puppycrush2 | week three

Entry tags:

week three | mingle

So, uh.

Welcome to Week Three! We’ve officially passed the halfway point, and after a super, duper successful Match Ceremony, I’m sure the teens are feeling all hyped up and raring to go.

Right?

Regardless, there are a few changes this Monday morning to greet the teens:

First off, there is a new bathroom! Oooh, aaaahhhh. Three whole bathrooms in the house for the teens now. Enjoy.
There is also a set of video games in the living room to connect to the TV. They are pretty much all multiplayer party games like M*rio C*rt. Don’t kill each other.
There are a few packs of dorayaki now scattered around the house.
There is also a piano now in the living room!
On the counter in the kitchen, there is also some paper and writing implements, like basic ballpoint pens. Wait, doesn’t that break the rules?

Tsukasa’s extremely loud and obnoxious voice is not here to greet you guys this morning, which means it seems there isn’t a Task for the week–

But something else seems to be going on.

Embrace Space | Property Damage, etc | Dates | Mini-Event
Truth Booth Voting | Match Ceremony Submissions

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You know, that's why I get pissed at Akechi-kun too. Acting like he's above all this, saying he'll throw the game... Feels like he doesn't give a damn about anyone. Especially anyone who gets on his bad side even once.

[ nevermind anna who consistently rubs him wrong, because he rubs her wrong. ]

There's more bad blood between us than just what happened at the ceremony, for the record. You know we've always gotten on each other's nerves.

[ since week one. she'll stare up at the sky too. ]

Anyway, it's pretty impossible not to be around someone you hate in this house, unless you're lucky enough to get matched or they're match, especially during discussions... we're both bad at ignoring them though. Be real nice to push 'em into this pool, huh. Think we could get away with it too.

[ He listens, still staring upwards. And gives her a soft laugh at that final sentiment. ]

Maybe... them with wet clothes and everything, huh. [ Because he's not going to argue that Akechi doesn't deserve that sometimes. They managed to avoid it, but may others not be so lucky.

He stays floating beside her, lets out a sigh. ] I'd be okay with that. I think if that was the extent of things, that'd be fine. I just, I don't know, I'm afraid of taking things too far. Of the person I'd be if I did that.

[ Because he was starting to toe that line back in there, and he has nobody to blame but himself. ]

[ it'd be so funny, too. the two of them wet and miserable as cats. the thought makes her giggle, but she quiets as mark continues. ]

Are you scared that people might be scared of you? Or, like, that you wouldn't be able to be the person you were before?

... Both. More than that. I—

[ He stops himself on that thought, and then reaches for her hand. It's blindly — he's still looking upwards — but he's still going to try to find it, grasp it in his. ]

I'm scared of turning out like my dad.

[ The very same one he'd told her he'd lost, which. Not a lie; it's just that this admittance isn't couched in deceitful terms. ]

[ oh.

no, yeah, she sees from the corner of her eye that he reaches and she matches it, small hand sliding into his like it's natural. ]

The one you lost? [ ... ] Was... he a pretty violent guy then?

[ It's grounding. He's thankful to have this moment of connection, interlocking their fingers and just holding. ]

I didn't know he was. [ Still staring up at the sky. Staring up at nothing, now. ] I just want to go back to before. He was the best dad when I was growing up, and I don't know what happened, what changed, what signs I missed. I just think that... if I could go back, to before... maybe I could fix things. And he could still be the person I admired, and I could want to be like him again, instead of...

[ He trails off there, letting it end on nothing. Out of words, just — there it is, his entire reason for being here. ]

[ ...

this is a different kind of out of her tax bracket than the others she's heard. but only because anna knows she's lived a pretty lucky life, where her biggest worries were what others would call trivial and silly. false hardships and hands too soft to have ever even played sports. but that same hand squeezes mark's comfortingly, far firmer than it might appear.

when she speaks, it's with care. because she really doesn't know what this is like no more than she does will's troubles, or ritsuka's, or josuke's... sanji's or asa's, steve's... but her friends are important to her, and mark is one of them. ]

I don't think it's wrong for you to still admire the man you knew before all that, though? I mean, you loved him. Just because he changed doesn't mean those parts of your dad just-- disappeared. From your memory, I mean.

[ just... first off. then, secondly-- ]

And... if you're scared, then that just means you really won't ever be like him. You know? Even if you might slip sometimes, as long as you have someone you can trust to defuse or calm or whatever nearby... then it's okay. You'll be okay.

[ Mark had lived a lucky life, too. His biggest worries had been mostly trivial and silly, too. He'd played sports, was active, wasn't immune to cuts and bruises and scraped knees. It's really just within the past year that his hands are callused, that he's had to do so much more with them — things he was hoping to do; a whole lot more he was not.

He squeezes back. ]

That's what I keep telling myself. That the dad I loved wasn't a lie. I remember him, he was real. It's just so hard to reconcile now. And I don't know... was he ever scared? I want to— I want to be okay, I want to know that if I slip up it won't be that bad, I want to—

[ He stops himself. Pauses. ]

[ Turns his head to look at her, studying her face in the light afforded to them. ]

You're right. [ A shaky, relieved breath; holy shit, she's right. ] As long as I have someone I trust who can calm me down... I'd always listen to them. Always. I thought my dad had that... but I know I can. I will.

[ Maybe being here for romance is part of the equation for him too? Who knows; he just knows Anna has given him nothing but good advice (not ruining the moment), has tried to push him in the right direction, has been nothing but helpful and supportive and caring and, well, damn.

he squeezes her hand again for good measure. ]

[ that's her boy!!!! she grins at him, then turns back up to the sky, returning the squeeze happily. ]

I can't knock any sense into you, but I can help with the people around you... Like Minami-kun. Feeling better?

[ considering he'd hit pause on his own spiral, which is fine ]

[ He turns to look back up at the sky, too, not letting go. ]

Yeah. A lot, actually. I didn't think I would, but... wow.

You really are good at this.

[ everyone just

thinks too much, or at least gets their minds wrapped up too badly around themselves. in her opinion. some things really are just that simple -- but she guesses someone else needs to say them. while holding hands.

anna'll close her eyes again, relaxing with a cheeky smile. ]

And that's the power of the feminine touch, Mark-kun. Though it only works on the willing.

[ heheh. it'll be useful in the future when she's a mother and she's gotta calm her kids down. one day........ ]

Keep me updated on your lovelife and we'll totally call it even, alright? I'm dy-ing without any gossip.

[ oh, Anna. Mark's silent for a moment, still staring up at the sky, cheeks growing hot.

he swallows. ] Will do. I— I mean, I'm picking this week, unless Kat and I end up in the truth booth and it says we're a match. So that'll be pretty public.

I do think it's her, though. We were talking about getting to know each other better...

[ oh

my

god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

f akechi but oh my god!!!!!!!!! ]

Kat-chan?! Really?!

[ oh sorry she's dipping her feet back no more floating on the back she's floating normally as she moves closer hello hi???? ]

That's so cute! What's your favorite thing about her so far?

[ hello, that just dislodges him?? Mark ends up upright as well, now staring at her and her enthusiasm. the blush is not going to go away. ]

I mean... she's really cute, but she's also so sweet? And sensitive? Like, she wants to look out for everyone [ including Akechi ] and I just... think she's a really good person...

Yeah, she's got a real heart of gold, that girl... Kind of ditzy, [ note: she is not one to fucking talk, ] but that's a charm point.

Her energy's what gets you though, isn't it?

[ with a knowing sort of tone... girls like that always pull people around in a good way, inviting them to try things they've never thought to and have fun with it -- maybe even if she's never tried it herself. it's obvious enough with how kat acts around the house. ]

I have a friend like that back home. She's really popular with guys, but her mind's elsewhere... It sounds like you and Kat-chan are on the same page, though.

[ A slight frown at kind of ditzy, but he relaxes once Anna confirms it's a charm point.

She really is just so sweet though. So. Anna's all-wise, all-knowing tone continues to reflect reality (or at least Mark's version of it). ]

I think we are? I mean, I know I signed up to come here, but I wasn't actually thinking about anybody picking me when I did. [ what did he think was going to happen? he was not thinking that far ahead actually. ] If I'm with somebody who's more focused on doing the right thing, I feel like that's all I really need. Or— maybe not all, but... I dunno, it'd cover a lot of bases for me.

[ focused on doing the right thing, huh.

anna wonders what that means to them. the right thing, to her, is different than the discussions in the house; the right thing, to her, is making sure akechi can't mess it up for the rest of them by throwing the game on account of some hurt feelings and a hissy fit.

... the right thing, to mark and kat, to ritsuka and even to will, is letting akechi come around on his own if anything, to have a choice in that matter. she hums neutrally, casting her eyes to the water between them. ]

For me... I like Will-kun's honesty and sincerity. It's frustrating when he tries to help or understand people that don't want it, but... I know why he offers a hand anyway, and I love that about him too. I wouldn't recognize him if he didn't.

[ a small smile. ]

To like, go on the whole comparison of pages-- we're reading from two different books. But I'll peek at his, and he'll peek at mine. I'm with him the whole way with what he wants to do, and who he wants to be, and... he's with me too, the same way. I don't have to worry when I'm around him. If I get jealous, it's because I want to be the one doing things with him. Like at the ceremony. [ her voice grows a tad wistful. ] If I could sit with him just once at the end of it...

[ ...

but there's no chance of that, especially now, and anna shakes her head with a huff. ]

Anyway, you said you had trouble with trying to fit people into your future, so someone who's focused on their own separate thing would be best. Just don't skip out on the dates you two set together, or even the world's most understanding and patient woman'll get tired of it.

[ ... Oh.

She just has... a really, really big heart. Mark smiles softly at her. ]

I know. I... need to be better at that, I know. It's something I have to work on... but I guess having someone who also has their own thing going on will make it easier. If we both understand why it's hard, then it should make our time together more meaningful.

[ ...

They're just treading water, but he's going to put his hands on her shoulders anyway. ]

You and Will are really great together, though. I mean, the way you talk about him? I feel like that's the kind of person I'm looking for, too. Someone who can complement me, and understand me, and... I don't know if I'll ever meet someone who feels the same way about me as you do about him, but... it's really sweet. And you two have already had so much time together, so I guess... I don't know, maybe it'd be good to reflect on that, whenever you get jealous. Appreciate the good you have, right? Even during the bad.

[ A beat; a little exhalation of a laugh. ]

That might be something I need to keep in mind too, actually...

[ yeah, she does, it's just... she wants to be a little selfish in love, now. she had her selfless era. she let the boy she loved go; she doesn't want to again.

but her eyes crinkle at his reply and she tilts her head rest her cheek against one of his hands, like a hug. ]

Okaaaay, but it's totally hard in the moment, you know? Especially when you've just had a rotten few days...

[ a sigh. ]

... You'll find someone like that though, Mark-kun. Someone who complements you, who makes you wanna do better. Heck, I mean-- maybe you need someone'll who get mad when you are too busy or whatever, but sticks with you anyway -- who'll go out of their way to, you know, do something anyway. Even if it's just waiting up at night with dinner.

[ that's what she would do. but that's because anna wants to spend time with the person she loves as much as she can, so it'd be natural if she was mad. that she'd try anyway. sure, if there was no effort returned she'd more likely leave, but... ]

Honesty and effort goes a long, long way. On both sides. Can't keep what you've got going on unless you're prepared for the rough of it.

[ Aaaah what does he do with that head tilt of hers... He's just gonna keep his hands on her shoulders. Very professionally. Yes.

His gaze softens. ]

I know... It really, really does. [ says the guy who has been massively dishonest by omission the entire time he has been here, with no intentions of letting that up. He feels shitty just thinking about it, but he doesn't know how to break the problem that lead to the demise of his first relationship, so he's just going to have to. keep it up. ]

Ugh, I really hope I get it right sooner rather than later, though. I don't want to hurt anyone again. That's why... I dunno, I think Kat would get it. So it'd make sense if she was my match.

[ Just kind of. Pining away for an easy mode here. Nevermind all that stuff about being challenged by someone into being a better partner; why can't he just have it the way he wants it right now? Is his life not hard enough already. ]

[ sorry this isn't going to help his unrequited feelings. she doesn't know. ]

It so would, if you feel that way! But it's like that one song, right? You can't hurry love or whatever? Totally true, even if it might look like I got it in one.

[ ... because... she sure did not, at least as far as the people involved know. her cheek lifts off his hand, blessedly, and she slides back into the water to float again, otter style. ]

You won't hurt anyone if you don't want to, Mark-kun. You're a really wonderful guy. Considerate, kind... cautious of yourself. Aware? I guess is the better word? [ ... ] Anyway. You're good looking, so when you go for what you want or you're cocky and confident it really gets the heart racing, and you're super easy to talk to, too. That's pretty important when you're looking for a match, heart or otherwise.

[ yeah... he'd be a great boyfriend... ]

Whatever mistake you made before, you learn from. Simple as that.

[ just

don't learn the wrong lesson mark please you need someone who can understand and work with your superhero thing king fellow protag or not-- ]

[ He watches her shift back to floating otter style, and exhales, staying upright and still just treading water. Anna floating comfortably in her own relationship, and Mark just trying to keep his head above... there's a metaphor there if he thinks about it hard enough, which he doesn't want to, so nevermind.

... uuuuggghhhh especially when Anna says that stuff about him, and he's been thinking about her, and it's just, what is he supposed to say to all of that. Be confident, says the ~~Anna~~ angel on his shoulder, to which he replies no absolutely not she's with Will.

Just going to keep treading water. ]

You make it sound so... easy. [ He laughs a little. It's so not easy. ] Like nothing could go wrong. I think I really need to work to get to where you are. But, you know... thanks for the vote of confidence. I just have to keep reminding myself of all of that...

[ And figure out how to translate it into superhero life, but... that's a problem for future Mark. Right now, maybe he can just enjoy a nice bit of time in the pool. ]

[ there's something to be said about confessing just for the sake of confessing, but. well. mark'll see that next week. ]

The more you remind yourself, the easier it'll get. [ ... ] Plenty goes wrong. Both sides... just have to be willing to work through it.

[ this goes for all relationships, and after a moment she continues. ]

That's the tough part. Where it can all go wrong, I mean. 'Cause sometimes people just don't feel... like it's worth the trouble, I guess. But if they're important to you, and you wanna be with them... then isn't it?

week three | mingle

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