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

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[it's okay, he'll wait patiently until she is done. then he'll take her hand in his, linking their fingers together until they are palm-to-palm]

No.

There is somewhere I want to go with you.

[by now he has given his opinions on the outstanding matches, so. . . time to leave!!]

[ sorry when he says that all she can think is the embrace space so she's somewhere between confused and flustered. ]

Oh. Okay. Sure, lead... the way.

[I'M]

[no he'd. love to get her in there again, but not now!! not after that exchange!! he is quiet as he guides her out of the house and into the garden, past the pool, and. . .]

[onto the path]

[of the truth booth]

[ wdym not after that exchange angry kissing is great.

but this is better, a surprise as they walk along and then. the shed they'd just seen on the screen, declaring ritsuka and lessing a perfect match.

... she thinks of their earlier conversation and feels her throat tighten again. ]

Will-kun...

[please introduce Will to angry kissing he is so vanilla help him]

[he tilts his head towards her as they walk, not stopping even as she says his name. it's strained. . . he can hear the way her voice has tightened. he knows]

You wished it had been us, right?

[and he had agreed. now more than ever. . . he knows the only person he wants to take this walk with is her]

So let's go.

Edited 2024-11-30 03:44 (UTC)

Will-kun, stop.

[ this is cruel. he doesn't realize it is. he thinks it's sweet, probably, and her fingers curl tight in his grip as she sets her feet firmly on the ground.

... but it is, and she closes her eyes, inhaling slowly before she exhales. he's doing his best. she loves his best, and she loves that he thinks enough about her to want to... do this, with her.

... but she isn't the one he needs to take this walk with. ]

Of course I wish it was us. But it isn't gonna be. And this... isn't something I want when you'll be tracing the same steps with -- hopefully -- Akechi-kun next week.

[. . .]

[he stops when she does, the weight tugging against his hand rooting him firmly in place. but he doesn't release her, instead turning slightly on one heel to face her again. his slight smile remains, but she'll notice it's a bit strained, too. a bit too forced to be one of his earnest best. tight around the edges. . . tired, and a little sad]

[. . .]

[she is right. in order to secure their wishes. . . he will have to take this walk with Akechi next week, whether he wants to or not. and he doesn't. he doesn't, not when there is someone else who actively wishes to be with him. . . someone who desires his company in that booth, who wants to see the words "perfect match" flash across the screen for them both. someone who would cry and laugh and let him hold her, lifting her off the ground to spin her through the air in celebration]

[he wants. . . selfishly so. . . his perfect match to be someone with whom he knows he has a future. why. . . would he ever choose someone who so clearly hates him over that?]

[. . .]

[he doesn't know how to make things better. he doesn't speak, instead faking a step towards her. head bowed, bangs hanging heavy over his expression as his smile finally fades]

[. . .]

[help. he is a bit at a loss, here]

[ ... she knows he feels the same. that they could be matched, someone who wants to walk this path willingly with him, who wants to fit themselves into his future and let him into theirs. her features soften at his strain, at his helplessness, and she raises her free hand to brush his bangs away, gently cupping his cheek.

she

doesn't know how to make things better either, but he's tired, she's tired, and they both want something they can't have.

... who is her match, anyway. who could've possibly have been as good for her as will has been and vice versa; it was a wonderful mistake to have looked at him and only him.

a soft exhale. she loves his best, and... she knows what it's like to hold back. will doesn't want to. not with her. it makes her chest ache in a good way, and her smile trembles. ]

... Will-kun. I love you. I get why you're doing this, and... I'll walk with you if you promise that next week, it'll mean you have no regrets. Head held high and no looking back. Whatever kind of fight he might put up. It has to be a walk for just you two, like everyone else's.

[. . . it helps. in the moment, having her hand on his cheek, holding him tenderly like he might crack. . . it helps so much more than he can put into words. he has kept his head high amidst every single conversation with Akechi since last week's ceremony, and he'll keep it high when he campaigns for next week's truth booth. he'll do what he must, without a single show of weakness or hesitation, because that is what he has always done. regardless of how he feels]

[but he thinks a lot about that movie when he is with her. Casablanca. . . and the choice between duty or love. his entire life has been defined by duty. he hardly knows anything else. at least. . . not until he met her]

[and he wants, he wants, so very badly that the thought of duty is nothing but a distant whispers in the back of his mind. would it really be so bad. . .? to choose someone he loves. . . over something he has to do?]

[. . .]

[he lifts a hand, allowing his fingers to brush against her knuckles briefly before he presses his palm firmly against her, touch warm. this part of him. . . the part that aches, that hesitates, that wants, that hurts. . . is only for her]

. . . okay.

[quietly]

I will. A walk. . . just for him and I.

[just like everyone else's]

[ anna thinks a lot about casablanca too. how will had wanted him to follow his heart over his duty. how badly will wants to, too. but how he can't for the sake of everyone else. he's never been able to be selfish... but it's what makes him so hungry with her in a way, and anna leans forward to give him a long, firm kiss.

she knows, she knows. she wants too. ]

Then I accept your walk for just us now.

[ she'll pull him back a few steps, to reset it, and exhales her worries. the shed ahead of them, will beside her. the thought of going in... makes her nervous in a good way and she swings their hands, leaning against will a bit. ]

... They won't let us go inside, I think, but... let's go around the back when we get up there. How's that sound?

[the kiss is reassuring, and he leans into it with eyes fluttered shut, with head tilted into the palm of her hand, allowing her to cradle him gently in her grasp. when it ends, he almost wants to go in for more-- gods, he's gotten so addicted to her these past three weeks-- but. . . he stays his hand to smile at her instead, weak but genuine]

[she always knows. . . just how to soothe the anxieties of his heart. doesn't she?]

I think that sound wonderful.

[it's almost better than going inside. Anna knows how much he loves the outdoors by now-- the stars in the sky and the scent of flora in the wind. plus. . . no one will bother them]

[. . .]

[they being their walk anew, though Will moves much more slowly this time, savoring simply being with her. because that is more than enough]

Do you remember when we talked about living on a farm together?

[ she swings their hands, just like she said she would, and keeps at his pace -- they really would've been waiting forever, because anna thinks this is the exact speed she'd prefer it.

a smile tugs at her lips at his question. that silly thing, a simple life he'd like. a city girl like her... might have more trouble than she thinks adapting, but anna thinks... she'd like to try anyway, with him. ]

Yeah. What about it?

[a pause. a careful look around them, just to make sure there are no cameras or crewmen about. he has learned that the crew and cameras cannot be everywhere at once, and surely they're focused on capturing the discussions inside. not the little couple that stole away for some time to themselves]

[satisfied they aren't being watched. . . he continues]

After I restore the Prince to the throne, I'd like to travel.

[it's really the first time he has ever talked about what he'd like to do when his mission has come to an end. before now, he has never had reason to think about it]

I want to see your world, and meet your friends. But I'd also like to see more of Euchronia-- and I want. . . you to come with me on that journey.

[a pause]

. . . but after that, I think. . . living on a farm would be nice.

[with her. the "with her" is implied, and he hopes she picks up on it]

[because. . . of course it'd be with her. a nice quiet little life. no duty, no expectations. . . just the two of them]

[ she does.

and

she told him not to promise her anything, but really, it... she won't push her luck or hope too far, cheeks flushing as they continue on, but it sounds like a future with him. ]

I've never been outside of Japan before... well, until now obviously -- so... I think that sounds like a lot of fun, Will-kun. I'd love to show you around -- Lemon-chan really would love you, and Komari-chan might be a little slow to warm, but you're both readers so I know she'd have an easier time than she had with Nukumizu-kun, and... Nukumizu-kun'll ask if you're alright in the head, dating a girl as troublesome as me.

[ but it's fond. she loves her friends, even if one in particular is stupid and aggravates her... he's comfortable to be around too because of that clueless attitude. ]

... And of course, I wanna see your lands too. Meet the different tribes. Get to know the people you know. [ ... ] Live on a farm, here or there... I still have high school to finish, so you'll have to wait until I graduate for that, but... I think it sounds nice.

[ and her voice cracks just a little then, hand squeezing his. she hadn't realized tears had gathered in her eyes, dripping down her cheeks before her free hand lifts to wipe at them in annoyance.

it really, really does sound nice. being with someone like that. ]

[. . . ah. . . ah??]

Anna--

[stopping in their slow walk to face her, instinctively lifting a finger to brush at the moisture on her cheek]

You're. . . crying?

Mm. Guess so.

[ sorry, unspoken but in her helpless smile. ]

I just... I've never had someone talk with me about the future like this, one they... wanted with me.

[ because

childhood doesn't count, she knows. clover rings and promises of those at four or five don't count. but this... this is something, and it moves her. this is a choice. ]

Or, at least, one they wanted me to be in. I promise, they're happy tears.

[oh thank god. for a moment there, he was worried. he breathes out a sigh of relief. . . but his thumb stays pressed against her cheek, a gentle swipe that cuts through the tear tracts quite handily]

. . . and I've never thought about what I wanted the future beyond my mission to look like.

[it still feels. . . strange, looking beyond his duties to the Prince. he has never, ever contemplated what lies beyond before]

But someone encouraged me to try. [a lopsided smile] I know you said not to make any promises. But where we are now. . .

. . . that's what I want.

[and he wants it as wholeheartedly as he has found that he wants her]

Edited 2024-11-30 07:00 (UTC)

[ that's what he wants.

anna's face flushes and she turns her head down, suddenly shy of him seeing her expression, and kicks his leg lightly. ]

Stupid. We can talk about that after you fix your Prince real nice, okay? You can't give a girl so much hope just 'cause you're caught up in the moment...

[ please. she's really trying her best to brush off her embarrassment. ]

[a tiny huff, amused and endeared, at the kick to his leg. playfully, he hooks his ankle around hers, not to trip her or anything, but. . . to bring them closer, with him standing practically flush against her as he frames her features with his hands]

I can wait.

[she should know by now that he has no problems with waiting at all. the ballad. . . well. it hadn't all been perfectly fictional, had it?]

However long it takes. I'll always wait. . . for you.

[ her heart lurches in her chest and she covers his hands with hers, leaning into the touch, trying to get more as she nuzzles into his palm. ]

I love you, Will-kun. I really, really do. I won't keep you waiting forever -- I know what that's like, and I... don't want to miss my chance ever again.

[ because

maybe, like sosuke, he'll find his eye drawn another way. maybe that prince of his will wake and their close relationship will open up in a different way. but anna does trust will at his word, at his shows of dedication again, and again, and again, and... thinks that she really won't have to worry about him in that way.

just more worried about the dangers of his campaign and the position he needs to hold, even temporarily. ]

Besides. We'll be talking every day, won't we? I'll send you all kinds of pictures of the places I like to go, and the food I like to eat, and... the things I write for Lit Club too, of course. You won't have time to miss me.

Of course.

[they will talk every day they're apart. he'll make sure of it! and with that promise spoken. . . he presses a kiss against her temple before reaching for her hand so they can continue walking. the truth booth shed is just up ahead, after all]

I have a friend who is a wonderful artist. He likes to make drawings of all the things we see on our travels. I'll send those to you, too-- and tell you about the things I learn while I'm here.

[and he'll update her on how the race is going, and on whether he has been able to break the prince's curse, and-- and about new recipes he learned, and the books he has read, and the quests and bounties he has undertaken, and. . .!]

[it'll be like. . . she's right there with him. standing at his side as he continues his journey, her support encouraging him with every step he takes]

[. . .]

[. . . it'd be nice if she could come with him for the rest of it, wouldn't it. . .]

[ the warmth on her temple might last her all night, just like the hand in hers as they start again, slow and savoring.

it does sound so fun. he's gotten a peek at what her world is like -- tall buildings, so many lights scattering across the skyline and ground, malls and... whatever else he's seen with others -- but. there's nothing that comes close to his, she's sure. ]

I'd love that.

[ ... it'd be nice to see them in person though, with him...

anna squeezes his hand, turning it over in her mind, before she pipes up again. ]

So, as long as the Lit Club doesn't have any activities over my school breaks... maybe... if there's a wish or a way, I could... spend some time seeing them myself. [ a small shrug, even as her heart beats hard in her chest. ] It's not like I'd be in any danger with you around anyway.

[ or his other friends of course but. him, him. ]

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week three | mingle

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