Scene #8762: Is It Too Late To Be Seen?

Owner	Pose
Touta Konoe	Returning back to UQ Holder is a similar experience to the last time. As the two Lampport residents make their way through the Warpgate they're welcomed by the two familiar attendants on the lower floor, that long hallway before them with only the elevators upon the other side, and the reception desk at the corner. Though now familiar with them, the two have no need to be checked in, they're simply brought to the elevators where once again, the transition to the next few floors is so seamless, it feels as if they weren't even going up at all. Unlike the last time, however, upon their way to the main lobby, it isn't Touta that greets them. Instead, the two are met by a taller gentlemen wearing a uniform similar to the one that Touta wore the last time. White button-down shirt dress shirt and black tie, adorned with a black vest. His dress pants are matching black. Though beyond his attire his appearance seemed nothing professional beyond that. His red hair was tied back into a rat-tail, his face was clearly unshaven and scruffy, and the look on his eyes seemed already tired. Though even greeting the two, he gives them both a more casual smile than one of a proper hotel employee. "So, you two must be the ones Touta mentioned, huh? Padgett and Newman?" As he asks, he's already eyeing the two up a bit casually. Nothing too invasive, but there's certainly a vibe of, 'I want to get an eye-full.' "Name's Jinbei, Touta's still finishing up with the kids on the other side of the island. He asked me to bring you there while he's finishing up." There's not much elaboration that follows unless asked, but he'd be quick to guide them outside towards the shoreline. Even now at this time of day, one could see gentle, blue waves begin to ride up on the shore, as the group were left to walk. As they go, they can see now from the outside that the entirety of this hotel is less of just one towering build, but a pagoda that basically expanded the entirety of the island with a few exceptions. Such exceptions they'd find themselves making their way to as they'd notice a less than stellar building near the back of the hotel area, a smaller concrete building that was clearly made to scale upwards to house as many people in a limited space as possible. "Over there is staff housing. Not the best place to crash, but they do get to enjoy their own private beach. And over here we should have..." The sound of children at play can be heard, and with it there's a group of children that couldn't be any older than ten running around kicking a ball that looked like they were playing soccer. Among those children is what appears to be one teenager. A person that at best could maybe pass as sixteen, just starting high-school if that (and even then seemed a tad on the short side). Though his features are familiar. Crimson eyes, spikey black-hair, and a familiar work attire to Jinbei's. It's only when his gaze catches those arriving does the smile on his face start showing that he knows them well enough. He starts clapping his hands, and the children all begin to turn his way.
Touta Konoe	"Alright guys, we're wrapping up early today. Go get washed up. We'll start having dinner in a little while, alright?" There's a mix of 'Awww' and 'Nooooo!' that follows, but ultimately after a bit of rounding up, the ten or so kids that were out all stat going back inside what appeared to be a two-story building complex. The outside is adorned with potted shrubbery and other greenery. A small pavilion that appears to have a few picnic tables set up as well with a tiny playground area a bit further than that. Even further beyond appears to be some sort of fenced off area with tape going about labeled 'Construction'. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, they get really excited when I play with them like this. Kids just like playing with big kids more often than not. Anyway, looks like you all met Jinbei? Hopefully there still wasn't any issues making it here?" "And now you all get to watch him leave. Play nice now all, last thing we need is to have another baby-sitting day like with that Soroka girl." "Oi, Jinbei that's...Uuuugh..." A small sigh escapes his lips before he finally lets up. In the meanwhile, Jinbei seems to go into the two-story building, likely taking over for Touta as caretaker for the night. "Anyway, you guys mind if we sit at the picnic tables for a while? Figure it'll be easier to talk without the kids jumping around."
Charlotte Newman	Charlotte has not been doing well since the confrontation with Isacc Beaufort Sr. and it is not particularly difficult to notice. Unlike her previous visit to the resort restaurant, the girl's got her arms folded and her head down. Less an act of antisocial behavior and more, hugging herself and lost in thought. When Jinbei says her name, she just nods a bit and makes an affirmative sound without looking at him. She follows who she presumes is Touta's coworker or possibly his boss without an objection or even an observation. He calls out the staff housing and just gets another noise in response. It's the sound of kids that makes her stop, a few paces before the others, and lift her gaze. Their energy at play puts her a bit at ease, even their immature complaining finally pulls the tiniest of smiles. She sees them off, nodding once, "Y-yeah. Picnic table. Sure." When the red-eyed girl seats herself, she slumps forward to rest her forehead on the tabletop, lacing her fingers across the back of her head and just-- shielding her face from everything using her forearms. "What was it you wanted? I'm-- I'm kind of working through a lot, here."
Stanley Padgett	Stanley isn't far from Charlotte, honestly. It's been a thing the last few days. Save for his trip to go help at Trash Island the other day, it's either been with Charlotte or in Neon City beating on the Shadow Incursions. Today is a change of pace, to be sure. Stanley liked kids. He liked talking to kids like they mattered. Like they were people people and not just small people. So it's some friendly waves to the kids and the others as he settles in next to Charlotte, and pats her back lightly. "No offense or anything, honest, we've just been at both ends again. Something's got to give, soon."
Touta Konoe	It was only in the time Charlotte sat down did Touta really get the chance to see just how low-spirited she'd become as she rested herself down on the picnic table. It's not as if he doesn't get it, he knows that after what's been going on and the situation back in Lampport. The questions that seemed like they were providing answers that no one wanted any further. Seeing this, he ends up nodding his head as he takes his seat. "I know...Truthfully, I was thinking you guys might decide to call this meeting off. I would have understood if you did, but I'm happy you still decided to show up today for better or worse. I don't know if I did something to earn that kindness from you both, or if you're both that resolved, but either way I'm grateful to you both." Even seeing Stanley as he tries to console her, there's definitely a lack of energy in him. Even in the way he greets the kid, he imagines it would have been a bit more boisterous but just hearing the words he follows up with definitely sounds drained. At this point, the smaller 'teen' finds himself letting out a sigh to them. "I guess it might have been better to have waited till everything was resolved before asking this of you both. Even I admit, that if it wasn't for the kids, I'd be feeling a bit of a drag myself right now." He's not showing it, but surely logs of the other night might reveal that there was apparently quite a bit of chatter that he wouldn't have minded to sleep off a bit more. That goes to show when he shouldn't need it. Regardless, he looks back between the two. "Regardless of how you're feeling, you both showed up here today knowing that I was going to ask a favor of you. For doing that even with everything you've done, I am honestly appreciative. So at the same time, if there's a question that comes up that you feel like you don't want to be answered, or when you hear what I have in mind, I'll respect it if you don't want to take part. But I just ask you before you decide to not let the feelings in this moment sway how you'd respond." At this point he starts reaching into his pocket as he starts talking. Though admittedly, he struggles to find the words to best get across what he wants to ask. The topic is clearly an unusual one to ask in this manner. Even more so when they were feeling this way. "Last time we were together, I asked you both to remember those gazes from back in Lampport. This was something that had been created from Lilian's experiences, right?" He knows there's caveats certainly, but he still talks under that premise. "Back when I first met her, I had my issues with her, and even now those feelings have left a bad taste for her probably. Still...I know in the time I've been gone she's done a lot to help the Multiverse in one way or another. Even with feeling those gazes on her, she was still doing a lot...And overcame a lot..." His words trail off again before he looks at the two of them. "Neither of you have to tell me how you feel about her, and I won't take your responses one way or the other. I know that you both have a lot on your plates already, but that said...I'd like to have both of your help, and many others... In creating a thank you gift for her...From the Multiverse." Touta finally pulls out what looks like a tiny sphere, as if it's a miniature crystal ball. "What we have here is a magic tool from my world. It's basically a fancy recording device. It allows people to leave multiple video messages to someone and then present them all at once. Would either of you two want to give it a try? You can leave any message you like on it, something silly, something earnest about one another you want to record for the other? Just to vent out anything you just want an excuse to say?"
Touta Konoe	If either of the two were up for it, they'd find that he'd press at the top of the ball as it'd begin to glow with delicate lights like that of fireflies within, then a nod to go for it when they were ready.
Charlotte Newman	> "I was thinking you guys might decide to call this meeting off. I would have understood if you did, but I'm happy you still decided to show up today for better or worse." "I can't spend a whole week in bed," is Charlotte's muffled response, "I can only watch so many Japanese game shows before I go crazy. Getting out is good for me." Touta says his piece and makes his request. Slowly, Charlotte tilts her face up, peering at the sphere from under her bangs. Her head turns slightly towards Stanley, as if appreciating his support, before she finally drops her arms and sits up. "I think it's-- it's very sweet to want to send her a good message. I don't think, though... th-that I'm in a good place to do it right now." Lowering her eyes, the girl fidgets with her hands, "I crumpled like tin foil against something she puts up with every day... She's so much stronger than I could ever be." It's clear Charlotte doesn't mean in terms of might, there. "I don't think she'd want to see... this," she gestures at herself, discheveled and tired and clearly distressed, "trying to give her a positive message. Wouldn't that feel disingenuous?"
Stanley Padgett	Stanley wilts a little as well, as THE ORB is brought forth and the plan is laid out. There's a similar unsure noise from the young man as from his partner, and he wobbles a hand in front of him. "I'm not sure if my words and Charlotte's words on here would be as well received as you think they would be. And I don't think Li- Ms Rook needs that sort of pick-me-up." He sits up straighter on the park bench, and scratches at his faded hair. The color's mostly all gone, leaving it a dull grey right now. Very unlike Stan. "Though I'm guessing there's more to it than trying to get on Lilian's good side. That'll happen eventually, if it does. If I don't eff things up again." He sounds less confident about that right now than he ought to. Visions of Petra and Meika and the LobCorp folks swim in his brain for a moment or two, before he sits up again, and looks to Touta. "I'll ask you a question then. Before I graduated, I got told by several people, Ms. Rook and Mr. Bond actually, that being 'A Hero' wasn't a future profession. That I'd get myself killed before my time. But what if it didn't?" There's a fierce look behind those amber eyes.
Touta Konoe	The entire time Charlotte remarks on her well-being Touta does nod, he does anything he can to let the two of them know that he's keeping note of their words. "Well, a little ocean air doesn't hurt either then. And you're both always welcomed to pop in if you need the space." When it comes to the response to the idea though...Admittedly, he's waiting for it... I think it's-- it's... Gross? Excessive? Unwanted? it's very sweet to want to send her a good message. I don't think, though... th-that I'm in a good place to do it right now. Maybe it was just simply because of the voices he's been chatting with lately he expected more. But even this rejection sounds less an outright rejection and more a reservation. Though he could understand it either way. For Stanley, his words follow a similar vein. I'm not sure if my words and Charlotte's words on here would be as well received as you think they would be. And I don't think Li- Ms Rook needs that sort of pick-me-up. It's a fair point, and Touta nods to it. "This isn't about getting on her good side. I plan to add something to this too, but, at the end of the day I don't plan on putting a name to this gift." He wanted to continue but it's then that Stanley ends up asking him a question that feels out of left-field. Though, judging from the gaze in his eyes, he can tell how genuinely he's serious about the question. "I'm not as good as the whole speech thing as though two, but my guess is...I can't answer 'But what if you didn't'? The reason being that I think they're telling you that trying to make being a hero your goal is how you throw yourself at things unnecessarily. That you'd kill yourself attempting to be heroic before you could truly be so...In other words... Don't be like Don Quixote chasing windmills. Heroism is...It's something that you can't easily claim yourself. It's something that people will see in you, sometimes even when maybe you don't see it yourself. It's not something that has to be given by doing something large either. Even a smaller gesture might bring those thoughts to you from someone else. I'm sure someone has a better way to describe it. But that's as good of an answer I can give you...Sorry."
Touta Konoe	His gaze looks back to Charlotte again, "Charlotte...I can't tell you what Lilian's thinking. I can't tell you if she'd prefer to see you put on a brave face, or if she'd prefer you being okay with showing vulnerability. But...I do one thing...I remember that I told her on the radio one day that I had something for her. She apparently hears that enough, that she thought I was trying to ask for a favor...That I was putting an expectation on her. But, when I told her that all I wanted was to give her some letters from the kids from here...She kind of was surprised. Said something along the lines of she doesn't just get things, that she usually expects people to want something from her...So...Maybe it's just fine to show her what you want to show her, and not worry about how you think she wants to see you...That goes for both of you, and for me." He turns back to Stanley, taking in the look of that gray hair as he steps in closer to him. A young man already looking so aged was never a good sign. Still, he brings a hand to pat at his shoulder "I'm not trying to do this to make anyone out to be a hero. This is about being a small piece of something big. It's not about having the star role, it's about being one of many little stars in a dark sky to light it up a bit. Besides, so what if Lilian doesn't /need/ this sort of pick-me-up? Do you give a gift because someone needs it? Isn't it something you give because you want to? If anything The words you give will be one of many, and if this message comes across right. Your words should melt with the words of the other people that involve themselves in this...Thank you." There's another lingering pause. "I imagine either way, it's not a good time for this. I know that there's a lot to chew here even before everything else in Lampport. But...Before we let this go, I do want to show you both one more thing...What I hope this gift might end up looking like when it's done."
Charlotte Newman	"Mmm..." Charlotte's thoughtful noise is directed at Stanley instead, her eyes closing, "I am following Miss Rook's advice about my future, and what Exigent Serenity taught me has made me happier with myself, but..." The girl slumps, then falls forward into her arms. Her tone gets so much lower as she's become crestfallen again, "...I don't exist... I... I have to reconcile that... Petra was right about me all along." She tightens her arms around herself, muffling her voice further in crossed forearms, "I hate this. It isn't the face I want to show her. You'll-- have to ask me later. I'm sorry." Touta offers to show something else. Without moving the rest of her body, Charlotte's eyes shift from their pensive mid-distance stare to look at him directly.
Stanley Padgett	Stanley's fierce look doesn't falter, even as Touta explains things. But Charlotte is faltering, and Stanley's hand on her shoulder curls around farther. Stanley "I mean... The goal isn't to tilt, no, it's to help people. TO make their lives better. It's what we've been doing in Lampport, bit by bit. More places could use that sort of help, like Rita's world and some of the others we've been running into." He leans his head on Charlotte's shoulder, and sighs. Stanley "Hero is a word that carries a lot of baggage. But heroism I'm not sure about." Charlotte, however, gets a hug. A side hug, but a hug. Stanley "You're right here right now. You are Charlotte, even if what 'Charlotte' is you weren't sure about. That doesn't make you fake." Stanley leans in. Stanley "You gonna let Mr. B's shitty hate for us drag you like that? Something weird is going on, but you of all people are NOT 'fake.'"
Touta Konoe	"What does making people's lives better mean for you, Stanley?" Touta gets a bit more stern, which probably sounds a bit off coming from someone looking younger than Stanley at the moment. "It's true, you've definitely helped people out from the Reversal's influence. You've fought to protect this place, to help the people here. No one can deny that. But what do you do when its finally gone?" He doesn't outright say it, but thus far Touta could only assume that by helping others, he means to continue raising his blade. He could be wrong, but, he's just never seen Stanley in too many scenarios outside of combat, and from what he knows of Stanley, alot of the young man's time was spent in theatrics. "I don't know know much about Rita's world so I can't say one way or another. But...I think even after the Reversal here ends, your world's still going to need help. Just, not the kind you can fight off so easily. It becomes a fight to raise the bar. I think those are probably the people that get considered true heroes..." If Stanley wanted to ask more on that, to have him elaborate, he imagines he has enough examples of such people. Though it seems like at this moment, Stanley actually could be perceived in a more heroic light. Depending on whom you asked.... Touta had been intending to show the two something indeed, the lights of the crystal ball looking like they were charging for a moment... ...I don't exist... I... I have to reconcile that... Petra was right about me all along. It's probably out of the blue, but Touta finds himself bringing himself to embrace the girl as well from the side, though...Even for someone his appearance and age, his hug is...Sturdy. Charlotte can feel that even if he's come in from the side like Stanley, he's brought both hands about her as he squeezes. For a moment, the way that he holds her, his arms trembling just slightly enough for her to feel, makes Touta probably feel more like a kid, though the abrupt strength that he might be hugging might say otherwise. "Stanley's right. Charlotte...It...It...doesn't matter how you came into this world." The words that Touta speaks feel weighty as he says them. Words that he's likely had to come to acknowledge himself. "You're here now. You exist now...You've shared it with Kukuru when she gave you that hug, you're sharing it with me right now, and you've shared it with Stanley for god knows how long...I know that because, you've etched yourself into our existence and we've done the same for you..." The words he finds himself saying in that last moment...Are Lilian's. Words that she used with Stanley and Charlotte before in fact when talking about the Reversal. About how even those things that have yet to exist are things that still shape us...He can only hope his words can help bring those thoughts to mind. The hug lingers for a moment before he pulls away from the two...He looks to them and back to the ball with a long breath. "You don't have to show her anything you don't want to...For now, you deserve to relax. Stanley...Why don't you two stay here for a bit? The hotsprings here are really nice and it sounds like you two could use some time to wind down..." It seemed the idea of the crystal was put on hold for the time being. It wasn't something that needed to be shown immediately, especially not under these circumstances. For now, the priority was clearly on showing appreciation, and acknowledgement for one's existence to the people that were here at this moment.
Charlotte Newman	> "You gonna let Mr. B's shitty hate for us drag you like that?" "Mmm..." the girl's response is perhaps more lukewarm than Stanley might have hoped, her gaze flickering down off Touta again. She just sways a bit when side-hugged, acknowledging it but not moving much from where she's slumped over. "I know he had no reason to tell us the truth... Intuitively, I should assume it was a lie, just to... to mess me up," Charlotte's eyes close and she inhales deeply, letting it out in a long, drawn-out sigh, "...B-but... Somehow, in my heart, I know it's true. What he said fits in like a puzzle piece that I... didn't know I was missing..." When her eyes open, she's glancing away from him, "It's so frustrating... And Delilah, too... Why was she suddenly trying to be nice to me? It had to be a trick, but I...I almost..." "...I feel like I almost did something terrible..." > "I know that because, you've etched yourself into our existence and we've done the same for you." "Oh, mister Touta," Charlotte's eyes close again, "I appreciate what you're trying to do. I really do." Supported from both sides now, she's starting to feel awkward, "You and miss Kukuru really did help me, but all I could do was pretend to be strong while the adrenaline was going." She inhales softly, blinking slowly, her gaze shifting back to the distance, "...Mnn... It's something that had been bothering me for a long time... To just suddenly... find out it was true all along. It's--It's a lot." > "For now, you deserve to relax. Stanley...Why don't you two stay here for a bit?" Charlotte closes her eyes, tilting her head back. Even in this leaned over posture, it adds a haughty air to her, "Fine. I could do with a good long bath, anyway." when at last she sits back up, Charlotte elbows Touta's ribs, then leans over and returns Stanley's hug with a soft, "Thank you both." While still on Stanley, she glances over her shoulder at the vampire, "We're not paying, you offered it after all."