[Mind. Blown. He's really not sure how to feel about that now and it's obvious as he fumbles for words.]
I don't doubt that. I remember everything you've told me about her. [And Rei's word means a lot in that regard.] ...in that case? We'll do everything to protect her, too. I know it's your job but having back-up isn't bad, right?
[He lets himself relax again once he's sure this conversation won't blow up in his face and his expression lightens up as well. Rei's definitely a good friend, but it's nice to have the confirmation that it goes both ways.
Even more so that he's apparently grown enough to bump from boy to man. That's something to mull on.]
Thanks, Rei. [It means a lot coming from her. He knows that. However, she keeps talking and he pauses again, fighting off a sudden blush and quickly looking elsewhere so he can answer.] Maybe...yeah. Someday? [Ahaha...about that...maybe he should be honest with her about that, too.]
[She's about to let that line of questioning drop...when she feels a sense of him wrinkle up a bit. Sorry, Hiro. You've inadvertently triggered psychic big sister mode.
Ow. [He grumbles, pushing at her hand even if it didn't hurt at all. And before Baymax can interject he's waving a hand.] I'm fine, Baymax. [He settles on a small glare up at Rei though he knows she's right. It's pretty obvious to anybody paying attention when these things are brought up, and it's not his fault a lot of his thoughts center around Ruby lately.]
…that's probably because we haven't told a lot of people yet. It's a really, really…really new thing. Like. Two weeks ago kind of new.
[Rei only laughs, a light titter quickly covered by a hand. She's not meaning to tease but the glare is about as intimidating as a puppy. A breath follows a nod and he gets a small dip of her waist.]
Well, whomever you like, I'm glad for you. I won't pry, I know you'll tell me when you're ready.
[He can deal with Rei's teasing better than Tadashi's at least and he's actually pouting...which doesn't help the puppy-image, he's sure. But then again...would it be so bad for Rei to know? He considers that for a moment, staring at her from under his bangs before he responds with a nod of his own.]
It's just...you can't tell Tadashi. I don't think he's ready for that knowledge yet. [A beat.] That means no telling Ami either. [He knows by now that the senshi are the kind of friends who share everything.]
[Rei reaches a hand down to rest on his shoulder and looks him square in the eye. She understands, Hiro. She does. She had been nervous, telling Ami and Usagi about Minako. Hell, Athena too. Teasing was an irritant.]
It's not my tale to tell, unless it's relevant to a dangerous situation. I won't say a word.
[He's nervous now, but it helps that she's taking this in stride. It was easy to tell Yu because he'd been drunk and it was easy to tell Dipper and Trowa because he'd been trying to push his friends to be more courageous, but Rei…it's the same way he'd feel about telling Tadashi and maybe that's why he's fidgeting a little.]
Right. [He wets his lips, still trying to look at her but settling for somewhere just past eye contact.] You know Ruby, don't you?
[For what it's worth, she's not trying to make him feel off or anything. It's curiosity, and that's all. His answer, though, doesn't shock her at all. Ruby was cute. Extremely cute. And energetic enough to keep up with Hiro.]
Ruby-chan? Yes. I do. Not well, mind you, but she is someone I'm fond of.
[Ruby's adorable and it's clear he's far, far gone with that. He's already kind of crazy about her but he's kept a tight lid on it because it's so weird to think about.]
She's been around since day one. I think she and Tadashi arrived at the same time, but she's one of the first people I've met here. I trust her with my life and…I've liked her for a while. I'm kinda lucky she likes me, too.
[It's nice hearing that. Rei knew the previous Ruby well, and had been reconnecting slowly with her the last couple of months.]
That's about right. She'd returned around then, I think. She's definitely trustworthy, and incredibly energetic. We know one another, and keep getting stuck fighting CERES stooges regularly. Robots and things of that nature. I trust her, though the opportunity to reveal myself hasn't quite come up. Just my human powers.
As for luck? I'm not sure it's that. It's probably that you're dependable.
[She ruffles his hair at that, deliberately pricking at his ego. Can't let it get too big.]
She told me that she's been here before. That's kinda why we became friends…she worked with Tadashi and she got how weird it was that people knew previous versions of us. [Ruby's been Hiro's confidant for a lot of things in the colony. The only other person besides Yu who knows what happened after Tadashi's death. The only person he's willingly allowing himself to maybe be a little more emotional around. Ruby's changed a lot of the way he thinks.] She'd probably think Mars is really cool, too, knowing Ruby. She really idolizes heroes because of the hunters and huntresses back in her world.
[All the more reason he wants to be a hero here, too. He whines slightly, ducking under her hand with a "Rei, stoooop!" and swatting as he dances away.] I never thought having a hugs-a-lot bot would really help me pick up girls. [He rolls his eyes before settling on something else.] I want to do my best for her…is that weird?
Yeah. I know that was hard on some people. Yosuke-kun most of all, of the people I've gotten to know. [And that's entirely on her. She and his predecessor had been extremely close, and he was trying, still trying, to wrap his head around that.]
And I know she would. She told me some about her world, as did a guy named Mercury, but he's been gone forever. It sounds pretty dreary, all things considered. But she's obviously quite happy anyway.
[Whiners get double punished usually, but she's not going to tease when he's talking all serious. At least not much.]
No? It's not at all strange. I want to do my best for Minako, and I know she's the same for me. I'd say that's completely normal, Hiro.
Yu's best friend, right? [That's the only Yosuke he knows.] It wasn't too bad for me...according to Mosley Tadashi and I were just footprints. We weren't here that long, and Athena and Mary said the same thing.
Mercury? [This is new. It's a name he stores for memory to ask later.] I mean...fighting the Grimm can't be easy but it's what she wants to do. It's what they're all going to school for and I know she'll do it.
[Please no. He'll behave...mostly. He runs a hand through his hair, still embarrassed about this conversation but finding it's not as bad as it could be to discuss this with Rei.] You and Minako have known each other for years though. I just met Ruby a couple of months ago. [Neck rub.] I guess I just don't want to scare her off with everything. I mean I know that's not gonna happen but...y'know. Sometimes things are bad and I don't know if I can be the best for her. [...annnd he's scrubbing his face. He knows Rei. He knows Rei won't let him get away with this.] Sorry, never mind. You know what I mean. That's why it's weird. But if it's normal then...I'll figure it out.
Correct. [She has to smile, nod a couple of times.] On both counts. Mercury Black. He was...weird. I didn't like him much, but he was useful at times. [As a human shield.
His self-deprecation gets a warning look even as he corrects himself. Smart boy. Very smart.]
And...you know exactly what I'm going to say about that. Sometimes things are bad, but you'll keep doing your best. And that's the best thing for her. That you keep doing what you can. That's what's most important in a relationship. That you do right by them, and I know you will. You've got a good heart.
What a weird name. [He wrinkles his nose before focusing on the other topic...and cowing just a bit. Right. He knows.]
...she knows about Tadashi. She knows everything about home, too, and she's handled it like a champ. I'm sort of impressed. [And grateful. It's what he's needed without realizing it.] She doesn't need me to save her since she can save herself, but we're gonna be good at saving people together. That's the best I can do. Even if she still makes me nervous. [He looks up at her then, considering.] ...the word "girlfriend" stops being weird after a while right?
[Focusing on the serious for a moment, abandoning thoughts of that annoying young man, Rei takes all that in. Yes, Ruby was incredibly capable for a human her age. She saw a lot of similarities between the younger girl and the Senshi when they’d first started out, and that garnered immediate attention and respect. Much like Hiro, who’s words are only adding to the esteem she holds him in. He’s stupidly selfless sometimes, a rare trait in people, and it’s nice to see him honestly finding someone he can connect to.
She doesn’t really have a lot to say. It’s hard to really put into words what she’s thinking, but she does beam and lay a hand on his shoulder, putting a good bit of weight into what little she does say.]
Having someone you share that kind of bond with at your back can do a lot for you in a fight. Morale is as important as strength, and being with someone you care about helps in ways I can’t even describe. [She looks down into his eyes for just a second, a glittering laugh just on the tip of her tongue.] It does get less weird. All of it does.
[And out of everything, that's the thing that makes him feel better. He fully relaxes after that, unable to stop the small smile flitting across his features as he mulls over those words. Most importantly he believes her when she says all of that, knowing it to be true based on how he's always felt about Ruby.]
Then I hope I get to be with her for a long time to really see it. [He can admit that much.] ....thanks, Rei. [He can't help but laugh slightly.] Why is it that somehow you make this stuff make sense? [Not so much make sense, but rather how she can phrase it so it sits well with him. It's a talent, he thinks.]
[Her eyes close in a genuinely happy little smile. She gets you, Hiro. She's seen people like you before, she knows how to talk to them, too.
But she can't restrain a laugh.]
Because I know how to read you. [You opened the door for that one.] I've been an adviser, tactician, and diplomat for longer than recorded history, remember? I'd like to think I know a few things about people.
[Humans, aliens, the works. All of the Senshi are capable of his sort of thing. Rei's just better at diplomacy than them thanks to her maturity.]
And I'm a priestess too. [Winking at him.] What's what we're supposed to do, you know.
That's almost like cheating. [Not that he minds. He's well aware he needs people that know how to interpret him and that Rei's had thousands of years of experience and lifetimes to figure it all out.] ...but if you can't use your skills on other people what's the point?
[Shrug!] Come on. Let's go see what's out there before our friends catch up.
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I don't doubt that. I remember everything you've told me about her. [And Rei's word means a lot in that regard.] ...in that case? We'll do everything to protect her, too. I know it's your job but having back-up isn't bad, right?
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[The chill leaves Rei's voice, though, lips quirking in another of her quiet little expressions of amusement. She hums softly, happily.]
You're a good friend, Hiro. Probably the most worthwhile man I've met in Cerealia. [Yes, she called you a man. Will wonders never cease?]
You'll make someone very happy one day, when you start dating.
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Even more so that he's apparently grown enough to bump from boy to man. That's something to mull on.]
Thanks, Rei. [It means a lot coming from her. He knows that. However, she keeps talking and he pauses again, fighting off a sudden blush and quickly looking elsewhere so he can answer.] Maybe...yeah. Someday? [Ahaha...about that...maybe he should be honest with her about that, too.]
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Combat mode engage.]
Who are you seeing?
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Who said I was seeing anybody!? [Other than that delicate squeak to the end of his sentence.]
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Your heart. And your demeanor. I feel like I caught you with your hand in the cookie jar.
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…that's probably because we haven't told a lot of people yet. It's a really, really…really new thing. Like. Two weeks ago kind of new.
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Well, whomever you like, I'm glad for you. I won't pry, I know you'll tell me when you're ready.
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It's just...you can't tell Tadashi. I don't think he's ready for that knowledge yet. [A beat.] That means no telling Ami either. [He knows by now that the senshi are the kind of friends who share everything.]
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It's not my tale to tell, unless it's relevant to a dangerous situation. I won't say a word.
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Right. [He wets his lips, still trying to look at her but settling for somewhere just past eye contact.] You know Ruby, don't you?
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Ruby-chan? Yes. I do. Not well, mind you, but she is someone I'm fond of.
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She's been around since day one. I think she and Tadashi arrived at the same time, but she's one of the first people I've met here. I trust her with my life and…I've liked her for a while. I'm kinda lucky she likes me, too.
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That's about right. She'd returned around then, I think. She's definitely trustworthy, and incredibly energetic. We know one another, and keep getting stuck fighting CERES stooges regularly. Robots and things of that nature. I trust her, though the opportunity to reveal myself hasn't quite come up. Just my human powers.
As for luck? I'm not sure it's that. It's probably that you're dependable.
[She ruffles his hair at that, deliberately pricking at his ego. Can't let it get too big.]
Plus, you've got a cute robot.
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[All the more reason he wants to be a hero here, too. He whines slightly, ducking under her hand with a "Rei, stoooop!" and swatting as he dances away.] I never thought having a hugs-a-lot bot would really help me pick up girls. [He rolls his eyes before settling on something else.] I want to do my best for her…is that weird?
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And I know she would. She told me some about her world, as did a guy named Mercury, but he's been gone forever. It sounds pretty dreary, all things considered. But she's obviously quite happy anyway.
[Whiners get double punished usually, but she's not going to tease when he's talking all serious. At least not much.]
No? It's not at all strange. I want to do my best for Minako, and I know she's the same for me. I'd say that's completely normal, Hiro.
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Mercury? [This is new. It's a name he stores for memory to ask later.] I mean...fighting the Grimm can't be easy but it's what she wants to do. It's what they're all going to school for and I know she'll do it.
[Please no. He'll behave...mostly. He runs a hand through his hair, still embarrassed about this conversation but finding it's not as bad as it could be to discuss this with Rei.] You and Minako have known each other for years though. I just met Ruby a couple of months ago. [Neck rub.] I guess I just don't want to scare her off with everything. I mean I know that's not gonna happen but...y'know. Sometimes things are bad and I don't know if I can be the best for her. [...annnd he's scrubbing his face. He knows Rei. He knows Rei won't let him get away with this.] Sorry, never mind. You know what I mean. That's why it's weird. But if it's normal then...I'll figure it out.
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His self-deprecation gets a warning look even as he corrects himself. Smart boy. Very smart.]
And...you know exactly what I'm going to say about that. Sometimes things are bad, but you'll keep doing your best. And that's the best thing for her. That you keep doing what you can. That's what's most important in a relationship. That you do right by them, and I know you will. You've got a good heart.
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...she knows about Tadashi. She knows everything about home, too, and she's handled it like a champ. I'm sort of impressed. [And grateful. It's what he's needed without realizing it.] She doesn't need me to save her since she can save herself, but we're gonna be good at saving people together. That's the best I can do. Even if she still makes me nervous. [He looks up at her then, considering.] ...the word "girlfriend" stops being weird after a while right?
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[Focusing on the serious for a moment, abandoning thoughts of that annoying young man, Rei takes all that in. Yes, Ruby was incredibly capable for a human her age. She saw a lot of similarities between the younger girl and the Senshi when they’d first started out, and that garnered immediate attention and respect. Much like Hiro, who’s words are only adding to the esteem she holds him in. He’s stupidly selfless sometimes, a rare trait in people, and it’s nice to see him honestly finding someone he can connect to.
She doesn’t really have a lot to say. It’s hard to really put into words what she’s thinking, but she does beam and lay a hand on his shoulder, putting a good bit of weight into what little she does say.]
Having someone you share that kind of bond with at your back can do a lot for you in a fight. Morale is as important as strength, and being with someone you care about helps in ways I can’t even describe. [She looks down into his eyes for just a second, a glittering laugh just on the tip of her tongue.] It does get less weird. All of it does.
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Then I hope I get to be with her for a long time to really see it. [He can admit that much.] ....thanks, Rei. [He can't help but laugh slightly.] Why is it that somehow you make this stuff make sense? [Not so much make sense, but rather how she can phrase it so it sits well with him. It's a talent, he thinks.]
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But she can't restrain a laugh.]
Because I know how to read you. [You opened the door for that one.] I've been an adviser, tactician, and diplomat for longer than recorded history, remember? I'd like to think I know a few things about people.
[Humans, aliens, the works. All of the Senshi are capable of his sort of thing. Rei's just better at diplomacy than them thanks to her maturity.]
And I'm a priestess too. [Winking at him.] What's what we're supposed to do, you know.
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[Shrug!] Come on. Let's go see what's out there before our friends catch up.
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[And away they go. Hopefully without any more incidents.]