View source for 1583/Lute and Miko's Date

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/02/15
|Location=Southern Urbania
|Synopsis=Lute takes Miko on a date to a Japanese style festival.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=188, 589
|Tinyplot=
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|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute has had a lot of dates this month. In fact, he's had so many, that it has been hard not to /repeat/ date ideas. But, still, he is managing to keep it fresh with each date, to try and make sure that /every/ girl he dates feels special and cared for in their own way. After all, he does care for them each as individuals. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For Miko? He's picked a location he thinks she'll like very much. Or at least, at a /guess/, he thinks it will work. Located in Southern Urbania is a bit of a strange combo. A Japanese Shrine, with an amusement park built nearby, mostly for festival purposes. And, to make sure the Amusement Park stays busy and profitable, they made up festivals for about every week of the year. Right now, though? It is currently the most important Festival. The Shrine is in fact originally intended as a place to go for people to pray to spirits for love, and success in love. So, of course, the festival around the holiday are incredibly popular. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute waits outside the festival grounds, waiting for his date. Despite it being winter, this particular area is kept warm via various supernatural and technological means. As such, it's a perfect excuse to wear a Yukata! It's white, with stylized blue images of what appears to be a Tentacruel on it. He, of course, told Miko that it was going to be a festival. And he's hoping she'll be wearing a yukata as well! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But, for now, he'll simply wait,s tanding near the entrance. He expects her very soon, after all. She seems like the kind who would arrive in a timely manner. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko was concerned that Lute was going to try to take her somewhere -inappropriate- at first. Because, friends or not, she is aware of his inclinations by now. And he did take that Crona girl to a 'Hooters', so... You know. Precedent. But a public festival in a relatively normal part of a town seems pretty okay to her, so, despite herself, she is quite excited as she gets all dressed up for her first date ever. She shows up on time, and while Lute has seen Miko in three different forms so far, including an older version of herself, and one who looks nothing like her and has pink hair, by far this may be the most startling appearance of all. Because she almost doesn't look like herself NOW either, even though it's clearly her.<br /><br />She is wearing a black yukata with pink and lavendar rose designs, a two-shade purple wrap about her lower torso with a cross-hatched pattern, and a pair of brown boots on her feet (not exactly traditional footwear for a festival, but she isn't going to walk all the way here in sandals). However, it's what she has done with her face that is the most startling. She never really wears make-up. But by applying just the right amounts, a light-lavendar lipstick, a bit of shadow around her eyes, and blush on her cheeks, she seems far more mature somehow.<br /><br />When she spots Lute, she waves one hand, the draping sleeve flopping around as she calls out, "Lute! I'm here! I hope I'm not late?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute, of course, is the kind of guy who will notice makeup. But, he also is not going to note it to her. He knows enough about makeup that he knows that it is best if it is subtle enough that you don't notice. Simple comments without referencing it directly are best. And so, as he sees her, he simple smiles at her, and walks to her, to meet her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh, don't worry, you aren't late. I just like to arrive early. Glad you came! You look really, really beautiful. And, the yukata suits you!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As he moves forward, he tries to decide. Despite of (or perhaps due to?) the fact he is a notorious pervert, he really has had to up his game and study up on how to make sure women are happy. The fact he really respects all of his dates as individuals only reinforces this. He just can't treat them all the same. So, his next moves are being carefully thought out. How, best, should he greet her physically? Usually, he'd just wave a hand, or give a quick kiss on the hand in a gentlemanly fashion. But... Well. He ponders, for just a second. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then he moves in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Hopefully not ruining the date already. After all, he /did/ kiss her before! It shouldn't be too much weirder now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope the idea of taking you to a Japanese festival didn't seem too... stereotypical? I just thought something like this would be where you'd be most comfortable." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko smiles at the compliment, her face getting a bit warm as she looks down for a moment, before glancing back up. "You also look quite handsome! That's an interesting yukata. Is that a squid-" She is interrupted by Lute kissing her on the cheek. She doesn't move away, but she's definitely a bit surprised, and now blushing heavily. She doesn't return it or anything, but she puts her hands together at her belly and smiles somewhat crookedly down at her feet as she regains her composure.<br /><br />She clears her throat and says, "N-not at all!" Lifting her head again she looks around, taking in the festive surroundings. They may be outside the grounds themselves at the moment, but she is excited by what she can see from here. It has been awhile since she has been to any sort of celebration. "-Ah!" Miko lets out suddenly as she holds up her bookbag. "I have something for you!" Oh, so there's a reason she brought it with after all. After rooting around for a little while, she extracts a pink gauze bag with a cute red ribbon around the top holding it closed, with a bunny clasp. She holds it out to Lute with both hands and says, "I made these chocolates for you for Saint Valentine's Day! Please enjoy them!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles a little. Yeah, she's blushing. But, she isn't running away! Three of the girls he has given kisses to have ran away so far and exploded at him. So, yay for that. He takes the pink bag, smiling at it. ...Wow, this is a fancy bag and presentation. And tehy're handmade, too! He looks /incredibly/ happy with this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thanks! I'm sure they'll be delicious! You must be a great cook." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He puts them away, sliding them into a pocket. Yeah, he's wearing some clothes under his yukata, apparently. Yes, that's not traditional. But hey, the guy has to have a place to keep his wallet for if he has to pay for anything! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And the design on my yukata is a Tentacruel. It's my Starter Pokemon. I mean, I know a lot of people don't like jellyfish like things, but." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He shrugs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He then moves to hold her hand, smiling. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope you'll have fun, either way. Let's head inside now, okay?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, holding hand still or not, he'll start to lead her into the grounds, where they have various stalls and attractions set up. Everything one could imagine would be at a Japanese festival? It's here. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko giggles a bit happily when Lute seems pleased with the gift. "Actually, I wasn't that good at it, but I've been practicing ever since I got your present, and I think I've improved a lot! Or so my taste tester has told me." White Rose is a chocolate-loving fairy with -very exacting standards-, so Miko is probably loads better than she thinks she is now. "Ahh... A 'Tentacruel'. Hmm..." An unusual name, but it's just a name. After all, it's not like Princess Paladin is either a princess or a paladin. When her hand is taken, Miko accepts and holds Lute's hand back. She isn't expecting anything to come of this date. She knows Lute is okay with having lots of girlfriends, but Miko is not. She'll enjoy this date to the fullest, and maybe let herself pretend, just for a bit. But when it's over...<br /><br />Well, even friends can hold hands. So nothing to be concerned about now, even if she feels a fluttering sensation in her chest. As she looks around at all the attractions and stalls and so on, Miko thinks to ask a fairly relevant question. "Um... What kind of festival is this, by the way? It's a bit late for the Lantern Festival, and this isn't exactly the place I'd expect the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival to take place!" The lack of snow aside, it isn't really an analogous location to Akita or anything.<br /><br />"I mean, it is not a big deal or anything!" Miko rushes to reassure. "I just wondered what it's meant to be celebrating!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute, unfortunately for Miko, takes the holding hands to mean 'more than just friends'. So, this could lead to a slightly awkward situation, whether it be today, or in the future. But, yes, for now, he can be under the delusion that they are, in fact, a happy couple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well... I don't know too much about this Shrine? But it's apparently a shrine where people go to pray for Love. But, since it's a bit of a tourist attraction, there is usually a festival going on anyways. But, well... Around Valentine's Day, it's a festival specifically for couples and lovers!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, as the festival ground is explored, it's... Wow. Yes, Lots of couples of all kinds, and lots of stands that are definitely made for couples. Love fortune tellers, love testers, heart shaped treats being sold. All kinds of things, along with the normal stands, like the fish-catching thing, and other games. Also, in the distance, some rides and roller coasters can be seen. And even a Ferris Wheel! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles, "What do you want to do first?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A love shrine? Really? "Haha! Oh, is that so? A love festival for couples, is it?" she asks casually with a smile and her eyes all squinted like ^_^.<br /><br />Then they are at a love fortune teller. And Miko, without changing her expression, goes, "...Eh?"<br /><br />Then they are at a love tester, and sweating a bit, she goes, "...Ehhhh?"<br /><br />Then there are heart-shaped treats on display, and Miko's eyes are very wide as she sweats heavily, and asks eloquently, "...EEEHHHHH!?"<br /><br />By the time they are near the fish-catching game, with rides in the distance, Miko is wondering if she may not have made a terrible mistake. &lt;&lt;What's with this situation!? Is this some kind of romantic comedy anime!?&gt;&gt; she wonders. She has reclaimed her hand and is trying to figure out what she's supposed to do now. Pretending is one thing, but that's just in her head! Actually DOING all this is really embarassing! But she doesn't want to make Lute feel bad, and she did come here to have fun, and this IS technically a date. Also, she didn't get all dolled up for nothing!<br /><br />So she steels herself, clenches her fists and decides she's going to DO HER BEST. She nods to herself and lets out a determined, "Hmm!" Then she grabs Lute's hand again and attempts to drag him towards whatever the nearest attraction is. "Okay, Lute-sempai! We'll have loads of fun! We'll start with, uhh... This thing!" She points at one of those cork-shooting stalls where you shoot prizes to win them.<br /><br />She has never used a gun in her life, fake or otherwise. -Perfect choice-.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute, unfortunately, completely misses Miko's freaking out. He is of course taking it to be that she is just getting ridiculously excited about everything around them. It's just so lovely and romantic! Lute smiles. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's like something out of a romance manga here, huh?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's incredibly excited at her taking his hand. Yaay! She /does/ like him back. As he is pulled towards the cork-shooting stall, well. He smiles. He isn't /super/ skilled with a gun, but he has an idea of how to use them. He should be able to win /something/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He pulls out the money to pay, and then smiles at Miko. "You go ahead and go first, my precious kouhai." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, he just cements further that Miko is in completely over her head with this date. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko squints a bit and makes a less-than enthused noise at the prospect of going first. =_= Still, she picks up the cork-shooting rifle and does her best to hold it like she has seen in movies or whatever. She spots a fluffy dog toy, and smiles a bit at how cute it is. That's the one she's after! Though it's also one of the more expensive ones, so it's probably harder to get or something. She tries to take aim but she who knows if she's even holding it right? Guuuu...<br /><br />Eventually, she manages to shoot, but flinches and squeaks in surprise when it goes off.<br /><br />Gawd, it's shooting a CORK, Miko.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the cork flies through the air, it gets /almost/ close to hitting the target. But, it misses. Lute smiles at Miko, and claps a little bit. "Good shot. You obviously don't know much about using a gun, though. But hey, that's fine! You don't use them anyways, so!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He pays for himself to take a turn, and then gets next to Miko, smiling. Yeah, time to be the /real man/. He takes the gun, and holds it, rather professionally. Smiling. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is just a toy gun, so there isn't much need to worry about the cork making a lot of noise. But... Well. If you want to plug your ears when I fire, you can. There isn't a sight, but just pretend there is a line between you and the target, looking parallel to the gun barrel, and..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He takes aim. But. Before he fires. A thought pops into his head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Actually, there is one last thing I need to /definitely/ make the target!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A smile at Miko. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "A kiss for good luck!" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Aah... No. I've never even held one before. I know some people think using them in videogames can help train you to use real ones, but... I think that's probably wrong. And I haven't played games like that anyway." She shrugs and moves to the side so Lute can take his turn. She listens to the explanation being given seriously, taking mental notes. No, she doesn't really use guns at all, but it's still something important to know. And maybe she should start using them anyway. After all, she doesn't really have any way to defend herself when she's not transformed, and given that she can't necessarily trust her transformation powers anymore if they might wind up turning her into Midnight Shrine Maiden again...<br /><br />But then Lute says THAT and snaps her out of her serious-mode. She isn't dumb, though she can be somewhat naive and shy. She is actually a really good student who has pushed herself to succeed in many areas, ranging from computer programming to biology, geography, literature, mythology, history, and more. But, while she knows what Lute is probably getting at, she still feels it's not going to hurt anything. So she stands up on her toes and plants a kiss on Lute's cheek, just like did for her earlier.<br /><br />Of course, now he has a bit of lipstick there, but oh well. Thems the breaks.<br /><br />"Good luck!" she offers with a smile as she goes back down on her heels.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute, of course, is going to leave the lipstick on his cheek all evening. But, yes. The fact she is willing to return a kiss is yet /more signs/ that the two of them are destined to be together. In a bizarre polyamorous relationship. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute takes aim, and fires. And, of course, due to his terrible luck, he misses. In fact he does even worse than Miko, because the cork bounces off the wall, and then flies back to hit him in the head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ooooow." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It doesn't hurt /that/ much, but he rubs the sore spot a little. And frowns a bit. Then smiles. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "--And that was an example of how /not/ to aim. Uh. Yes. Totally. That was entirely an intentional failure." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko sweats a bit in embarassment. "Uh... Yes. Of course. Or m-maybe I was just standing in your light or something?" Helping others save face is fine with her. She is generally a polite young woman, who has attempted to conform to the expectations of others her entire life. She might be acting a bit more on what's best for her these days, but still. She steps off to the side a bit more to give Lute room, and says, "Go ahead and show me how it's really supposed to be done then? And I'll try after you!" She smiles encouragingly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute holds the gun, and takes aim. Yeah. No screwing it up, now. Absolutely /no/ screwing it up. He aims for the target, fires, and... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DING. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A bit of a bell of victory goes off as Lute hits it dead on, exactly for the target that he was aiming for. The man at the stand simply smiles, and hands the stuffed dog to Lute. Lute, of course, immediately hands the stuffed dog right over to Miko, smiling. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Well, I hope you treasure this. Thank you for cheering me on. It's your support that helped me get it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He smiles, and moves to give Miko a bit of a tight hug. No kiss, this time. Yes. He's going to save the next big kiss for a /very/ romantic moment. But, for now, he just kind of hugs and cuddles Miko a bit, trying to press his body as tightly against hers as he can. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The guy at the stand smiles. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You two sure are a cute couple." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko claps happily when Lute succeeds, and gladly accepts the dog prize. "Aah~! He's so cute! Thanks so much--" Then she's being squished by a hug. She blushes redly and isn't sure whether to return it or try to get away or what, so just kind of freezes with her hands still holding the dog prize between them as the only barrier to being way way close. "A-ahh... You're... Welcome?" she responds hesitantly, and quietly. The stand-runner's words have Miko flustered quite quickly, however. "N-no! It's not like...! We're just...!" She decides to change the subject by turning and pointing at a stall selling food. "A-ah! I'm feeling quite parched suddenly! Could we get something to drink?"<br /><br />This entire situation is so awkward. She kind of wants to clarify for Lute so he doesn't get the wrong idea, since he clearly HAS gotten the wrong idea to the extent that other people are, but then she second-guesses herself and wonders if maybe she's just overreacting. Also, either way, she doesn't want to hurt Lute's feelings. So at least for the moment, her best option is the ultimate solution she got from this one manga. Avoid dealing with the problem at all and hope it just works itself out on its own somehow!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The lack of returning the hug is no surprise. Miko has her hands full with the stuffed animal, after all! But, when she begins to protest that they are a couple? Lute does, in fact, catch this. And he pauses, for a second. Wait. Is this just normal 'being shy', or is she actually not viewing him that way? For now, he will continue to assume 'shy'. But. It won't take much more for him to realize. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Yeah, sure. We can get you a drink. No problem!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He moves to hold her hand, though it's worth noting his grip isn't as tight as it was before. Though, most people would of probably asked for clarification already. The fact he is so egocentric he is still mostly working under the assumption that she is head over heels for him is a testament to how much he overestimates how attractive he is to women, even with the whole 'already married' thing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The drinks at the stand are all really fruity things. Juices, punches, and some fruity alcoholic drinks. Lute doesn't even seem to be looking over the menu. He doesn't really need anything himself even. But, he smiles at Miko. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So. What do you want?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko keeps telling herself it's 'not to hurt Lute's feelings', but... The truth is... She DOES have feelings for him. And the fact she knows she can't do anything about them when Lute isn't the type to enter a committed, monogamous relationship... It's actually her who is hurting right now. She's been trying to ignore it, but the longer she spends around Lute on this date, the more fun she has, the more she is ENJOYING the attention, the hand-holding, the 'acting like couples'... The more she is realizing that whatever momentary happiness she is experiencing is increasingly not enough to off-set the tightness and pain in her chest when she thinks about how none of this can be kept in her life after today.<br /><br />But... Maybe there is a way after all. To make happy memories, and cherish them. Even once this date is over, even once they are 'just friends', even if her heart won't quite view their relationship that way, to remember just today with happiness. Though her hand misses being taken by Lute's in her hurry over to get something to drink, once they're actually over there, and she's looking at the menu... Her fingers twitch. And then she gently takes Lute's hand herself. But just as with Lute, it's not as firm of a grip. It's a soft one. Caring, but not passionate.<br /><br />She says, "Ah... No water... Hmm... Just some punch should be fine then. It's mostly water, right?" Her other hand is still holding her bag, now with a stuffed dog poking out of it, but she slings the strap over her shoulder so she can actually hold her drink. She's quiet for a little while as she waits for the beverage to be delivered, lost in her own thoughts about how she feels and what to do now and what to do in the future.<br /><br />She has never been truly in love, but still thinks... Maybe this is more of a crush. And maybe, if she works through it with Lute, who is far more mature and far more experienced than she is, nobody has to be hurt. Maybe someday they'll look back on this and laugh. But right now, in the present, she just wishes she didn't have to be so fond of someone who was so fond of dozens (or more) other women.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute gets the punch. And... Yeah. Even he is still noticing that something is off. But, still, he's going to try and keep things normal for now. Handing Miko the punch, he smiles. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I looked up a lot of reviews of different shrines, and this is the one reviewed the best for this type of thing. The food and drink are supposed to be really good, too." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He tries to lead Miko over to a nearby table as well. Smiling as he tries to help her get into a chair, like a gentleman. Soon after, he'd take a seat himself. Next to her, rather than across from her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tables are set up just for two people each as well, so, hey. This is really convenient for dates. Lute begins to rub Miko's back a bit, softly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are you feeling okay? You look a bit... sick or something." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko makes a surprised noise while drinking the punch. Once she has swallowed, she says, "They do reviewes of which shrines are best for couples?" She probably shouldn't be so surprised. There's all kinds of stuff on the internet. Even more so with Multiversal internet. She allows herself to be led and smiles back at Lute as she is assisted in being seated. She looks down at the cup of punch, feeling warmth flooding her as her back is rubbed soothingly. "I was just thinking..." she responds to the question. "About how much fun I've had so far. About how much I like you. And how I wish things could be different." She sighs and looks up at the sky. "I really want to keep enjoying this night, for as long as it lasts. But... I want to ask your advice."<br /><br />Miko turns to face Lute, a hint of fear in her visage, as she says, "I've never been in love before. I've never even had a crush. And I've never had anyone tell me they cared about me in that way either. Romantically, I mean. You're married, have been on lots and lots of dates, and have... Uhh... Been with a great many women. Or so I have gathered." She looks down at the table in embarassment. "I really, really, really like you. Everything about you. You're one of my best friends, and I feel like we could be more than that. But for that to happen... I'd need us to be exclusive. Just you and me. And I know that you can't do that. And further... I don't want you to change that about yourself just for me."<br /><br />Miko reaches out to put a hand on Lute's urgently, to establish physical contact while she talks. "Please understand, it isn't that I don't care about you in that way. But my emotional needs require that I have one person, and one only, as my romantic interest. And I require that they have the same for me. And I... Can't ask you for something like that. Because as much as I want to be happy, I want you to be happy too." Miko looks up at Lute, her eyes over-bright with tears that aren't quite spilling. "I'm sorry. I'm ruining our date aren't I? I shouldn't have said anything." When she tries to smile, the moisture goes down her cheeks and has to let go of Lute's hand to start wiping her eyes with her sleeves. "Ah! And now I'm messing up my make-up. Some date I am, huh?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute? He just feels his heart sinking. Further and further. Yeah. This is the /second time/ this month he has had a speech like this. the second time this month he has been 'friendzoned'. And so, he stares straight at Miko, in complete and utter disbelief. No. Not again. /Not/ again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief. He uses it to reach to Miko's eyes, to help wipe away the eyes a bit. Yeah. He can, at the very least, have this moment. But. He still wants /more./ <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Why. Why can't we be together? I... I just don't get it. If you feel for someone, why /not/ be with them? I just... I just /can't/ understand. If too people feel for eachother? They should be together." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute just looks down. His face? It looks hurt, but also baffled. He really /can't/ understand it. Why /can't/ Miko love someone who shares love with other women? Just like he feels she could love multiple men at once. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He speaks again, a bit frustrated. Not quite angry, but it'd be easy to mix the two up. "You... You're even a Magical Girl. The power of Magical Girls often come from love. So what's /wrong/ with loving a lot of people?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute looks up, trying to control himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also, suddenly in the sky, there are fireworks in the shape of a heart. Awww. If only these could of come earlier. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko's own heart is sinking. It's exactly what she feared would happen. Maybe not quite as severe, but she can see the signs of unrest, of aggravation. She thought maybe Lute would be able to handle it better. Her eyes are being dried so she lowers her hands to her lap, and looks down miserably at the cup of punch sitting at the tabel. Her own reflection, dimly made out in the darkness, looking back up at her from the red liquid. "I don't know," she answers honestly. "But just as your heart can feel intense love for many, mine can only feel love for one. It can only devote itself fully to one person who I cherish above all others. And knowing that you are seeing other women at the same time as me... I think it would just... Break my heart. Over and over and over. Every time you were within someone else, I think it might drive me a little bit crazier."<br /><br />She sighs. "I don't even know what I'm talking about. This is my first time feeling this way about anyone. Should I change myself for you? Is that would you would have me do? Is that what would be best? When I said you were my friend, when you were suffering during your 'transition'... I meant it. You are one of the first people in the Confederacy I acknowledged as a friend. I care about everyone in the Confederacy, but you are someone special to me. No matter what happens, that will never change. But..." But what? She doesn't know. What if she's wrong? What if it's her whose head is wired wrong. But she can see it in her mind. The pain and suffering she'd go through if she actually fully loved Lute. The agony of knowing he can never truly be hers. The jealousy towards the others he sees. The insanity that might start to leak into her. She has been trying NOT to function based on the rage and hate she has kept locked up and was using Princess Paladin to vent.<br /><br />But those emotions are still there. All too close to the surface. And with another magical girl transformation that she can't control showing up... "My powers work differently. They're based on belief. I am obligated to carry through the quest I believe in to completion, no matter what happens along the way. My emotions don't enter into it, only my conviction. I... Want to say I wouldn't use my powers for anything like... You know... Jealous revenge or anything. But there's that other transformation now. That Midnight Shrine Maiden. And if she wanted to go after the people you cared about who she saw as being in the way... Based on what you've seen of her so far... Don't you think she'd go through with it?"<br /><br />Miko isn't the type to swear, but becoming emotional, she says loudly, "I know! I know it sounds like I'm making shitty excuses!" She pauses to collect herself. And then says more quietly, once any passers by or other couples in the area have lost interest. "But I can't see it ending well, in any way, if we went through with it. And as cliche as it is to say it... I honestly think the problem is with me... Not you. I don't... Trust myself not to go 'yandere'. I'm not as normal and healthy as I act. I'm actually a pretty miserable, angry, and vengeful person, you know? And... If it's a difference between hurting you by ruining this date that I've enjoyed so much... Or hurting you by doing something terrible I could never make up for... I have to choose the first option."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute... ponders this. Miko does, in fact, have feelings for him. /Strong/ feelings. She is wondering if it'd be best to change, but she is also calling herself a 'yandere'. He has an idea of what that is. But... Would she really do that? Miko seems /fairly/ stable. She truly couldn't be /that/ jealous, could she? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He sighs, looking at her. Time... Time to change his strategy, just a little bit. As he looks in her eyes, he speaks. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...The Midnight Shrine Maiden didn't care one way or another about your own emotions. I doubt she would care about you dating me. But... If I had to say, though? I think you /could/ change, and for the better. With work, you could be with me, and not be jealous of others. Maybe, even one day, you could learn to love more than one man. People /can/ change... And I think you could change, at least a bit." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He looks deep into Miko's eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Our love could change you for the better." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, with that, he moves in to try and kiss her, straight on the lips. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is basically his last ditch effort to convince her. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Miko's eyes tighten a bit around the edges, and her lips quiver slightly as she listens to Lute. She wants to believe in what he is saying. But she can also feel, innately, that she couldn't deal with it. That it would be better not to try. But is that really the truth or just her being down on herself? She doesn't know. She's a young woman feeling very confusing emotions for the first time and she doesn't know what's right or wrong. The idea that Lute might be taking advantage of that never even enters her mind.<br /><br />The explosions of fireworks that went off before still ringing in her ears, she turns to face Lute after looking away, looking into his eyes as he speaks to her about 'their' love. And when he kisses her, this time she kisses back. She puts her arms around and kisses him, and for all the love that goes into it, there is just as much sadness and pain. She's definitely not a very experienced kisser, but it's better than any response she has given so far. There's PASSION in it, even if not technique.<br /><br />Fireworks may be going off in the sky, but they're also going off in Miko's mind and heart. This is so bad. So bad for both of them. And yet while there's no thought per se in her head right now, she's still honestly considering doing something she knows she is not emotionally healthy enough for.<br /><br />Why does she have to be so easily controlled by her own stupid heart!?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute is, of course, completely thrilled by this. Even though he knows that, on some level, this is manipulation. This is completely unfair to her. But. He is not one who usually thinks on 'right' or 'wrong.' He thinks on 'What do I want?', and right now, that is Miko. But, at least, he loves her, in his own way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He wraps his arms around her, and leans in to kiss her even deeper. This won't be Miko's first kiss, but, odds are, it'll be the first one with tongue. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a short bit, he breaks the kiss. He smiles at her. And he looks in her eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't worry. We'll work it out. Trust me..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A happy smile from Lute. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How can something wrong feel so good, after all? ...How could it be wrong for you to be my girlfriend?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:589|Miko Fujimoto (589)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yes, she was not expecting tongue. When it's over, Miko is dazed, breathing heavily, and kind of glassy eyed. But she puts a hand to her mouth and closes her eyes while she gets ahold of herself, clears out the dizziness in her head, even if the confusion and conflicting emotions haven't even slightly ceased. If anything they're worse. She needs to... Go home and lie down for a bit, she thinks. Though she's not about to 'ruin the already thoroughly ruined mood' with more of her petty EMOTIONS and CARING and WORRYING ABOUT IMPORTANT THINGS.<br /><br />She says quietly, "We'll see, yeah... Hopefully... Things will go okay." But right now she's not about to leap into a relationship with Lute. This was a date, and she needs to sort things out internally. But she's at least not adamantly refusing or anything. In the interest of not being even more of an awful date, she also doesn't mention, 'Killing people brutally when I get angry feels pretty good too.'<br /><br />For now, she just plants a smile on her face, pushes aside all the negativity, and breathes out a shuddering sigh as she tries to calm herself. That was at least a really intense kiss. She hates to admit it... But she wouldn't mind more of those.<br /><br />If only... Circumstances were different.<br /><br />...If only...<br /><br />"So... Where shall we go next?" she asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles. At this point, he'll just ignore the risks. Even though his other personality is telling him exactly the same thing it did when Sarracenia confessed she felt for him, but couldn't be with him: 'ABORT ABORT ABORT.' But, unlike then, this has a /chance/ of continuing, it seems. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, Lute will wrap his arm around Miko's, smile, and speak. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well... The day is young. Let's visit every stall we can here." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, Lute will take Miko around, to enjoy the full experience of the festival. <br> <br>


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