puppycrush2 | week three

[ There's an uncertain drooping of the ears, because it's not that simple, is it? Things can't ever be normal between them again, she knows that. And she misses it, being able to lean against Josuke or make jokes and have him call her a dumbass and there's also the fact that Mark is probably still irritated with her for not wanting him to come "help" and it was why she'd been a little reluctant to go here in the first place.

But she and Josuke have at least agreed on a plan to do what they can and he knows she's really not okay with what she's had to do, so. Allies.

She kind of just clasps one arm in some sort of self-soothing gesture, before she exhales. ]

Yeah... and we've still got a lot to figure out with the matches, too.

[ Mark stops petting Fou and looks back and forth between the two of them, uncertain. So it'd seem that things aren't normal again... but neither really wants to talk about it, which is okay, actually. It's probably not his business... as long as the way back to the house is less awkward.

He's going to lean into the topic they've set up in that case, determined to do what he can there. ]

Right? A month kind of seemed like it wouldn't be that long, but... wow, a lot happened. It feels like we're really close to the end now. I, um... [ oh. he feels a sudden bout of honesty coming on. ] When we were all getting to know each other I really thought my match would be one of you two, or that you guys would be together. A week and a bit later and it already feels like that's not happening anymore, huh...

Well, hey, don't be so sure.

[ Josuke shifts, looking at Ritsuka's ears droop down. He feels bad... things are complicated. But there's no reason to be a dick about it or make anyone feel worse than they already do. So: ]

If Ritsuka and Lessing aren't matched, it might be you two, still. [ Because of comphetgate. His gaze stays on Ritsuka, shrugging. ] It could still be us, I'm not counting out the possibility.

[ One because it's logical, and two because... maybe he's the one who's supposed to help Ritsuka through this. He's reminded of Kira, how he was his natural opposite, fixing versus destroying. Maybe Ritsuka could help him understand loss better than he does; maybe he's supposed to prevent her from having to cause any more. It's possible.

He sighs, putting a hand at the back of his head. Trying to break any of the lingering tension, he complains, moodily. ]

I thought it'd be one of you two, too, but.... I'm gonna feel like a dumbass if you're both off somewhere else.

[ maybe the real josukebowl was all the no matches he was distracted by along the way... ]

I wouldn't feel too bad. Like you said, I could still be matched with either of you, and I could see it. [ Though her connection with Lessing shouldn't really be underestimated, either. A sigh. ]

And then I thought maybe Doro-chan or Kat for Mark, but Kat would also be good with Josuke or Anna for either of you, and we still don't know if Josuke's even paired with a girl at all.

[ Yeah, let's focus on this. ]

Depending on what we find out, if Lessing and I don't work and I had to pick, it'd probably be you two or Steve.

[ Mark nods, rubbing at the back of his head. At this point he's reasonably certain his match is Kat after all, and Ritsuka's does seem to be Lessing, but who would be Josuke's...

Either way... let's not focus on this so specifically. ]

I guess I was just thinking about how well we all hit it off right away. It seemed so obvious to me? And I know it's not like we're being set up with relationships we're going to have for the rest of our lives... probably... but I guess we still had a lot to learn about each other. And... I don't know... I feel like maybe that wasn't a bad thing. Because even if things didn't work out like I thought they would, at worst I still got two pretty cool friends out of it.

Right?

[ Right?? ]

"Two pretty cool friends," huh....

[ He says with a lightly knowing tone. Did their (potential) kiss at the candy factory mean NOTHING to you, Mark. Anyway, he's just yanking his chain for fun, and doesn't press the issue more. ]

I've been saying since the beginning, if I walk out of here with a couple friends, that's gonna be more than I bargained for. [ He never had high hopes for that damn wish. ] It probably is for the better that it's this way though, yeah.

I think the pressure of being a match... would make it harder to get close. For me, anyway.

[ She just glances at the two of them, before humming a little. ]

Yeah, I didn't come in expecting anything. But I'm pretty glad for this--to have made friends. [ Despite everything. ] I think, in the end, we're all coming out of his with some pretty strong connections, no matter what form they end up taking.

I don't even know what I was expecting, really. [ A little laugh. Come here. Get a wish. Interpersonal relationships along the way weren't even on his radar. ] But... I'm glad we're all on the same page. Even with the matches complicating things, this is nice.

[ And with Josuke thinking a match would be too much pressure... hm.

But the car ride back is going to be so not awkward now, he's sure of it. ]

week three | dates

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject