[Closed] Best Laid Plans

[pishirogane]

Characters: Kanji Tatsumi and Naoto Shirogane
Location: Loch Ness, Scotland
Rating: PG-13
Time: March 22nd, Morning
Description: Mission 131e. The Kishin egg of Loch Ness defeated them once, but it wasn't going to happen again.

Naoto's eyes trailed from the water as the Kishin egg emerged and proceeded to follow after Kanji. She ducked back, listening as she followed after them. The rigging was set; all they needed now was the Kishin egg to take its queue. Hopefully, this would be the last time she had to set a trap like this, but they would see. If they succeeded, it wasn't going back to the water.

Now, as long as Kanji remembered to jump, they shouldn't have any complications or need to make any abrupt alterations.

Comments

[pishirogane]

"Uhm..."

She was both very flustered and confused. He was talking around himself, unable to follow through with what he wanted. He really wanted her to call him by his name without the honorific, but was fine if she continued addressing him that way. But he liked being called by her either way?

"You're working yourself up again..."

Naoto began to nibble at her food again, unable to get her face to stop burning.

[topgun_textiles]

Anyone else would have him getting defensive. But with her? Kanji started, went silent, then ran his hand over his face. Sighed.

"Can I start over?" He grumbled, half-rhetorically.

"I know it's big... really big, but... I-I think I'm a'right with it. I'm good with Naoto, y'know? Y'wanna go Kanji or Kanji-kun, I leave it up to you. Switch it around if you feel like it. We're still keepin' it quiet, right?"

And he eased out a sigh. Nerves, nerves, nerves. Go away, nerves. He was a goddamn man.

"My, uh... my leg feels a lot better now, by the way. Thanks." They should probably see about getting ready to head back anyway. He didn't know how the hell he was gonna explain the bandages to Tifa. Did he have to?

[pishirogane]

Naoto stopped eating again when he wanted to start over in order to listen closely. Her head dropped when he said her name without the usual '-kun' and her face somehow darkened.

"... Yes. Or would you prefer to inform people? I... don't mind..."

Well, she did, but didn't. It was confusing. If Kanji wanted to tell people now, she didn't mind. What she didn't want was people bothering them about it.

She cleared her throat, "Ah. You're welcome... K-Kanji."

Naoto didn't know. It felt so weird; her heart was pounding.

[topgun_textiles]

"W-well, it ain't like I'm gonna shout it from the rooftops or somethin'! I kinda like keepin' it 'need-to-know'." He deserved every kick in the shins if he ever did said shouting, so help him. He had to admit that it is pretty nice not being bothered about it after near-constant teasing at their expense. It was a need-to-know basis, and that was what it would stay if he or she could help it.

This poor rice ball was being piled on with ginger enough. He picked it up with those chopsticks, and lifted it to his mouth.

...And then he heard his name. There was a tiny clack as the chopsticks slipped from his fingers, and that poor onigiri landed atop the katsu in the bento as he tried to catch the sticks but failed as they clattered against the box's sides.

'Yeah, like that,' he wanted to say, but as his brain blue-screened, all he could manage was the first syllable before mumbling the rest.

Was there a heat wave in Scotland today? Jesus it was hot out all of a sudden...

[pishirogane]

"Y-yes. Yes, that will be fine..." That way, they wouldn't have to sneak around certain people. Though, telling Minato, she just wasn't sure still.

Her head whipped in his direction at the sound of his chopsticks falling. The onigiri was down; she looked up at his face. What had he said?

"Kanji-kun? Kanji-kun, are you alright?" She really needed to be more careful...

[topgun_textiles]

The loss of an honorific seemed to be a powerful weapon, especially on the brain of awkward delinquents. It took him a moment to register that Naoto was speaking again, and he slowly turned his eyes back her way. If the red on his face lingered any longer than it currently was, it could very possibly become permanent.

"F-fine! I'm- I'm good!" He managed, coughed, and went for that cup again for a drink. Mouth was dry. Christ.

[pishirogane]

She was able to breathe a small sigh of relief at his words, but then shook her head. "Perhaps we should refrain from attempting conversation for now and simply enjoy each other's company..."

That sounded safe enough... and they wouldn't have to worry about red permanently staining their cheeks.

[topgun_textiles]

"Ye-" Oh. With a quiet clearing of his throat, he opted for nodding instead. Conversation was kind of difficult at the moment, and with his own breath of relief, he made sure the thermos sat between the two of them before he decided to actually finish the bento seated in his lap without choking or any of the other nonsense he'd tripped into during their conversation.

Despite his stomach's jitters, Kanji was feeling a lot better with that weight off of his shoulders and mind. As he resumed eating, enjoying the detective's company, he scooted a little closer before settling back against the tree.

He could worry about talking to Tifa later. He could worry about reporting to Shibusen later. Right now? There was absolutely no rush.

[pishirogane]

This was much better. They weren't stuttering over their words or fumbling in attempts to get them across. Instead, they were allowed to enjoy Kanji's cooking and the weather which was pretty decent.

Glancing from the corner of her eye, she realized he had moved closer and settled against the tree again. When she assumed he was occupied with eating, she took the opportunity to shift closer as well, leaning against the tree as well.

Absolutely no rush... she smiled and continued eating.