Scene #8646: Heaven's Pillar

Owner	Pose
Touta Konoe	The promised day between the group had come. One spoken of with more excitement than even the one who had originally proposed it had anticipated. The day in which Touta would take both Hibiki and Miku into the Tower. A space elevator that ascended into space itself in order to provide supplies for space exploration and trade amongst the stars, as well as provide living arrangements for those with the kind of money to do so. Though the two had been told that their time at the tower was going to be later in the day, that they'd want to make sure to arrive a little earlier to make sure they arrived on time. It was understandable enough, for the Warpgate they end up using is the same one they used for the party. The one that brings them to the lower levels of the UQ Holder's resort. It doesn't take them much time to arrive or head up the elevator, though once they are, they're both given a rather unique greeting. Yakuza looking individuals lining up on both sides of the elevator begin to humbly bow to the two of them with a kid awkwardly starting to scratch at the back of his head as the two arrive. "Ehehe, sorry about that Hibiki, I told them not to cause you two trouble when you showed up and I think they took it as making sure they gave you the 'proper' treatment." He can't recall if Miku's seen him in this form or not. A form of younger years that made him probably seem more in his teens if anything, and possibly even shorter than Miku and Hibiki both as he came to them. Apparently he deemed this enough of a casual trip to not warrant the need to appear as an adult for the situation. "Anyway, we'll start heading out in a bit. We got a bit of a boat ride that we'll need to take to reach the space elevator. Before that though, I hope you both don't mind, but a friend of mine actually wanted to come along as well." As if right on queue another figure comes out from the hall. Someone who appears around the same age as Touta, though from their posturing alone they already seem a bit more formal. The person in question a black long coat that hides their form, a white dress shirt, a red tie, and black pants. Their black hair is tied in a side-ponytail that reaches down to their waist, and split at the front with long bangs that occasionally cover their eyes. Their appearance admittedly looks a bit more feminine, though as they finally speak up their tone seems a bit more masculine in nature and demeanor. "My name is Kuroumaru Tokisaka, it's a pleasure to meet you both. I heard that both of you were able to attend the party here the last time, though I apologize we weren't able to meet properly then. That said, I'm happy to hear you both were excited enough to come back." It's from there that the two would see Touta surprisingly start wrapping an arm around Kuroumaru's shoulder, practically pulling them in with a cheeky grin. "Come on, buddy, I invited these two as friends. No need for anyone to get all stiff with the formalities and the like. Anyway, Kuroumaru's my best bud back home. Been with me since the day I left my village and started here." There's a bit of red that shades Kuroumaru's face before releasing themself from Touta's embrace, clearing their throat a moment as they look back to the two. "Anyway...We've got the boat ready at this time, so if you'll please follow me."
Touta Konoe	Walking out towards the port the two would find that like what was mentioned before back at the party, a catamaran is already prepared for their trip. The small yacht is all but ready to take them the ten kilometers from the sea inorder to reach mainland Japan and Neo Tokyo. The city is definitely a...Unique experience surely with how bustling it is. Some parts are more appealing than others, and some that probably raise a few brows. Though the group finds that upon arriving at the base of the Tower they're quickly guided into what is described as an Eletrain. One of the elevators that traverse to further parts of the tower at a faster rate than the ones that might be used to bring people through the first few levels on the surface. As it launched, it traveled at speeds that would have been even greater than a jet's, yet its stability as it shot right up made it truly just feel like an elevator ride they needed to sit for. The entire time they could all watch as they went from a view of seeing the tops of buildings, to heights greater than the Tokyo tower itself, to heights were they were within the shadows of clouds, until ultimately upon reaching their final destination...They find themselves released from the Eletrain from which Hibiki and Miku can stare down at a portion of the blue marble that they know as earth. The blue of its oceans and skies all contained below, while looking out, while it had just been a sunny day with blue skies prior...The horizon view was nothing but the starry skies of space. As the group left the train area, Touta and Kuroumaru would begin escorting the two out. "Welcome to the Amano-Mihashira Orbital Elevator's second observation deck." "Please don't worry about your step, they have artificial gravity set up here so you should be able to move around like you would back on earth." Perhaps the two might have expected a more futuristic approach to the space elevator, though in truth, the moment that they get off that Eletrain and walk around, the entirety of the observation deck appears almost as if it's a mall's food court. A plethora of restaurants packed away in different areas, seats situated closer to the center of the area, and those that take in views that focus both on the earth itself, or the starry arrays. There's even a few other store outlets that appear to be in the area as well. "So, would you both like to walk around a bit first, or perhaps take a moment to sit down and eat while getting accustomed to everything?"
Hibiki Tachibana	All other things that have been going on aside, it /is/ true that the invitation for a visit to the Orbital Elevator within Touta's world has still held up. So now that the two are together again, they've found a solid day to take it off the to-do list--although one of them took some convincing to effectively take a day off. One thing that'll certainly never change, at least, is that Miku is the more openly excited and energetic of the two, leading her partner in by the hand at an even pace. Her grip might be tighter than it ordinarily is. While Hibiki has been around the block enough to not be that surprised by the overly formal greeting - and she's still shaking off lingering feelings from the last visit, among other things - Miku definitely looks surprised...before breaking out into airy giggling. "Don't worry about it. I didn't think about it last time, but you guys...really have a lot going on here, huh..." "Ahaha. You're a little shorter than I remember, Touta! A friend of yours?" Enter Kuroumaru, who the both of them greet with a nod and a little wave respectively. This time, as Touta happily loops them into an arm-hug, it's Hibiki who looks mildly surprised while it's Miku who has the fabled 'look of understanding'. "It's nice to meet you, Kuroumaru-san! You two really must be close if you've been with each other that long." "Well--probably better now than at the party," Hibiki admits. "...Touta's been really good to me, though. Of course I'd still wanna swing around." The boat trip to the mainland is one thing - while their own version of Tokyo is a little more advanced than modern ones, something like this is still a lot to take in, especially for Miku - the tower itself is another. As both of them settle into the Eletrain, they seem to be prepared for it to be rougher than it actually is...only be to be greeted by the extremely smooth ascension instead. Both of them have their faces set against the window the entire time... ...and practically still do, even when they're stepping out alongside Touta and Kuroumaru. "...I've been to space a handful of times before, but...stopping to see it like this..." "It's amazing...! I never thought I'd be up this high before! You can see all of Japan so easily...!" Taking in the actual sights /around/ them however, the pair seem to be taking them in no less. On both counts, there's plenty of curiosity over just how.../normal/ said sights are, for what the elevator is. "I think...it'd be nice to explore the place a little. If that's alright. I wasn't expecting up to here to be like...this, I guess. Can anyone buy a trip up here? This all looks..."
Touta Konoe	Miku's remarks are the first thing that ultimately he finds himself get addressed, "Ehehe, just a little littler. Easiest way I can describe it as, is that was a bit more of a 'business look'." He imagines that telling Miku that this is the way he's going to look like otherwise forever could be a bit of a downer depending on how it was taken, so he holds off on it. As for Hibiki's remarks, "Mhmm, a lot of this is due to a lot of work that's happened before I was ever around. I'm just glad I get to try and be a part of it." By the time he's been freed up, Kuroumaru already seemed a bit more relieved. "Likewise Miss Miku, Touta was really excited to hear you were finally coming over. He was quite ecstatic knowing you would be coming to visit the tower. Especially after you apparently told him about its name with relation to Izanagi and Izanami. It'd been a while since I had seen him gush like--" "Oi! If you keep saying it like that you're gonna make it sound like I was fanboying or something! But yeah, really excited to get to see you both here. As for Kuroumaru, yeah, he's my best friend. In fact, this one here's so reliable that I would never even be able to consider checking out the Multiverse without knowing Kuroumaru's still at home keeping tabs on things. Though one of these day I'll drag'em out into from here to check things out." There's a bit of a sigh that escapes Kuroumaru's lips, as if having something to say to the remark, though as Hibiki discusses Touta's treatment of her well. "Mmm, I'm happy to hear. I hope you'll continue to look after Touta as well. Everytime he comes back from a mission with you, he's always found himself talking about your earnest endeavors." Saying the words, Kuroumaru's expression softens rather gently while staring at Hibiki. Most of the trip to the tower isn't too eventful. Casual banter to help clarify any questions they have such as the reason this world was a bit more advanced was due to the fact that in this one the year was 2092, what's more magic was slowly becoming more mainstream. Albeit still relatively new technology in the same way that computer applications or advanced use of AI was around their time. While it's been around, it's only been recently that common people have really been able to start playing around with it enough to see it in common society. As for with the Eletrain, neither Touta nor Kuroumaru can muster to say anything as Hibiki and Miku are left to plant their faces against the window. Though if Hibiki can notice Touta's expression seems way more cheerful, the kind of cheerful that really did seem appropriate for someone who was looking like a teenager at least. As they finally get situated on the deck, Kuroumaru speaks up first to answer the question, "Tickets up this high are available for the public, though...It'd be a lie to say that tickets at this point including the Eletrain do start getting rather expensive. Most of the time though, the first observation deck is enough. For about 5140 yen, you can go to that one, which is still higher up than Tokyo Tower." "But we had a few guests, so I splurged a little this time. Not everyday we get ladies of culture gracing the tower, so it only made sense they got a real feel for how awesome it is!" There's a slight chuckle that escapes Kuroumaru again, "Indeed, back when we started up at the resort, he always talked about how he was going to make it to the top of the tower, and 'Do something big.'" "Kuro, seriously! You're telling them a little too much, ya know?!" Touta starts coughing into his hand as he looks back to the two, "Anyway, if you want to explore sounds like a plan. Here follow me."
Touta Konoe	He urges everyone along at which point the group gets a slight tour of the floor. Like the Eletrain that brought up the group it's clear there's at least two others, one that from the announcement displayed on news feed signs appear as 'New Sydney' and 'New Jakarta' respectively. There even looks like instructions and travel times for people looking to catch a spaceship to Mars. Looking around, most of the people upon the tower seem to be businesspeople, with the demographic leaning slightly towards a few families. That's as close as they'd find to their own demographic age wise. Though there's also quite a few demi-humans, and it's not just for the October festivities either. Through all the exploring, Miku's likely strayed a bit farther out as Kuroumaru attends to showing her more of any restaurants she was curious about, or any shopping areas that might have caught her interest. It's only then that Hibiki can notice that Touta's just been lagging behind with her, his eyes having been staring her down for a minute or so. It seemed he was trying to gauge just how banged up she was at this point, though he knows any injuries she would have received since that time might have healed up a bit, he's still looking for anything in particular. "I'm glad you made it back...You been okay?" It's here, that jovial expression he's been showing up to this point seems to become one that finds itself turning to genuine care and concern for her. "I know she told you to head home...But I imagine a lot more happened before that. You don't have to say it if you want, but I just want to make sure you're okay..." As he says the words, he's made sure to keep his voice low, letting Kuroumaru and Miku's own conversation keep a higher pitch than what they were discussing. Trying to keep his expression from leaking out to them as he turned his head to her.
Hibiki Tachibana	"For what it's worth, I think Kuroumaru-san would adore getting to have a trip out into the Multiverse with you sometime. Even if it's just for something simple!" Indeed, Miku seems to react favorably to that thought, along with the mention that Touta enjoyed her digging into the naming conventions of the tower. Hibiki, meanwhile, says nothing to Kuroumaru's comment towards her...although as she glances off to the side, rubbing at the back of her neck, her own expression eases up some. ... Back in the present, there's the semi-predictable response of "Only 5140 yen...!?" when Kuroumaru mentions the pricing, which even considering it'd only be for the first of the observation decks, they seem to consider a steal. Roughly half a century into the future from their own Japan, though, it seems like advancement really has been getting to that point... Only for the benefit of not embarrassing Touta do neither of the girls inquire further on what Touta could possibly mean by 'something big', before following along. Miku, at least, is certainly struck silent for a bit upon seeing that mention of a ship to /Mars/, and is overall more caught up in the exotic sights than her partner. While she's gone out on many social ventures alongside Hibiki, this trip is breaking very new ground, and she's really quizzing Kuroumaru on anything and everything. Which gives Touta exactly the opportunity he was looking for to hang back with Hibiki--who has had a faint smile on her face, watching Miku from behind. From what he can see, there don't seem to be any real injuries still lingering on her. Maybe some stiffness, in the way she's walking. If anything, it's mostly the fact that her eyes are a little sunken, as if tired. "I don't really know what I am yet," is what she says first to Touta, still with her focus on the two ahead of them. Her voice has also lowered down. "...We fought. But it wasn't much of a fight. It was just me not understanding a thing, hurting her and everyone else. ...Again. I should have listened to everyone telling me not to. No, I should have just listened to Haru in the first place. Listened to a lot of things." It doesn't seem to occur to her that Touta wouldn't have full context on whatever it was that Haru said. "She went out of her way to make me see how stupid I was being, when she didn't have to. I thought she'd have been fed up with doing that by now, but that's not the kind of person she is." Her gaze drifts off to the direction of the observation window, idly. "I'm just not...the 'Hibiki Tachibana' she deserved to know." "...I need to tell her thank you, when I get a chance to talk to her in person. At any rate, feeling sorry for myself has never done anything. I don't want to let go of the things important to me ever again. There's a lot I have to do now, but I'll do my best to do it. So if I'm not okay right now, I will be. I have Miku, after all."
Touta Konoe	Admittedly as the two freak out there's a bit of a shock between Touta and Kuroumaru. Kuroumaru's the first to hesitantly nod, "Uh, yes, is it more expensive back in--" "Wait, wait, we probably shouldn't ask that. It's probably not a good idea..." From what he's heard of in the past, a ticket to the Tokyo Tower was around 1200 yen for adults. So having to get a ticket for about nearly four times that amount well...They probably perceived it a little higher than that! It's probably something that as Kuroumaru and Miku start to talk a bit, that might find itself slipping a tad in regards to the kind of inflation that's lingered in Japan. Trust me, Miku wouldn't want to hear what the cost of bread is like right now... As for Touta, he keeps pace with her the entire time, even joining in her smile as Kuroumaru and Miku enjoy the walk. There's a lot that he's taking in from her words, but he's not speaking up at all till she finishes, simply taking in how she feels with all that's transpired and making sure that it's just stiffness that he notices. At which point if all that can be seen is that from after a fight with Lilian, he can leave that alone for the time being. There's a soft hum that escapes his lips, "I don't know what Haru might have told ya, but even I've picked up since coming back that he's someone that doesn't use his words lightly. I can't imagine that I can give any sort of wisdom that he hasn't given. Even now I'm still taking wisdom from others. But I can say one thing though...Lilian is probably one of a few people who remember me from back in the day. For better or for worse, and despite everything she had to deal with because of my attitude towards her at that time, I think despite all the people going to bat for her, and being angry for her on her behalf...She's still trying to get me to act better...In her, own way I guess...At the very least she's been less down my throat than she could be." "...I don't know what everyone was telling you before...Or whether you should have listened or not. I imagine with that Haru guy it was probably something well thought out. Never hear him saying something otherwise on the radio. Least, that's how he's come off." He sees her begin to look idly towards the observation window before a hand gently pats at her shoulder, "It might sound bitter sweet to her, I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. You messed up, and you know it. You ended up at a point you couldn't go back on...But at the same time, when you finally did understand what happened...You decided to take an action that was just as hard for you. You went after the ones responsible even thought they were part of your faction. You went after Titanomachia and even gave the information to the Paladins because you knew it was the best way to keep the violence from escalating. I think that's the 'Hibiki Tachibana' that she wants to see do better, and the one she gave another chance. If it's anything like what I was told, she wants to see more 'discretion'...But more than that..."
Touta Konoe	Touta's hands begin to casually raise over his head till their behind his head interlocked. A thought comes to his mind as he contemplates even saying it, knowing it's his own thoughts rather than that of the opinions of others with greater wisdom than his own. "Take this with a grain of salt, Hibiki. I think it's fine if you want to thank her, if it's timed right it'd probably mean a lot. But 'thanks' and 'sorry' are just words unless you back'em up. Lilian's had to clean up messes from a lot of people...Taking on responsibility that she shouldn't have had to. I remember the other day, I just told her that I had something for her. It was just some letters from back home saying thanks to her about the money she gave. At the same time...She was so used to hearing words like 'I have something for you' as meaning that you 'need' something from her. That she has to fix something. If you want to show her you're thankful, I'd say...Take the lessons you learned through all this, and follow through. Cause if there's anything I've come to know about this 'Hibiki Tachibana', is that when she wants to make right on something...She'll put her heart into pulling through. Cause I think that's one of the things that are important to her too." A bit of a cheery grin tries to shine through at that as he looks back to the other two. "I know you'll try your best. You're that type of person that'll give it her all. And more than that, I'm glad you have someone like Miku...In fact, you sound like you got a few people who were still trying to look out for you from what I heard...So that's why...Next time, even if it might hurt them too don't be so quick to keep them at a distance. Seriously, it makes me think of--" "Touta! Could you come up here for a second...Miku had a question about the tower, though I think you'd probably know it better than me." "Mmm? Oh, yeah, I got it. Give me a second." "I'll be right back, promise. Before I forget I've been meaning to ask you about Titano--" "Touta, it's rude to leave her waiting..." There's a stern look that's given to Touta where for once he finds himself actually freezing up at Kuroumaru's sight. Though it quickly turns into a chuckle as the two swap places. It's during this time Touta steps up with Miku, and even goes about showing her more of the parts of the stores and even food counters as the two more bubbly personalities start chit-chatting. "It's nice to see him like that. I think he really enjoys gushing about all this stuff with Miku-san. You know, he's about twenty-years old but he can still get all giddy like a kid when it's about this place..." As Kuroumaru says those words, Hibiki can see that all that's seen within Kuroumaru's gaze is that of those two, and a slight smile gently adorns that expression. "Hibiki-san? Can I ask you something...Is Touta like that in the Multiverse? It's been a while since I've seen him act like that back home..."
Hibiki Tachibana	"The only reason we got that information on the Titanomachia in the first place was because of you, you know. I can't take that much credit for it..." Perhaps unsurprisingly, whether it's because that's just the kind of person she is or because her failings aren't that easy to brush aside (or both), Hibiki doesn't seem quick to give all that much to herself - although the rest of Touta doing so gives her an expression like she wants to argue it but can't find the words. What comes after that, at least, is something she can give a slow nod to. "Words don't mean much, after all..." She whispers to herself, apparently ruminating on things. Almost definitely including the mention of those letters. You're clingy and stubborn when I need you not to interfere, but distant and passive when I need you in my corner. But for the longest time, I really did want 'us' to make it work. "...Don't compliment me too much before anything has even changed. The only thing I am right now, still, is a burden on everyone else. ...But thanks for saying so. I don't know what'll happen, but I'll try. I have to." And it's not long after when Touta gets cut off, and it's his turn to get Miku time. As they swap over, he might see that the black-haired girl has a solid second where her gaze is cast back on Hibiki, before she gives him a smile. "I'm sorry if I was cutting anything short! But I really wanted to know how long it took between the elevator being built and all of this--..." She almost certainly isn't ignorant that they were talking on more serious matters. She's just also being sure they're not turning this entirely into a business trip. Which does leave Hibiki back with Kuroumaru - they do make for a more leveled-out pairing - utting her hands in her jacket pockets while matching their stare off towards the others. "You're never too old to enjoy things. But...like this out there?" Her focus shifts to the boy in question, watching him chatter away with Miku, and she lets out a thoughtful sound. "It's not like I've known him for /that/ long. Or been on a ton of missions with him. Still...this might also the happiest I've actually seen him, huh...?" That sits in the air between them for a bit, before she shakes her head. "...There are some people that think he's half-hearted about everything he does. I don't think that's true. I think he's just the kind of idiot who wants to care about everyone, so he can't help screwing up. And he does, plenty." Pause. "Guess that might be part of why I get along with him." "But the Touta I've seen out there is always focused and trying, no matter what anyone says. I've never really seen him like this, because he's always busy trying to help me or someone else. If he's been more restrained even back here..." She watches Touta from behind for a solid few moments. "...I wonder if it all doesn't get to him more than he lets on."
Touta Konoe	"And the only reason I ended up thinking of getting that info in the first place is because even after everything happened, I knew that you didn't want to let the Kana become more dangerous than it already was. Maybe I did the action...But you were the inspiration." It's the final words he gives out as he cuts things off to attend back to Miku. It's at this point he shakes his head. "You have nothing to be sorry about, if anything..." He finds himself thinking back a moment to everything Hibiki's been through, and then to the pen. The one that he had hoped to use should everything happened as it did, but still hadn't been able to help her... "...I owe you an apology..." He finds himself muttering the words, before speaking up with a bit more volume. "...If anything, I'm always more than happy to chat about the tower. So construction of the tower was done in around the late fifties, early sixties if I remember right. Though if I recall, the plan for it actually goes back to the early 2000's. In fact, I learned that my grandfather was one of the ones that helped with the initial design and funding of it." Speaking of not turning this into a business trip though. "Actually, Miku while you both are here, I was hoping to get your advice on something...I'm actually starting to plan a bit for the holidays at the end of the year. I don't want to pick anything off you might have already chosen, but I was curious if you think there's anything that you think she'd like for the holidays? She probably doesn't think it but...She's really helped me out this year." Back a few feet, Kuroumaru listens as Hibiki utters that first remark, and with it a small chuckle escapes. "I'd agree, though, I imagine Touta's been thinking that it's rather hard to be taken seriously when you start blurting things out like that." As Kuroumaru continues to listen there's a look of intrigue to Hibiki's thoughts. "I see. Happiest you've seen him then?" In the moment that the words sit in the air, and he hears more of what's been going on, Kuroumaru interject, "You know, before Touta whenever he'd get back to home after one of the missions out in the Multiverse, you could always tell he had a good day or not when you heard about one of the stories he'd tell. That he met this person or was able to see one of his friends. In fact, we had a few that lived with us for a time. One I know...Is no longer in the Multiverse any longer. But, I've heard that Miss Jeanne the Servant is still about. I even heard she acquired a Master. Truly, the Multiverse is vast if that girl was able to find someone to take her on with her attitude..." There's a momentary realization of the tangent that's coming before a slight tint crosses those cheeks and a cupped hand is coughed into him. "Ehem...Now though, he doesn't always share his stories as much. Even when I ask sometimes he'll tell me that things were too close for him to chat about. Still, I wasn't aware that he was going through that. Even now, most guests of Touta's we've had is that one girl who was checking in on the orphanage...Petra-san? Mmm, yeah, I believe she had come in recently and even then I had heard she had been shouting at Touta near the end of her stay." Pause. Smile. "You know..."
Touta Konoe	"It's only because I've known him for so long that I think I've picked up on when he's just smiling to keep others happy, and when he's actually happy. And, I will say that while I have seen him put on that smile for show, there have been three times that I've found him acting like before...The first was when he found Jeanne again. The second, finding out the girl Solty Revenant was still about. The third was when he was on the radio..." Kuroumaru pauses again as he looks over to Miku and Touta continuing to chat away, it's at this time there's another clearing of their throat before. "'Ah, Kuroumaru, you should have heard it. The radio was getting rowdy and I was expecting to have to deal with a free-for-all on my own, but then out of nowhere that girl popped in barely knowing me and was calling people out. I wanted to tell her it was fine to let me sink a little, but she was really all-in. Tachibana was her name if I remember it right...Seriously, she doesn't hold back when it comes to looking out for others...I hope I get to chat with her more! She's got serious grit!' ...That's the first time I remembered hearing about you, and the first time in a while that I'd seen him so excited about something new in the Multiverse...Or maybe it's better to say, seeing something old in something new..." "...I wonder if it all doesn't get to him more than he lets on." "He was wondering something similar about you recently. It wasn't with that same sort of excitement as now, but...I think it was a topic that he was just as passionate about...'I hope she doesn't end up in the same kind of mess I did with Priscilla.', 'She probably blaming herself like what happened with Mikoto...', 'She keeps saying she's fine on her own...Who is she trying to fool when she sounds so tired...? Even if it isn't me...I hope she's opening up to someone.' ...He never went into the details, but most of the time from the way he'd talk about the situations it always sounded like he was reminded of himself a few years back, even if only a bit..." At this point, they stop in their tracks. Even as Miku and Touta keep moving. Kuroumaru casually makes their way over to a water fountain, though not immediately taking a sip, "I think you said it best before. He's someone who wants to help, but can't help but stumble over his own feet sometimes. If he truly has become half-hearted, I don't think it's the kind from a lack of wanting to care. I think it's one that comes from wanting to put all his heart into helping...But then taking all his heart to keep from letting his help create the same mistakes."
Hibiki Tachibana	"That long ago...and your grandfather? Really? I had no idea! I suppose that's just one more reason you're so interested in this place, isn't it?" Miku is, as ever, easy to converse with and always invested in what someone has to say. It's not hard to tell she's soaking in all of Touta's explanations. When he smoothly switches subjects though, she perks up a bit and tilts her head. "Something Hibiki would like..." While they walk, Miku closes her eyes thoughtfully. "Hmm. She's the kind of girl...who doesn't really mind what you get her, so much as the fact you got her something at all. It can be something as simple as a new scarf or a set of hairpins, and they'll be important things that she cherishes dearly--because they represent your connection to each other." "But if you're after my personal recommendation," Miku lowers her voice conspiratorially. "I think she'd love a new winter coat. She's just a baggy clothes lover, you know?" There's a little giggle afterwards...and without skipping a beat, albeit with maybe a subtle shift of her face towards the bittersweet, she backtracks a little. "Don't apologize to me, please. It won't change the fact that what happened happened, and it's no one person's fault. I just hope that lessons were learned, and that...things can be better from now on. If that's not enough to get rid of any guilt--just keep being there for Hibiki, and I'll be more than happy. I think she needs friends like you more than ever right about now." ... Back with her and Kuroumaru, as they explain Touta's returning-home routine, Hibiki seems to mull it over while listening. Probably imagining him excitedly going on and on about things to Kuroumaru...and more besides, judging from the the amused scoff she has at the mention of Jeanne. After that though, her brow furrows. "Too close to chat about...there's always something personal and serious going on, with someone. It's been a long time since things were quieter. Ever since..." And furrows some more. "...Petra. I'm not surprised it ended like that."
Hibiki Tachibana	The dour turn that the look on her face takes at that doesn't last very long, solely because of the impression that Kuroumaru has of Touta, repeating his words. Her walking slows and she turns her head to look at them straight, blinking. "Wh--he said all of that...? That's not--...he was exaggerating it--I didn't..." It seems to have her at a loss, stuttering over her words before glancing ahead to Touta's back, and then down to her own shoes. "I-I was just--already upset with some of the people there, and I didn't wanna see someone so earnest get ganged up on just for not thinking about his words, so it sort of just happened..." The excuse, of course, comes out somewhat lamely and weakly. As Kuroumaru dips off towards the water fountain, Hibiki follows suit, leaning her side against the nearby wall while still watching the other two talk from afar. She still looks like she's processing what Kuroumaru said before, and then what they're saying now. "Reminded...of himself. Maybe that's...why he's trying so hard... ..." A complicated expression makes it hard to tell what she might be thinking about, before she slowly exhales. "...I can't blame him for worrying so much about it. It's the same kind of thing--that kept freezing me in my tracks. I was so afraid of messing up, that I'd hurt more than I helped, that I'd do all the wrong things, that other people could do it better...that what I didn't do ended up being so much worse than anything I could have done." "Not following your heart, getting tugged in so many directions at once...that's the mistake neither of us should be making."
Touta Konoe	Touta starts scratching his cheek at that first remark, "Actually, I've always been a little fixated on the tower. Growing up in the boonies, it was the place everyone wanted to go. It was like going to the big city, but the next level. Alot of my friends wanted to go there too. In fact, I didn't really know about my grandfather growing up. I only found out later on how much of a big deal he was. If anything...Even this tower probably doesn't hype up just how big his accomplishments are..." For such words of praise, there's a bit of something else in there as well, though it's quickly washed away as Miku's thoughts come to mind on the gift. "Mmm...I can get behind that. It's been a while since the last time I went shopping with a crowd like this. It brings back a lot of nice memories. As for the coats though..'" He finds himself looking back to Hibiki noticing how bundled she already was, digging into her pockets as he can't help but give her a smile before he turns back. "Can't argue with that, she really likes to keep herself bundled." He finds himself chuckling as he looks back to her in kind, though there's a bit of a more twinged look of awkwardness and a forced smile coming through. Ah, he really did speak up too much. "Miku..." He wants to argue a little. To acknowledge that in truth there was more he could have done. That even if lessons are learned, there's still conflict in his heart. So instead of affirming or denying her remarks, he instead asks a question that he was told once. "...What does a friend like me, mean to you?" Returning back to the other half of the group, Kuroumaru had only started to drink from the fountain as part of keeping to the mild facade. Continuing to listen as not just her brow furrows, but even her tone feels as if it shits as that name comes up. Eventually wiping their lips before speaking up again. "It suppose there's...History there." It's all that is mentioned. It did always seem like a topic Touta hadn't wanted to broach much one way or another as well, and if Hibiki was of similar topic, it was best perhaps to leave it at that. On another topic though, as Hibiki had gone to stare off at Touta...It's actually at that moment he had gone to look back at her to take note of that jacket. At the same time off-handedly giving Hibiki a smirk back as the two end up staring each other down a bit. Though it's just as quickly brought back to their conversation as Kuroumaru speaks up again.
Touta Konoe	"Well, for whatever reason that it did happen, I'm thankful to you that it did. And I'm sure Touta feels the same." It's at this point as they finish up at the fountain, Kurourmaru does end up stepping away so that Hibiki stands between the other two and themself before he lowers in a light bow. "Thank you for looking after my friend, Hibiki-san. Even with everything you were going through..." Kuroumaru doesn't hold the posture for too long, not wanting to embarrass her nor raise questions to the others as well. "Mmm, not following your heart truly is...A painful experience. Hibiki-san, it might be too much for me to ask of you, but...While I know I said much about Touta today, I think it'd mean more if you tried speaking to him in earnest as well. I'm sure there's things that I'm not communicating that can only be properly said by him, and I'm sure it's the same way for you as well. Maybe not today, but...When the time is right..." Whenever that might be.
Hibiki Tachibana	"I... In the brief moment where Touta had looked back, and Hibiki locked eys with him, she didn't seem to particularly know how to respond to it. She still hasn't seemed to figure it out either, by the time Kuroumaru brings attention back their way and thanks her - and makes that request. She pauses. "...think me and him should, actually." She pushes off the wall, and looks...somewhat more at ease. Probably for more than one reason. "A lot of the time, recently...speaking earnestly is something I've been bad at. Keeping everything bottled up, not even wanting to talk to Miku about it, let alone anyone else...people I should've talked to a lot more..." Her eyes close, remain that way for a couple seconds, then open back up. "Talking about people is easy. Saying the same things /to/ them...I want to be able to do that without flinching or worrying, the same as that day on the radio. ...The same as I used to be able to. So I'll be sure to. We're friends, after all." ... "What it means to me? That's not a difficult question at all, Touta-san." Miku clasps her hands together at her waist, her smile both widening yet growing a little bit more somber at the same time. "Somebody that Hibiki can easily be 'herself' around. Somebody who can bring out the straightforward and honest Hibiki that I love the most, who tries her hardest to save everyone and will never, ever, ever give up. Somebody where there's no complicated feelings making her doubt herself, or think twice--only trust, and someone she knows she can always rely on." After a delay, she gives a slightly sad chuckle, tilting her head. "Hibiki doesn't have as many of those as she should, you know. Out in the Multiverse. It's not like home, where I, Tsubasa-san, Genjuro-san...everyone is always there to keep her centered. She has to deal with so many hard things, make hard decisions, and there are so many people her heart is confused about...and when it's too much, she goes off her path, not knowing what she's doing anymore." "She's always trying to keep her problems to herself, or play off how badly she's hurting...when her heart is more fragile than anyone else's. That's why friends like you are important. Just keep being 'Touta'--and you'll help her keep being 'Hibiki'. And hopefully...it'll go the other way around, too!"
Touta Konoe	"Mmm...I think he'd like nothing more than to hear what you have to tell him. Whether it be about him, you, the things you know you want, or the things you're unsure of. That's the Touta I've known, and I hope the one you come to know more of as well...Even if he might falter as well sometimes, haha." Kuroumaru just ever so slightly finds themself jabbing at Touta as they start looking towards him, only to then start smiling back at Hibiki with just as much of a cheerful smile. "I see much better now why Touta's wanting to see how you grow." ... There's a long, aimless look that Touta finds himself giving Miku as she goes through the entirety of her thoughts. Even as she finds her expression souring a tad, his expression doesn't seem to pass judgment of any sort. that it almost makes it look like it's a question whether he's questioning her answer or if there's something wrong with him. Though, there's eventually a soft smile that comes across his lips. "Yeah...I think that's a good answer.A really earnest answer. And yeah...I...I definitely get that. Wanting to have that kind of person to rely on. Someone that you know even when you mess up, that even if they're reprimanding you roughly, it's only from the best place." From then on in, he starts shifting back, turning a little so that he's facing the other two as he looks back towards Miku now. "I think I have a few overdue things I need to say to her then. That said...I can wait just a bit more I think. After all, we've been chit-chatting enough between the two of us. Don't want her thinking I'm hoarding such a good friend for myself, now do I? Hibiki, Kuro, let's sit down for something to snack on!" He calls out to both of them with a smile brimming with light, offered to the two of them as he'd encourage them to the nearest seat. In response to that smile, Kuroumaru simply turns back to Hibiki once more, as if catching the warmth of that smile as well before offering a second. As if it's contagious before offering to go side-by-side with her back with the other two.