[open] ring ring, bingo?

[esperimental]

WHO: Ritsu Kageyama and people who are probably nicer than him
WHERE: All around the city
WHEN: Throughout July
WHAT: Frustrated teen wants answers, does silly things for it; July catch-all, you know the drill!
WARNINGS: None for now!

[ My plotting post for bingo help is over here! ]

i. At least they're not grayberries

[ On the university school grounds of Apprassage, Ritsu mans a respectably built stand of questionable legality. He's fairly certain he can get away with it even with age alone, his professor guardian may have lost his memories of Retrospec, but was supportive in Ritsu's inexplicable one-day business venture. ]

Blueberry juice.
Freshly squeezed.
We have ice.

[ Now that sure is a passionate sales voice, yessir. Also before anyone asks, it's a Royal We. ]

ii. The hero nobody deserves

[ Some kid in a mask stands... uhh. Not that tall. Not that proudly. Maintaining a cross-armed pose lacking in passion. But the summer wind blows, and his cape dramatically flutters. He really hated he got a task like this in summer. He'd hate it all other seasons too but now the weather would be against him as well. Should've checked the forecast, should've picked another day. Wished he had money for sunglasses instead of goggles.

... Should concede and open up that umbrella, now before he gets sunburn. And maybe the shade would make him slightly harder to recognize. Ah, who was he kidding. He looks like some lost kid who wanted to celebrate Halloween a full couple months early. ]

Hey, you.

[ There's a point now, sorry if you were trying to ignore him. ]

Tell me, what do superheroes do?

iii. Maybe impossible

"Flash mob"...

[ Echoing the text on the square as he's seated at Tribunal Terrace, there's a frown on Ritsu's face even more intense than his usual one. He goes ahead and watches a video, shaking his head in defiance after a couple seconds. He's seated outside so the lack of earphones shouldn't bother too many people, but some might've still heard a pop song or Broadway that they knew. ]

No way. Definitely no way. A musical isn't any better. I can't do this kind of thing even with a team. Did anyone else get this kind of assignment? There's no role I can fit.

[ Could always be Robert during Enchanted, does that count Ritsu? Watching on, his will seems to be wilting, and his brows remain furrowed. ]

... Is this supposed to be music?

[ Well, even if you can't help him with such a monumental task, you can still take those as fighting words. ]

Comments

[chargebomb]

Aw, this is nothing. I've had way worse. [ pshh, he just runs a hand through his hair, only barely self-consciously. well, sure, he'd stepped in to help this stranger--naw, ritsu's not a stranger, they totally know each other now, instant best friends. he tries very hard not to think of the vision he'd just had-- ] If people ask, you have a nice story to go with it. Kicking the asses of some bully kids three grades older than you.

... But I gueeess I can help you get some ice or whatever for yourself, if you need some. [ he punches ritsu's shoulder, not quite lightly because yeah. he doesn't pull his punches. even as a friend. ]

[esperimental]

[ Every time someone replies with a phrase like that, concern only really grows. Ritsu sighs, hand to forehead. ] Well... I couldn't have done it alone. But bringing you up might be an interesting story on its own.

[ Ow. Ritsu manages to keep steady despite being taken by surprise, and his all-around unfamiliarity with physical affection outside family. He can only stare at Shou in confusion with a way too serious expression. ]

... Is this how best friendship is supposed to work?

[chargebomb]

Obviously! [ no hesitation whatsoever as this time he bumps ritsu's shoulder, straight where he'd punched him. ] You had no idea? C'mon, Ritsu, this is all Best Friendship 101. We ride together and beat up your enemies together. [ never mind that he hadn't even recognized him until just now, that's just details. ]

[esperimental]

[ NOT WHILE HE'S CARRYING GROCERIES how many times must we do this fam ]

... I don't have enemies. [ Well. Given just now. ] ... On most days.

[chargebomb]

Aw, really? Everyone needs a good nemesis every once in a while. [ ritsu lives a deprived life!!... no, it's a perfectly healthy one. ]

Oi, I can be your enemy sometimes~ what are best friends for?

[ WHAT DOES THIS EVEN MEAN. ]

[esperimental]

[ Don't look at Ritsu he has a visual 404 as well. ]

Pass.

[ He doesn't really know what else he should say to that. ]

Oh look, this bench is free. You sit still while I go buy the ice.

[ And look he's even trusting you with the grocery bag!! Be a good best frienemesis okay. ]

[chargebomb]

Sit still, huh... [ what is he, a dog??... but if so he is at least trained enough to obey, he just plops down on the bench and watches ritsu head in, waving after him. ] Sure, sure. Take your time, get me a treat while you're at it. [ he's. probably kidding.

he'd probably normally want to accompany him, but right now he has... to think about... what just happened back there. maybe they really had been enemies once, who knows? he's not sure what to think about it, but he likes ritsu... better not tell him about that casually violent memory. ]

[esperimental]

[ Ritsu is not an excellent reader of jokes. When he arrives back to Shou's side shortly, he's got two lollipops in his hand along with ice carried in a plastic bag in the other. He catches just a glimpse of Shou looking blankly into nothing, and his eyebrows raise. ]

... What's the matter with you? Don't tell me you're more hurt than you thought you were.

[ He frets but Shou doesn't seem like the type to want to go to a clinic. Ritsu goes ahead with the treats first, he figures it'll be an okay distraction from the stinging of ice later on. ]

Here, pick. Strawberry or grape.

[chargebomb]

[ he snaps out of it at the sound of ritsu's voice, practically trained--but he's the type who wouldn't spend too much time being moody and thoughtful over this, in the end.

a-ahhh, ritsu got... a treat for him... if he were a dog his tail would be wagging, but he just beams up at him. ] What? I'm fine. Like those guys could put the hurt on me...

Anyway--you really do care! [ not that he thought he didn't, but. kyaa, kyaa... ] Grape! [ he holds out a paw hand. like a dog... ]

[esperimental]

[ Why is he so excited?? The tone shift was so rapid Ritsu can only blink in confusion before complying and giving him the lollipop before he sits down beside him, unwrapping the strawberry one. He's not looking directly at him yet when he asks his next question. ]

You get into fights often, huh?

[ Those were not the moves of some rookie. ]

[chargebomb]

[ he's excited because... it's ritsu...... this is a legitimate reason.

but he'll cool it a little and just happily sticks the candy in his mouth, leaning back against the bench. ] Kinda, yeah. [ well, he looks slightly delinquent so it's hardly a surprise. ] You get idiots everywhere who think they can just beat people up into following them. I don't, I just fight back. [ ... mostly... probably. ]

And you look like some honors student kid who hasn't been in a fight before.

[esperimental]

[ little gay reasons ]

Mm. [ Ritsu nods in what seems like passing fascination, but it's actually pretty genuine. He might've turned out like this if he was able to indulge his revenge fantasies against bullies... weird thought. ]

It's wrong to stay out of trouble, now? [ He's going to go ahead and press the ice where he estimated Shou got hit, if he's not going to hold it up himself then Ritsu won't mind just doing it for him a bit longer, he has his other hand for the one to his own cheek anyway. ]

... There was one fight that wasn't the one earlier. It doesn't count when you can't do anything. Overprotective parents followed.

[ And that's probably succinct enough an explanation. ]

[chargebomb]

It's not wrong. I wouldn't say I'm in the right, but I'd like to think I have a good idea of what justice is. [ but that's for something more important than just bullies. he presses the ice pack to his cheek, tootally trying to seem casual while ritsu tends to him. a-ahh, this is nice... being fawned over a little by cute boy he remembers beating up once upon a time... the dream. ]

What happened in that other fight, huh? [ ... ritsu's explanation is probably enough, but. he's still nosy. ]

[esperimental]

... They were asshole high schoolers then too. I hope I don't turn into them at that age.

[ Ritsu adjusts to a more comfortable position, with a frown. ]

I didn't know how to pick my fights right then. They took our money, I wanted it back. Ended up in the hospital.

[ That "our" as well as the other tiny details are slips that he won't feel like explaining anytime soon. He slides his lollipop over with his tongue to the other side of his mouth, mumbling and thankful for its flavor being a distraction. ] Don't want to worry family over things that can be avoided.

[chargebomb]

[ ... ] You're never gonna become a low-life like them. Picking on people younger than you is the worst. It's something only greedy cowards do. If you get bullied this much, guess they must think you look like a good target...

Hey. [ leeaning in a little, smirking with more challenge even through cuts and mild bruises. it doesn't matter to him if he has the whole story, what matters is-- ] Want me to teach you how to fight? Just so you can get one over on assholes. Even the odds a little.

[esperimental]

I don't think twice is really much, but...

[ Before he goes on a defensive tangent that he's never thought too much of how people looked at him-- Shou's proposal is interesting, and he can't lie he'd feel better about not having to run to the authorities all the time some incident happened. To be able to cull it himself, isn't that a thought.

He had an inexplicably happy memory of laughing over a number of others he had defeated, and it bothered him because of the surge of his victory high, and its story being incomplete. Who threw the first punch? Was he justified? But just because he learns how to fight, he doesn't have to be that person in his memory. If he had better self-control, that won't happen. And his parents don't live here. ]

Suzuki, I... [ "Will think about it?" What is it?

Ritsu lets silence settle between them again, before temporarily taking out his lollipop. ]

... If you know how to tone it down enough so people don't worry about what I'm doing too much, then it's a deal.

[chargebomb]

Twice is two times too many, depending on how you look at it. But if you're strong, you don't have to take it.

And you are strong. [ yes, even after just meeting him and barely knowing him--he knows this. ] As long as you don't go crazy and you know yourself and what's right, you're fine. [ even after just barely knowing him--maybe he just has this unexplainable faith in ritsu, in this almost complete stranger, but he doesn't doubt it. he wouldn't even think about doubting it.

ritsu's answer makes him grin wide, showing off teeth. ]

Anyway, I dunno about turning it down. [ DOES HE EVER tone anything down?? ] But hey, you can use your best judgment. Like I always do. [ totally. safe. ]

[esperimental]

[ That's a fair point. What makes him start raising a brow is when Shou begins praising him when Ritsu's pretty sure he doesn't have a very good look going for him right now, holding ice up to where a solid punch got him.

He's not sure if it's embarrassment or confusion at that beaming smile that makes him turn his face away from Shou's, but he'll clear his throat, still in thought. ]

Starting from your max level, huh? Is that really going to work?

[chargebomb]

[ he tries not to laugh for two seconds, then fails. the bruise is a great look. ritsu all beat up... it's a good aesthetic. ]

Of course it'll work. Everything I do works. [ SO CONFIDENT for practically no reason at all. ] Whaat, are you doubting your new best friend now? I'll be offended.

[esperimental]

[ Ritsu's so surprised by the laugh and you can practically his shoulders bristle? Why are you like this Shou. ]

... You're so eager to help me, I don't understand you at all.

[ He reclines, facing him again. ] Not that I'm ungrateful, but you are really, really weird.

[chargebomb]

Why wouldn't I want to help you? We're friends. [ even if he just decided that right now. ] What, it's weird to be a nice guy and help some straightedge like you learn to street fight?

[esperimental]

Basically.

[ If Shou hadn't saved him to begin with, this type of conversation would have turned out way different. "Nice guy" and "street fight" are sure a combo too. ]

When are we starting this? ... And don't go "immediately", I think I've had enough fight for today.

[chargebomb]

I can go for immediately! But fiiine. [ DRAMATIC HUFF as he rubs at the sore spot being iced over. ] Whenever you like is fine for me. I don't have too many obligations.

[ he... sure must live a carefree life, but he definitely looks like a delinquent kid with nothing going on in his life. first appearances that probably don't deceive. he just grins. ] Just let me know. Otherwise, I'll find you. [ that's not ominous at all. ]

[esperimental]

... I guess it's a little late for this, but it's not like we had the chance to earlier.

[ Ritsu places his lollipop by the fingers holding the ice first, not wanting to talk with food in his mouth even if it's just that piece of candy. He then poises himself for a perfect posture formal handshake. Nerd. ]

Nice to meet you, Suzuki. Thanks for being someone I can't understand.

[ And his smile here is pretty genuine. Sorry for your heart, Shou. ]

[chargebomb]

[ d-doki... what is this feeling...

it's... instant best friendship at first sight, obviously. he doesn't bother doing anything as formal as even taking his candy out, he just grins around his and slaps ritsu's hand in an enthusiastic shake back. well, ritsu doesn't seem like the fistbump type. ]

You're a weirdo, too...

Anyway, I'll try to be even more mysterious from now on. [ him? mysterious? hilarious... in a way, anyway. ]