A Month of Rest and Relaxation [closed]

[overworker]

Who: Towa Herschel and various friends
When: Throughout the month of Octeuril
Where: Various locations
What: Now that she's returned to Aefenglom, there are a good number of people that Towa would like to catch up with and check in on after being gone so long. Besides-- she could use a bit of a break.
Warnings: None.

(( If we planned something for this month, you're welcome to create your own starter! If you'd like to do something with Towa but we haven't plotted yet, let me know! I just want to keep an eye on how much I'm getting myself into. ))

Comments

[thirdbeauty]

[Ah-?! She actually said it!

Sure, Natsuru had thought of it first, but that was just because of Monika. For a split-second, she gets so flustered at the thought of this really happening that it almost makes her back down. But... then they'd be back where they started, arguing over who takes the floor because Towa is too sweet to let her give it up.]

Okay...

[Her agreement comes in a hushed, nervous little voice. She's still so flustered! Why are her friends so cute and good and amazing?!]

A-As long as you don't mind...

[overworker]

I-I don't mind, as long as you're comfortable with it...

[Goodness, they're both terrible at this, aren't they? But it's almost relieving to know that Natsuru's a little embarrassed about it too-- it's not just her.]

And as long as it keeps you from trying to sleep on the floor.

[thirdbeauty]

[That's her line, Towa! But it kind of makes her chuckle that they're both thinking the same thing.]

Yeah. I don't mind if it's you...

[She blushes, realizing she's echoing the exact words spoken between her and Monika recently, on a different topic.]

Ah, besides, I share with Monika-chan sometimes too! It's... nice, not being alone.

[overworker]

That’s a relief.

[Even though she suggested it, she’s glad she didn’t say something too out of line too suddenly. Even though she doesn’t have the experience with it, she does think she can understand what Natsuru means. She’s 21 after all... there are times that she does feel like it’s really lonely, sleeping all by herself. But she usually shoves those thoughts away pretty quickly.]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have my own room so this is the first time I’ve had a guest like this. I was actually really excited about it this whole time.

[She sits on the bed and motions for Natsuru to join her.]

Actually... there was another reason I wanted to meet too, but that’s... well. It’s not that big of a deal.

[Except she’s stuttering a bit, a sign of her own embarrassment. So it’s not “nothing” either.]

[thirdbeauty]

[It catches Natsuru by surprise, hearing Towa admit that this is her first time having a guest in her room. Not only that, but she was really excited about having her over?! It's... kind of nice to hear.]

Yeah... me too...

[She's still so awkward about saying these things. But being with Towa is nice, comfortable and calming, and she feels safer and more relaxed with her. Now, looking back, she can see how much she was looking forward to spending this time together. Especially after Towa being gone for so long.

She doesn't even hesitate when Towa beckons her to join her. She sits on the bed nearby, then scoots in closer - still looking a little shy, but happy. It's a look Towa should be used to from her. Kind of like her reactions to Towa's compliments, the day they both got roped into modeling.

She perks up, curious, at the suggestion that there might be another reason for them to be here.]

Huh? W-Wait, what is it?

[She noticed the stutter, but Towa wouldn't bring it up if she didn't want to talk about it, right? She wonders what it could be...]

[overworker]

[Well there's no going back now. This is new territory for her-- bonding with Rean had been more of a natural occurrence. This will be the first she's asked someone. They've only known each other a few months, but she still feels strongly about this.]

With things going the way things have been going, I've been thinking about it a lot... the people that I want to protect. We've been pretty fortunate here, but if things get any worse... I want to be in a position where I can make sure those people are safe.

[The Black City-- she remembers when she'd met Natsuru in that dream. And she still thinks about what could have happened if she hadn't found her by chance. And that terrifies her.]

My friends back home are close to me, and I know that they've been trained for dangerous situations. It doesn't mean I won't worry, but I know we'll all have each other no matter what. But most people haven't had the training we have. And I've made new friends that are precious to me.

[Okay, Towa-- out with it.]

That's why I want to ask you how you'd feel if... I asked you to Bond with me?

[thirdbeauty]

[Wow, this is really serious! Natsuru listens attentively as Towa explains. She can relate to a lot of this, too... wanting to be sure the people close to her are safe, especially. She feels she understands where Towa's coming from...

But she still didn't see where the whole thing was going. Those already bigger fae eyes widen a little, and a small gasp slips through slightly parted lips.]

M-Me?! You want to...

[Just... give her a second! She wasn't expecting this! Especially since Towa clearly already has so many friends from home...!]

[overworker]

That is... o-only if you want to. If you don't mind, that is...

[She takes these things too seriously and as a result it feels a lot more embarrassing than it should be. But she managed to come this far so. It should be fine.]

I'm not the strongest, I know. But I'm going to keep working really hard, until I can support everyone I care about. In the meantime, I know my limits but...

[She fidgets a little with the hem of her skirt, but her eyes remain focused-- determined.]

I'd like you to be one of those people. Th-that's all... B-but if you don't want to, I completely understand. I just... hope you'll consider it.

[thirdbeauty]

O-Of course I don't mind...!

[Towa's one of her closest friends in this place, and has been almost from the day they met. It absolutely makes sense to her to accept. She's just still so shocked that, from among all of the friends from home and other people Towa must have met and befriended in this time, that she chose her to want to support and look out for. That, with every witch and monster only being able to handle a few Bonds safely, she wants Natsuru to be one of them. How could she ever say no?!]

N-No, I mean... I do. Want to, that is...

[What a pair they are, both fidgeting nervously and flustered but still determined to say what's on their minds.]

Because... I want to support you too, Towa-san...

[overworker]

[Towa lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. For a moment, she really expected that Natsuru might say no. It's such a relief. And then to hear that she wanted to support her too... she couldn't possibly be happier.]

Natsuru...

[She takes the other fidgeting girl's hands into her own with a bright smile.]

Thank you. That... means a lot to me. I wanted to ask you ever since I called you last month, but I knew that this was something that we should really talk about in person. But it feels good to finally be able to say it.