[ he doesn't like to keep people waiting, so here's a return call. ]
Yes, you've got Makoto. Takeru-kun, right? How are you and Patamon doing? [ he's reasonably composed, as per his month-long status ailment of sempiternal zen, but it doesn't stop him from at least internally flustering at how cute this kid is. after all, makoto's deadly flaw is a painful susceptibility to acts of kindness?! ] You don't need to go out of your way for me, but I do love flowers very much, thank you.
[ pausing, makoto considers how to thoughtfully word his intent before eventually speaking up. ] I work over at a candy shop in the Shopping District, so sometimes I'm left over with extras. Is there any type of sweet you really enjoy? I can set some aside for you if you ever happen to drop by.
[The moment that Takeru heard Makoto's voice, he couldn't help but give out a cheer!] So I was right? This is Makoto-san? Then I was right after all, I am getting use to using this weird thing after all! That's great!
[And he heard carefully it in the background, he could even hear Patamon cheering along with him but that was besides the point right now. While there were more important matters to discuss, the smile on his face never went away] But I'm okay, Patamon and I are getting use to everything. Although, it does feel kind of weird that I have to be an adult now since my mom isn't here.
[Not to mention that it was weird having to learn how to buy stuff by himself now!] But anyway, I want to! My mom always said that whenever someone does something for you, you need to do something for them in return! But maybe I can drop by to the candy store right now! I don't want the flowers to die anyway! I'll see you then!
[And with that, off Takeru and Patamon goes! Sorry, Makoto, he's a pretty stubborn boy]
If you ever need help figuring things out, let me know. I'm here for you if you need it.
[ aw, that's cute. makoto sheepishly withholds a chuckle, one hand pressed flat against the column of his neck, listening intently to takeru's lighthearted banter up until the point he jumps the gun. ]
Whoa, wait a sec', Takeru-kun! I need to forward you the address so you don't get lost. Have a safe trip!
[ with a few taps of the cerevice, makoto sends over the location of the candy store and closes shop to go out on an early break shift. if takeru and patamon manage to maneuver through the shopping district relatively intact, they'll be greeted by the sight of makoto sitting out on the doorstep, absently rifling through the contents of a small paper bag. upon closer appraisal, it's filled to the brim with sweets, anywhere from waiting room-esque lollipops to saltwater taffy to chocolate (makoto's incontrovertible favorite).
on such short notice, makoto decided to take at least one of everything in the store. with any luck, takeru hopefully won't be allergic to any of the confectionary ingredients, but they'll cross that bridge when they come to it. ]
[Of course, Takeru didn't exactly understand how to use the CereVice just yet. So when Makoto send him the address, he just stared at it before looking around and asking for help! Although, as he did so, he couldn't help but feel giddy. It was almost like he was a grown up, he didn't need his mom or his brother to walk him around from place to place! This was more exciting than he thought! Luckily, all that fun didn't distract him from delivering the flowers to him!
While he got lost for a couple of minutes, it didn't take him too long to find the candy store. When he saw who he was looking for, he immediately waved his hand!]
Makoto-san? Makoto-san! Over here! I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long, I wanted to get these flowers to you before it was too late! [Which was why he shoved them right in front of Makoto's face as soon as he caught up to him]
[ oh, man. makoto can't conceal the grin that suffuses his features, completely unraveled by the considerate gesture of a single boy (with patamon's help too, undoubtedly). considerably cheered, he takes a long, protracted whiff of the petals, laughter ringing in his throat. ]
Oh, wow! Thank you so much for these, Takeru-kun! They're so pretty. I'll be sure to take care of them and give them lots and lots of water.
[ and he momentarily steps inside the candy store to retrieve an empty glass vessel, running it under the tap until it was sloshing with water, then carefully arranged the flowers within the vase. objective completed, he set them out in effusive display along the storefront window. wiping his hands dry, he returned to the entryway to hand off a bag filled to the brim with candy (every dentist's nightmare) to takeru. ]
Here! I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got a little bit of everything. Sharing is caring. Don't eat all of it at once, and remember to brush your teeth after every meal.
[ shutting the door behind him with a muted click, he smiles blithely at the younger boy. ]
My work doesn't start up again until much later. Do you want to hang out for a bit? I heard there's some new games over at the arcade.
[Takeru and Patamon didn't need to be told twice that Makoto liked the flowers. And here, they were worried he wouldn't like it! While the flowers were leftovers from a birthday gift for someone else, he wasn't even sure if boys were suppose to like flowers or not. Here he hoped for the best and thought he might like it!
And it was a good thing he did!]
It's not a problem, I'm just glad you liked them! My mom always said that I should repay those who helped me out! It would be really rude if I didn't!
[As Takeru followed Makoto into the store, the boy had to take a look around and absorb everything about this candy store. While he had been to one before, he didn't go to one frequently unless he feared getting cavities. Either way, once Makoto handed him a bag full of candy? Well, how could he help himself?
With a huge grin on his face, he just stared at the taller boy with wide eyes]
Really? This is for me? But I think you should have some too, I don't think Patamon and I could eat that much anyway! And sharing is caring after all!
[He said before handing the open bag back to him to see if he wanted anything]
But sure, I don't mind! As long as I don't have to go play PacMan or Tetris, I don't see why not! I never been to arcade here, it sounds like a lot of fun!
[ this is like the definition of enabling, but all's well that ends well. makoto blanches, the insinuation plastered over his features even before he eventually speaks up, schooling his mouth into an agreeable smile. ]
Yeah, I don't think I'll be playing Pac-Man or Tetris anytime soon, either. There are a bunch you might like ... or I'm hoping that you'll like, at least!
[ continuing out into the street, he's careful to extend his hand as an entreaty to the younger boy before they go, giving some heed to the bystanders milling about through the streets. at the five-minute interval, coasting from block to block with languid calm, makoto eventually speaks up. ]
Excuse my forwardness, but have you been able to find your friends, Takeru-kun? Did anyone familiar from home show up?
[As Takeru thought about what kind of games to play, he gave a small pout. While he knew some of the games here were nothing quite like the ones back home, he couldn't help but wonder...]
Then what kind of games do you have here? I know we were in a game called the ViViD or something, it was really weird!
[As they kept on walking, the boy let his mind wander. With Makoto next to him, he didn't have to worry about constantly keeping an eye on everything. Although, what he said next? He snapped him out of his thoughts and made him frown]
No, I haven't but that's okay though! It just means I need to do a lot of work and make sure they won't be worried about me! Since they're not here anymore, I need to be a grown up now!
It's okay if you've got someone with you, but you should always be careful if you ever find yourself in ViViD. You might end up finding something that would be better left unseen.
[ hallucinations and delusions of the grotesque and macabre, namely. it's nothing any child should bear witness to, much less takeru, so enthused by the prospects of growing up too fast that makoto doesn't have the heart to shoot down his blithe assertions. ]
There's nothing bad about acting like a kid from time to time, Takeru-kun. If you ever need any help, my door's always open.
[ but he's quick to switch the focal point from adult responsibilities at the expense of fun, since makoto can only be a stick in the mud for so long. ]
Hm ... I really like the racing games! Rhythm ones, too — where you challenge your friends to see who can keep dancing to the beat the best. How about you? Did your older brother have lots of video games back home?
Of course! After what happened, I think we should always have someone to go with you! You don't want to be squished by a giant block!
[Sadly, Takeru had yet to see what the ViViD was truly capable of. While he had seen people about to be hanged by hang man, that was the most he had ever seen. Little did he know, there would be something else in store for him later on...
But as the boy listened to Makoto's words, he just smiled at him]
I know that! Arthur-san said the same thing to me, it's okay to ask for help sometimes! I know Cerealia can be a really scary place but that means I need to be careful! The last thing I want is for something to happen to Patamon and I again! It was scary being chased around!
[He does not want to be squished or chased by PacMan again, thank you! Still, he pondered that question to himself before answering.]
I don't know, I never asked him. [Pause] But I play a lot of games! I never heard of a rhythm game before though, maybe we can try that one! That one sounds like a lot of fun!
Oh, really? Well, you're in luck! I've had some hands-on experience with the rhythm games, so I'm not too shabby when it comes to putting up a good fight. I'll teach you.
[ upon reaching the arcade center, makoto's quick to hold the glass door open, ensuring takeru into the neon fluorescent brightness of the arcade center, a scintillant display of gleaming consoles set at periodic intervals. familiar with the place by virtue of regularly picking haru up from the public venue after his work, he doesn't have a hard time weaving through the milling crowds and toward the cerealian equivalent of DDR, festooned with sparklers and a checkered board of arrows lined up like a compass on the floor. ]
How's a practice game sound? Or do you want to try your hand at competing first? There's no telling how good you'll be at it until you give it a shot!
Really, you will?! Thank you so much, Makoto-san! Now I'll have to make sure I pay you back for helping me twice! Although, I don't really know what I should repay you back with though...
[He mumbled before he thought about it. He would need to think of a gift that's better than the sunflowers he got for him! It has to be big and huge as a big thank you! Although, as he went into the arcade, he found himself staring at a huge screen of a certain rhythmic game]
Hm...how about a practice round? I don't know what kind of game this is so I might as well try it and figure it out! But this definitely seems like a game my brother would play!
[With that said, he quickly got on and waited for Makoto!] C'mon, we don't want to keep the game waiting!
You don't have to give me anything. Just seeing you happy is enough for me! I'm sure your brother would want that for you, too.
[ since takeru doesn't have the convenience of either friends or family from home to tide him over, it's especially imperative for makoto that he watches out for his safety. in a place like tellus, with mayhem and chaos just around the corner, his wellbeing is more than enough.
still, there's no time for heavily pressing matters when it comes to cerealian DDR. time to show off some moves. ]
Practice round it is! We'll start off on the tutorial level, so just step on the arrows when they show up, okay?
[ and after flicking through the practice rounds, they're more than ready to go big or go home on the dance floor. ]
The directions should pop up on the screen, but if you've got any questions, let me know!
[Meanwhile, Takeru wasn't too sure about that. He could hear his conscious telling him to do something for Makoto! Even if he said it was okay that he didn't, it still didn't stop the poor boy from pouting to himself.
But as he kept on looking at the screen, he occasionally looked down to see where the arrows went. In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder if this might have been a bad idea after all!]
A-All right then! Um...I'll let you know!
[And as the match began, it was obviously clear who the winner was. As he kept looking down and trying to match the arrows, he started mumbling to himself.]
You got to slow down, I don't think I can catch up! This game is a lot harder than I thought!
Sadly, Makoto's having just about as much luck tackling Cerealia's form of DDR, judging from the way he keeps tripping up the minute the arrow keys light up. Upon closer scrutiny, he's only winning by a small margin (and perpetuated mostly by the fact that his feet are big enough to stomp down on the signals), unlike Takeru, who has to overextend to reach the arrows with the same assiduousness.
With a grimace, Makoto clicks on the holographic screen and abruptly brings the game to a timely demise, extending a hand to Takeru, still largely incapacitated by the spinning lights. ]
Are you sure you want to play another match, Takeru? If you want, we can try something else. There's food over there, but maybe you'd like a prize, instead? The claw machines in this place are pretty fun.
[ And with a wave of his hand, Makoto wastes no time indicating the shimmering tableau of toys and junk on display. ]
[Then it was a good thing Makoto wasn't doing a good job at this game either! For a moment or two, the boy had to wonder if he wasn't playing the game right! With each arrow coming even faster, he was always just a second or two late from missing his target!
But he had to be careful though, if he reached too far, he might end up tripping! And he didn't want Makoto to worry about him!
At the same time, all Patamon could do was just stare at the both of them. Whatever these strange games that humans play, it made no sense to him. But as the game ended, all the boy could do was catch his breath at how intense it was!]
M-Maybe that might be a good idea! That game was really hard! Whoever knows how to play it, they must not be human! [But as he attempted to get back up though?] I...I think that might be a good idea. That seems like it would be a lot easier.
And especially if there's a chance I can win!
i'm so sorry for the extreme delay! please feel free to handwave/drop any of my tags at your leisure
[ While Makoto isn't anywhere near vainglorious with his own achievements, he kind of assumed he was better at sticking the notes. It's not even performance anxiety, at this point; he's nearly getting wasted by the arrow key combos. As it is, calling it quits comes as nothing but (thinly-veiled) relief on his end, ready to steer them toward a game slightly more manageable.
Bringing up the rear, Makoto gestures at the series of games allotted along the perimeter, lights fizzling and aglow. There's a sizable number of crane machines, all equally rigged and potentially difficult to surpass, but he'd managed to succeed with Nonon's encouragement, so it isn't impossible to succeed.
With a slightly abashed frown, Makoto's already sifting in his pockets for his credits card. ]
There's ones with stuffed animals, action figures, assorted toys, collectibles ... which one do you want to try, Takeru-kun?
[That and Takeru really didn't want to face the horror of the dance machine again. Having to run around in the Digital World was enough, he didn't need a machine telling him that he wasn't fast enough thank you! But as it was, he was just happy that he didn't need to go there anymore!
Instead, as they got to the crane machine, the boy's smile grew even bigger! With so many toys around, he suddenly really really wanted something from there! Which was why he placed his head a little too close to the screen!]
Oh, oh! How about some action figures? I really want to try that! Do you think we have enough credits for that? Because I think it would nice to try and get it for you!
[Although, he had to admit, he wasn’t too sure if he was able to get it. But at least it’s worth a shot right?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Voice
Yes, you've got Makoto. Takeru-kun, right? How are you and Patamon doing? [ he's reasonably composed, as per his month-long status ailment of sempiternal zen, but it doesn't stop him from at least internally flustering at how cute this kid is. after all, makoto's deadly flaw is a painful susceptibility to acts of kindness?! ] You don't need to go out of your way for me, but I do love flowers very much, thank you.
[ pausing, makoto considers how to thoughtfully word his intent before eventually speaking up. ] I work over at a candy shop in the Shopping District, so sometimes I'm left over with extras. Is there any type of sweet you really enjoy? I can set some aside for you if you ever happen to drop by.
Voice
[And he heard carefully it in the background, he could even hear Patamon cheering along with him but that was besides the point right now. While there were more important matters to discuss, the smile on his face never went away] But I'm okay, Patamon and I are getting use to everything. Although, it does feel kind of weird that I have to be an adult now since my mom isn't here.
[Not to mention that it was weird having to learn how to buy stuff by himself now!] But anyway, I want to! My mom always said that whenever someone does something for you, you need to do something for them in return! But maybe I can drop by to the candy store right now! I don't want the flowers to die anyway! I'll see you then!
[And with that, off Takeru and Patamon goes! Sorry, Makoto, he's a pretty stubborn boy]
Voice --> Action
[ aw, that's cute. makoto sheepishly withholds a chuckle, one hand pressed flat against the column of his neck, listening intently to takeru's lighthearted banter up until the point he jumps the gun. ]
Whoa, wait a sec', Takeru-kun! I need to forward you the address so you don't get lost. Have a safe trip!
[ with a few taps of the cerevice, makoto sends over the location of the candy store and closes shop to go out on an early break shift. if takeru and patamon manage to maneuver through the shopping district relatively intact, they'll be greeted by the sight of makoto sitting out on the doorstep, absently rifling through the contents of a small paper bag. upon closer appraisal, it's filled to the brim with sweets, anywhere from waiting room-esque lollipops to saltwater taffy to chocolate (makoto's incontrovertible favorite).
on such short notice, makoto decided to take at least one of everything in the store. with any luck, takeru hopefully won't be allergic to any of the confectionary ingredients, but they'll cross that bridge when they come to it. ]
Action
While he got lost for a couple of minutes, it didn't take him too long to find the candy store. When he saw who he was looking for, he immediately waved his hand!]
Makoto-san? Makoto-san! Over here! I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long, I wanted to get these flowers to you before it was too late! [Which was why he shoved them right in front of Makoto's face as soon as he caught up to him]
Action
Oh, wow! Thank you so much for these, Takeru-kun! They're so pretty. I'll be sure to take care of them and give them lots and lots of water.
[ and he momentarily steps inside the candy store to retrieve an empty glass vessel, running it under the tap until it was sloshing with water, then carefully arranged the flowers within the vase. objective completed, he set them out in effusive display along the storefront window. wiping his hands dry, he returned to the entryway to hand off a bag filled to the brim with candy (every dentist's nightmare) to takeru. ]
Here! I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got a little bit of everything. Sharing is caring. Don't eat all of it at once, and remember to brush your teeth after every meal.
[ shutting the door behind him with a muted click, he smiles blithely at the younger boy. ]
My work doesn't start up again until much later. Do you want to hang out for a bit? I heard there's some new games over at the arcade.
Action
And it was a good thing he did!]
It's not a problem, I'm just glad you liked them! My mom always said that I should repay those who helped me out! It would be really rude if I didn't!
[As Takeru followed Makoto into the store, the boy had to take a look around and absorb everything about this candy store. While he had been to one before, he didn't go to one frequently unless he feared getting cavities. Either way, once Makoto handed him a bag full of candy? Well, how could he help himself?
With a huge grin on his face, he just stared at the taller boy with wide eyes]
Really? This is for me? But I think you should have some too, I don't think Patamon and I could eat that much anyway! And sharing is caring after all!
[He said before handing the open bag back to him to see if he wanted anything]
But sure, I don't mind! As long as I don't have to go play PacMan or Tetris, I don't see why not! I never been to arcade here, it sounds like a lot of fun!
Action
Yeah, I don't think I'll be playing Pac-Man or Tetris anytime soon, either. There are a bunch you might like ... or I'm hoping that you'll like, at least!
[ continuing out into the street, he's careful to extend his hand as an entreaty to the younger boy before they go, giving some heed to the bystanders milling about through the streets. at the five-minute interval, coasting from block to block with languid calm, makoto eventually speaks up. ]
Excuse my forwardness, but have you been able to find your friends, Takeru-kun? Did anyone familiar from home show up?
Action
Then what kind of games do you have here? I know we were in a game called the ViViD or something, it was really weird!
[As they kept on walking, the boy let his mind wander. With Makoto next to him, he didn't have to worry about constantly keeping an eye on everything. Although, what he said next? He snapped him out of his thoughts and made him frown]
No, I haven't but that's okay though! It just means I need to do a lot of work and make sure they won't be worried about me! Since they're not here anymore, I need to be a grown up now!
Action
[ hallucinations and delusions of the grotesque and macabre, namely. it's nothing any child should bear witness to, much less takeru, so enthused by the prospects of growing up too fast that makoto doesn't have the heart to shoot down his blithe assertions. ]
There's nothing bad about acting like a kid from time to time, Takeru-kun. If you ever need any help, my door's always open.
[ but he's quick to switch the focal point from adult responsibilities at the expense of fun, since makoto can only be a stick in the mud for so long. ]
Hm ... I really like the racing games! Rhythm ones, too — where you challenge your friends to see who can keep dancing to the beat the best. How about you? Did your older brother have lots of video games back home?
Action
[Sadly, Takeru had yet to see what the ViViD was truly capable of. While he had seen people about to be hanged by hang man, that was the most he had ever seen. Little did he know, there would be something else in store for him later on...
But as the boy listened to Makoto's words, he just smiled at him]
I know that! Arthur-san said the same thing to me, it's okay to ask for help sometimes! I know Cerealia can be a really scary place but that means I need to be careful! The last thing I want is for something to happen to Patamon and I again! It was scary being chased around!
[He does not want to be squished or chased by PacMan again, thank you! Still, he pondered that question to himself before answering.]
I don't know, I never asked him. [Pause] But I play a lot of games! I never heard of a rhythm game before though, maybe we can try that one! That one sounds like a lot of fun!
Action
[ upon reaching the arcade center, makoto's quick to hold the glass door open, ensuring takeru into the neon fluorescent brightness of the arcade center, a scintillant display of gleaming consoles set at periodic intervals. familiar with the place by virtue of regularly picking haru up from the public venue after his work, he doesn't have a hard time weaving through the milling crowds and toward the cerealian equivalent of DDR, festooned with sparklers and a checkered board of arrows lined up like a compass on the floor. ]
How's a practice game sound? Or do you want to try your hand at competing first? There's no telling how good you'll be at it until you give it a shot!
Action
[He mumbled before he thought about it. He would need to think of a gift that's better than the sunflowers he got for him! It has to be big and huge as a big thank you! Although, as he went into the arcade, he found himself staring at a huge screen of a certain rhythmic game]
Hm...how about a practice round? I don't know what kind of game this is so I might as well try it and figure it out! But this definitely seems like a game my brother would play!
[With that said, he quickly got on and waited for Makoto!] C'mon, we don't want to keep the game waiting!
Action
[ since takeru doesn't have the convenience of either friends or family from home to tide him over, it's especially imperative for makoto that he watches out for his safety. in a place like tellus, with mayhem and chaos just around the corner, his wellbeing is more than enough.
still, there's no time for heavily pressing matters when it comes to cerealian DDR. time to show off some moves. ]
Practice round it is! We'll start off on the tutorial level, so just step on the arrows when they show up, okay?
[ and after flicking through the practice rounds, they're more than ready to go big or go home on the dance floor. ]
The directions should pop up on the screen, but if you've got any questions, let me know!
[ and with that, the match begins. ]
Action
But as he kept on looking at the screen, he occasionally looked down to see where the arrows went. In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder if this might have been a bad idea after all!]
A-All right then! Um...I'll let you know!
[And as the match began, it was obviously clear who the winner was. As he kept looking down and trying to match the arrows, he started mumbling to himself.]
You got to slow down, I don't think I can catch up! This game is a lot harder than I thought!
[Yup, definitely regretting it now!]
Action
Sadly, Makoto's having just about as much luck tackling Cerealia's form of DDR, judging from the way he keeps tripping up the minute the arrow keys light up. Upon closer scrutiny, he's only winning by a small margin (and perpetuated mostly by the fact that his feet are big enough to stomp down on the signals), unlike Takeru, who has to overextend to reach the arrows with the same assiduousness.
With a grimace, Makoto clicks on the holographic screen and abruptly brings the game to a timely demise, extending a hand to Takeru, still largely incapacitated by the spinning lights. ]
Are you sure you want to play another match, Takeru? If you want, we can try something else. There's food over there, but maybe you'd like a prize, instead? The claw machines in this place are pretty fun.
[ And with a wave of his hand, Makoto wastes no time indicating the shimmering tableau of toys and junk on display. ]
Action
But he had to be careful though, if he reached too far, he might end up tripping! And he didn't want Makoto to worry about him!
At the same time, all Patamon could do was just stare at the both of them. Whatever these strange games that humans play, it made no sense to him. But as the game ended, all the boy could do was catch his breath at how intense it was!]
M-Maybe that might be a good idea! That game was really hard! Whoever knows how to play it, they must not be human! [But as he attempted to get back up though?] I...I think that might be a good idea. That seems like it would be a lot easier.
And especially if there's a chance I can win!
i'm so sorry for the extreme delay! please feel free to handwave/drop any of my tags at your leisure
Bringing up the rear, Makoto gestures at the series of games allotted along the perimeter, lights fizzling and aglow. There's a sizable number of crane machines, all equally rigged and potentially difficult to surpass, but he'd managed to succeed with Nonon's encouragement, so it isn't impossible to succeed.
With a slightly abashed frown, Makoto's already sifting in his pockets for his credits card. ]
There's ones with stuffed animals, action figures, assorted toys, collectibles ... which one do you want to try, Takeru-kun?
HOW DARE YO- nah, I'm going to keep spamming you
Instead, as they got to the crane machine, the boy's smile grew even bigger! With so many toys around, he suddenly really really wanted something from there! Which was why he placed his head a little too close to the screen!]
Oh, oh! How about some action figures? I really want to try that! Do you think we have enough credits for that? Because I think it would nice to try and get it for you!
[Although, he had to admit, he wasn’t too sure if he was able to get it. But at least it’s worth a shot right?]