it's okay.
[ There's a quiet authority in her voice, but a calm warmth with it. ]
[ He stopped when she took his hands, make a bit of an odd sound, surprised. But does calm down a little, because she didn't look angry or upset or anything of the sort. She was even smiling. The warmth of Chroma also relaxed him a little further.
He finally does as she asked, looking her in the eye. He answered her question. ]
[ She gives his hands a gentle squeeze, tilting her head slightly forward as she turns that nickname over in her head again. It feels right, natural and -- well, that squeeze is gentle to her, but likely firm to him and meant to be reassuring and she holds his gaze even as her smile turns that much more upward. ]
Now, you have to promise not to say stupid shit like, "I won't do it again." That's not the sort of thing you can take back, Yo-chan.
[ It felt natural to him too, although he didn't quite understand why given it's only been a month at best. But perhaps it shouldn't seem that weird, not when he became fast friends and partners to Souji. But he didn't refer to him as a brother, usually.
His cheeks burn a little brighter and he forces his eyes to look somewhere over her shoulder, although he is distantly aware of the confused cafe worker but he can't bring himself to give them attention just yet. Besides there wasn't a line behind them (yet). ]
Wh-Why not...? If someone doesn't like what I said then...
[ If someone doesn't like what I said. That smile of hers seamlessly tugs into an outright grin. There's no click. She simply follows and in following thinks she understands that much better how it is she came to react the way she did earlier in the day. ]
Yo-chan.
[ There might be something almost sing-songy about her tone, a smooth sort of beckoning to call his attention back to her face. Come on now. ]
[ Look, he's still learning to try and think before he speaks so he really thought he messed up already. But then she used that name again, Yo-chan. And it didn't sound condescending, but the sing-song nature of it did get him to finally look at her again, there might be a small pout on his face because he still couldn't quite tell if she was being genuine or not with the name.
No one aside from his parents (and sometimes Teddie) got away with that, if only because no one aside from his parents (and sometimes Teddie) used chan at him since Saki. But it didn't sound bad coming from Setsura. ]
[ That wasn't at all what he expected. Of course, that's when the clerk at the counter chimed in with an "Aww, how cute!" as she twirled her hair with her finger.
Yosuke was quick to let go of Setsura's hands as he realized exactly what it looked like, it was further proven when the girl smiled, her tiger ears twitching. "No, you guys are so cute! You shouldn't stop holding hands because of me." ]
[ Setsura doesn't quite realize how it looks initially. She should with as many times as she's seen it unfold before her eyes in Tokyo, but her view of the scene isn't generally first person. When Yosuke yanks his hand away and the clerk really starts up, though, it clicks and she feels a near instant desire to recoil not unlike what she'd felt upon catching his screen name in that post.
Yes, that's what it is, she thinks. Without a doubt, this must be genuine sisterly affection, but she's no little sister. She straightens, standing her full and very impressive height of five feet, two inches now and she doesn't miss a beat. ]
Don't get the wrong idea. That's my little brother, y'know. [ She throws her thumb at Yosuke casually, but her lips split with a smile. ] He brought me here to treat me with his hard earned chroma. He's cute, right?
H-Huh?! [ Oh, he goes even redder even as the clerk does have the grace to look apologetic for getting the wrong idea. But she giggles. "You're right, he is! And how sweet, he's treating his sister! What a good little brother!"
He whined in defeat, slouching. First his post somehow means he owed her food (he still wasn't sure how and he gave up on fighting that) and now he's being teased by someone who was clearly a big sister figure to him in the short span of a month! ]
Yeah, yeah, laugh it up ladies. [ He points to the dessert menu. ] I'll take a sundae with everything on it.
A cream cheese bagel with double cream, the blackberry crepe, and a coffee, double espresso topped with cream.
[ Because fact of the matter is she's getting by on naps the majority of the time and she could use a little pick-me up to get her to the next one with some productivity in between. Hope Yosuke doesn't the hand that's reaching for the top of his head, though, or the ruffle that's sure to follow once it makes it there. ]
You said I just owe you a bagel, don't go adding a crepe into this!
[ He's about to tell the clerk to cancel that order when he feels her hand on his head and then his hair gets ruffled again. Okay, now he's actually pouting while looking not at all pleased. He even squints at the register, just holding his arm out where his phone is attached so the clerk can deduct the Chroma from it without removing any items. ]
I hope you burn your tongue on your coffee.
[ Yes, he's going for petty. Yup, he definitely felt like a put-upon brother, especially because this is exactly how he felt around Teddie despite him being older in that case. ]
That'd make it hard for me to tell the clerk our order when I pick up for you on our next ticket, won't it?
[ If she healed at the rate humans tend to, anyway. That pettiness doesn't disturb her so much as it does amuse her for how familiar it is in a very loose manner of speaking. Mouth is something she's been engaged in since the time she, Akemi, and Kouta could speak, after all. ]
Might want to set some firm terms before we get to the register next time, too.
You're not picking for me and there is no next time.
[ Unless he somehow owed her again anyway or vice versa. Which he still needed to figure that out! He pouted harder at the next bit about setting terms. ]
There were no terms to set! You said you wanted another bagel and drink, you're the one changing things up! Ugh, whatever, I'm getting a table.
[ He really hoped this was only a one time thing because he already has to deal with Chie constantly saying that Yosuke was buying food without even asking or prompting. Although to be fair she hasn't pulled that on him yet, probably because she actually was earning her own money now. ]
[ She watches after him a moment, a hand settling at her hip. She could chase him like a storm to solve the issue, but she thinks better of it. Decides to wait for their order and keep an eye on him, let him find a table and settle a minute. She's quick on the pick up when there are clerk flags her down and carries everything to their table with all the grace of someone expertly accustomed to the task. She sets his sundae down in front of him and holds a wrapped spoon between her fingers for him to take. ]
So, what's eating you?
[ Calmly, even as she moves to claim the seat across from him with crepe, bagel, and coffee in hand. ]
[ He didn't mean to sound so upset because he really wasn't. He was usually resigned to this sort of thing. He was slouched in his seat by the time she got there, looking out the window with his legs outstretched. He pulled them in when she sat down though, taking the spoon.
He takes the cherry on top first though, eating the fruit and twirling the stem between his index finger and thumb. ]
Nothing's eating me.
[ He placed his chin in his palm and the stem went into his mouth next. He sighed through his nose, letting the act of making a knot out of the cherry stem calm him. Once he pulled it out and set it on the napkin, he sighed. ]
Chie loves to try and make me pay for steak, even if it's just the Junes kind. She's been doin' it since I broke her DVD even after I offered to get her a new one and actually did buy her steak right after.
Thing is, I don't actually mind paying for people's food or whatever. I just don't like it when it's someone else mooching for no reason than just because they feel like they can. [ He gave her a small smile and picked up his spoon. ] I know you had a reason, though. I'm not actually mad at you or anything.
[ Nothing may be eating Yosuke, but hunger is quick to remind Setsura of her appetite, which sees her apply the appropriate manners, then enthusiastically sink her teeth into that bagel by the time he says "Chie". She chews thoughtfully as she listens, swallowing. She's glad he trusts that she has her reasons, but certain things deserve clarification. Her pride demands it. ]
I'm not the sort of person you have to worry about that sort of thing with. I pay my own way unless I'm collecting a debt owed to me. I expect the same of others.
[ She lifts her bagel to her mouth only to pause, quirking a brow as she considers the behavior he described. ]
Are you sure this Chie person doesn't have a crush on you? It sounds like she's using it as an excuse to spend time with you.
[ the most deadpan answer to ever deadpan and he says it while taking a big bite of his sundae. And then nearly choked at the next question.]
What? Ew no! That'd be like dating my sister! Please, she's cute and all but no. And I'm totally sure she's not crushing on me. She's dating my best friend, after all.
[ She offers a shrug in response to his first statement, taking another bite of bagel and chewing it as though she hadn't pitched something incredulous. It is a little amusing to hear him protest so strongly. Makes it tempting to tease him, but she decides to spare him for the moment. ]
If it bothers you, you should tell her to knock it off. [ A beat. ] That might not be easy, though. She's already had a taste of steak off your yen. It's only natural to return when and where the eating is good.
I do. Every time. [ he rolls his eyes, taking another bite as he listens. ] Please stop, that's not the reason either. But she has knocked it off since I got here. And I'm not about to bring that up with her again so.
Besides, you don't even need a job to make money here so it's not like she has a reason to mooch anymore.
[ As long as he acknowledges it as a legitimate reason. She wasn't joking. People and animals alike follow that pattern. An acquaintance from some decades ago might just show up at one's door for a fond meal remembered. ]
I wouldn't know anything about that. It's always been something for something as long as I can remember.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Everything looks so good! Where've you been hiding this place, Yosuke-kun?
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He opted for a sundae. What? Don't judge him. ]
Aren't you the bird, Setsu-nee? Shouldn't you have good enough vision to find little places like this?
[ He barely realized that he'd suddenly shortened her name, it just came so naturally. Like the day Teddie and Nanako called him Yosuke-nii. It just felt right. She was an adorable young lady, but he didn't feel attracted to her. She felt more like family, especially with the bullying much like he did to Teddie. ]
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What did you call me?
[ She trusts her ears. Sharpens them against the din of the shop in listening for his response now. She knows the meaning. What she's not sure of is the grip that "Setsu-nee" has on her heart, how it seems to want to turn into something else, like a hug. ]
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[ That's when he realized what he'd said and it'd just been so natural he completely forgot that she may not actually feel the same way, that he could just be some dumb teen to her that she just happens to talk to and--
His face burned and he looked a little mortified, waving his hands slightly. ]
S-Sorry, it just came out!! I tend to talk without thinking and say really stupid shit and I'm sorry, I won't do it again, I promise!!
[ He honestly looked like he was ready to get smacked, cringing a little as he held his hands up in surrender. ]
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Yosuke-kun, it's okay.
[ There's a quiet authority in her voice, but a calm warmth with it. ]
Look me in the eye, will you?
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He finally does as she asked, looking her in the eye. He answered her question. ]
I uh... I called you, Setsu-nee.
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[ She gives his hands a gentle squeeze, tilting her head slightly forward as she turns that nickname over in her head again. It feels right, natural and -- well, that squeeze is gentle to her, but likely firm to him and meant to be reassuring and she holds his gaze even as her smile turns that much more upward. ]
Now, you have to promise not to say stupid shit like, "I won't do it again." That's not the sort of thing you can take back, Yo-chan.
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His cheeks burn a little brighter and he forces his eyes to look somewhere over her shoulder, although he is distantly aware of the confused cafe worker but he can't bring himself to give them attention just yet. Besides there wasn't a line behind them (yet). ]
Wh-Why not...? If someone doesn't like what I said then...
[ Then what? ]
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Yo-chan.
[ There might be something almost sing-songy about her tone, a smooth sort of beckoning to call his attention back to her face. Come on now. ]
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No one aside from his parents (and sometimes Teddie) got away with that, if only because no one aside from his parents (and sometimes Teddie) used chan at him since Saki. But it didn't sound bad coming from Setsura. ]
...what?
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[ She says it firmly and gives his hands another squeeze. ]
I like it when you call me that. It feels right, so you have to promise me you won't stop calling me by that name. Do you understand?
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[ That wasn't at all what he expected. Of course, that's when the clerk at the counter chimed in with an "Aww, how cute!" as she twirled her hair with her finger.
Yosuke was quick to let go of Setsura's hands as he realized exactly what it looked like, it was further proven when the girl smiled, her tiger ears twitching. "No, you guys are so cute! You shouldn't stop holding hands because of me." ]
A-Ah, no, it's not like that!
i'm so sorry for her
Yes, that's what it is, she thinks. Without a doubt, this must be genuine sisterly affection, but she's no little sister. She straightens, standing her full and very impressive height of five feet, two inches now and she doesn't miss a beat. ]
Don't get the wrong idea. That's my little brother, y'know. [ She throws her thumb at Yosuke casually, but her lips split with a smile. ] He brought me here to treat me with his hard earned chroma. He's cute, right?
no ur not
He whined in defeat, slouching. First his post somehow means he owed her food (he still wasn't sure how and he gave up on fighting that) and now he's being teased by someone who was clearly a big sister figure to him in the short span of a month! ]
Yeah, yeah, laugh it up ladies. [ He points to the dessert menu. ] I'll take a sundae with everything on it.
You got it, sweetie! And you, miss?
ofc i am, how dare you doubt me???
A cream cheese bagel with double cream, the blackberry crepe, and a coffee, double espresso topped with cream.
[ Because fact of the matter is she's getting by on naps the majority of the time and she could use a little pick-me up to get her to the next one with some productivity in between. Hope Yosuke doesn't the hand that's reaching for the top of his head, though, or the ruffle that's sure to follow once it makes it there. ]
[x] doubt
You said I just owe you a bagel, don't go adding a crepe into this!
[ He's about to tell the clerk to cancel that order when he feels her hand on his head and then his hair gets ruffled again. Okay, now he's actually pouting while looking not at all pleased. He even squints at the register, just holding his arm out where his phone is attached so the clerk can deduct the Chroma from it without removing any items. ]
I hope you burn your tongue on your coffee.
[ Yes, he's going for petty. Yup, he definitely felt like a put-upon brother, especially because this is exactly how he felt around Teddie despite him being older in that case. ]
you mean [x] no doubt
[ If she healed at the rate humans tend to, anyway. That pettiness doesn't disturb her so much as it does amuse her for how familiar it is in a very loose manner of speaking. Mouth is something she's been engaged in since the time she, Akemi, and Kouta could speak, after all. ]
Might want to set some firm terms before we get to the register next time, too.
[x] always doubt
[ Unless he somehow owed her again anyway or vice versa. Which he still needed to figure that out! He pouted harder at the next bit about setting terms. ]
There were no terms to set! You said you wanted another bagel and drink, you're the one changing things up! Ugh, whatever, I'm getting a table.
[ He really hoped this was only a one time thing because he already has to deal with Chie constantly saying that Yosuke was buying food without even asking or prompting. Although to be fair she hasn't pulled that on him yet, probably because she actually was earning her own money now. ]
[x] seguing immediately into the real sibling life
So, what's eating you?
[ Calmly, even as she moves to claim the seat across from him with crepe, bagel, and coffee in hand. ]
no subject
He takes the cherry on top first though, eating the fruit and twirling the stem between his index finger and thumb. ]
Nothing's eating me.
[ He placed his chin in his palm and the stem went into his mouth next. He sighed through his nose, letting the act of making a knot out of the cherry stem calm him. Once he pulled it out and set it on the napkin, he sighed. ]
Chie loves to try and make me pay for steak, even if it's just the Junes kind. She's been doin' it since I broke her DVD even after I offered to get her a new one and actually did buy her steak right after.
Thing is, I don't actually mind paying for people's food or whatever. I just don't like it when it's someone else mooching for no reason than just because they feel like they can. [ He gave her a small smile and picked up his spoon. ] I know you had a reason, though. I'm not actually mad at you or anything.
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I'm not the sort of person you have to worry about that sort of thing with. I pay my own way unless I'm collecting a debt owed to me. I expect the same of others.
[ She lifts her bagel to her mouth only to pause, quirking a brow as she considers the behavior he described. ]
Are you sure this Chie person doesn't have a crush on you? It sounds like she's using it as an excuse to spend time with you.
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[ the most deadpan answer to ever deadpan and he says it while taking a big bite of his sundae. And then nearly choked at the next question.]
What? Ew no! That'd be like dating my sister! Please, she's cute and all but no. And I'm totally sure she's not crushing on me. She's dating my best friend, after all.
no subject
If it bothers you, you should tell her to knock it off. [ A beat. ] That might not be easy, though. She's already had a taste of steak off your yen. It's only natural to return when and where the eating is good.
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Besides, you don't even need a job to make money here so it's not like she has a reason to mooch anymore.
no subject
I wouldn't know anything about that. It's always been something for something as long as I can remember.
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