betheman | IC INBOX

[Gongenzaka would technically smell Toki before he hears him, but identifying people by scent is far from something he allows himself to do in common practice. It becomes something more akin to background noise- something easy to ignore. As such, it takes until there is a knock at the door before Gongenzaka realizes someone is there- and the teen rather calmly gets up from his homework to go and answer it.

He's still not sure what to make of Toki. He can't tell if the other hates him, or not, but Yuuya has pressed for him to just forget about it and stop worrying about it enough times and between that and the incident with his grandfather everything sort of floated off and away from memory.

Which of course means there's no hiding the shock- and confusion, and mild anxiety- when he opens the door.] Auh....Toki? [He sounds almost hopeful despite himself- he prefers to build bridges not burn them after all, and while he never realized Toki had blocked his number, the last interaction they had over text did not exactly feel like a situation that ended remotely well. But the past was the past, Yuuya had long since swatted the nervousness away, etc...etc...

So Gongenzaka tries to greet Toki as if it were a fresh slate. More or less.] I, the man Gongenzaka, did not expect to see you I admit- is there something I can help with? [he asks pleasantly, rubbing the back of his head.]

[Okay, this was good. Toki was expecting a glare or some glowering, or at least a sigh of obvious annoyance.]

Gongenzaka! How have you been~!? [He doesn't care, but it's polite or whatever to ask.] So! I have a request for you and I think you should consider it even though we're not really you know, like friends or anything, but considering it's schoolwork related and you're smarter than me and you like to do homework and everything, do you want to do a project together~!?

[He's expecting a slammed door, or again, a sigh of annoyance.]

[Toki receives nothing of what he expects- actually he doesn't even receive the sort of response one typically associates with 'loving homework', but all that really matters is the fact that Gongenzaka's response is positive.

Utterly confused, but positive all the same.] Mnh- well, I would not say that I 'like' homework exactly, but I certainly do not 'dislike' it... [he trails off casually, a few rapid blinks coming with the statement.] But if you are in need of a partner and feel I am a good option for it then I, the man Gongenzaka, would be happy to help!

[He almost says 'happy to help a friend', but Toki just said they aren't friends, so he's pretty sure he shouldn't push that thought. So instead he steps back, opening the door wider.] Would you like to perhaps sit? What sort of project is this for that matter, that you are able to invite others outside of the class? [Gongenzaka adds, genuine interest audible in his words. It's not unheard of for such collaborations to occur outside of classes after all- if anything they're rather common. Mostly he's curious to see what Toki thinks he can do.]

[Toki just stands there for a second. Yes? He said yes just like that?]

I don't exactly need a partner! It's optional, but I figured it was a better chance of getting a good grade, you know!? Like, I passed one class last semester! I can use all the help I can get! I really like this class and I don't want to like do something incredibly stupid for this assignment or anything because I worked on it at the last minute!

[He's rambling on, but enters the room and sits at one of the desks.]

It's a project for Alchemy and Artifice, for like a glamour spell thing, maybe!? I have notes!

[Which he digs out of his bag and hands to Gongenzaka. They're out of order, scrawled messily, and in both French and Japanese. Sometimes switching languages within the same sentence. If Gongenzaka can make anything out of them, it details Jail's alternative assignment.]

It's basically a presentation of artifacts that you've made magic, but hidden as mundane things and you have to use them without the other students knowing to get points! There's also points for figuring out what the others have done, but I kind of have that covered!

[He's going to cheat on that part, but he won't tell Gongenzaka that.]

Ohhh....so it is extra credit then... [The fact that it's optional means it was an option presented to Toki after all- so he doesn't doubt that it's a legitimate one. And- ...ONE PASSED CREDIT!?] MNH-! I...Is that so...

[One class...he hasn't heard anything like that since Yuuya dropped a year purposefully...] It will be difficult to recover from that, but I, the man Gongenzaka, will certainly do what I can then!

[He won't let Yuuya's mistakes repeat! (not that he realizes those were deliberate obviously)

Gongenzaka carefully takes the notes, eyebrows raising at the French. Last he recalled, Toki didn't speak it; a small, somewhat soft smile breaks over his face despite himself as a result.] Oh...you have been learning French? [he observes almost hopefully, looking over the notes. Messy scrawls, certainly- but!] You seem to be doing well with that!

[He means it quite honestly.

He needs to focus on the assignment however- the notes are...well, the french itself was better than expected from a beginner, but at the end of the day Toki's notes are still Toki's notes. They're hard to read.] Hnnnn...so then, you are seeking to discretely charm objects with magic? I, the man Gongenzaka, have certainly been practicing a few rune techniques that may perhaps help then...ah.

[He blinks, flipping through the notes.] Though, I should make certain to know just what sort of magic is 'allowed' and 'not' then if detection is part of the test...depending on what sorts of charms are in place, it would be impossible to know they were there at all yes? However it would be of no use to you then if any of those charms were against the rules to begin with...

[Mostly he's thinking of things that would require activation- if the goal is to identify constant spells, something that needs activation would be cheating.

And quite possibly the kind of cheating that would get Toki's marks docked.]

Not really extra credit, it's like an assignment you can choose to do instead of the one in class during the BBC filming! It's still a requirement! If it was extra credit I wouldn't have bothered with something that's so involved!

[It is, indeed, a legitimate assignment though. As for one passed credit, that was unprecedented here; Toki lucked out on getting an A on the midterm, allowing him to scrape by with a 52 over-all in Daemon Contracting. It's a lofty goal if Gongenzaka intends to help him pass any class this semester.]

I- what? [Toki's confused at the... praise?] Uhh, yes! I'm not taking a French class, but I study it on my own because I didn't understand like anybody and it's really not that hard, it turns out~!

[He listens to Gongenzaka's take on the assignment, but he doesn't understand the question.]

Activation!? She didn't say anything about things like that! Or I don't remember that she did! Just that it had to be something that was used during the class and that the magic had to be used! Oh! But her example was a pencil that shoots lasers and also doesn't get dull, so if a pencil that doesn't get dull can be used and count, then I figure that's like always activated, right!?

[He's not sure what "activation" actually is in terms of magic.]

The goal, I think, is just to know what object everyone's made magic!? Maybe?

[He was so confident going into this in terms of what was required, but as he's done before, Gongenzaka has made him think he's incredibly stupid. Sarona turned out to be the same way when he tried studying with her. And they were both very good students.]

You know, maybe I shouldn't even try this~! I'm going to fail anyway! I'm sorry I bothered you~!

Oh, I see! [That also makes sense- after all,] Because of the things we cannot show on screen then...

Well, as I said, you are doing quite well with French! [he encourages, beaming widely. Now then, the assign-

Uh oh. For a while, it looks as though Gongenzaka is following along with Toki's words readily. They make sense, and they're good ideas. But then things start to turn a bit south. Rather, a bit self-deprecating.

His instinct is to shout- to shout, 'don't be ridiculous!'

But it occurs to him that the last time anything like that happened, it went worse.] Toki, [he instead starts.] ...You are not bothering me.

...More over you have passed at least one class before, yes? Therefore, [he presses on, not allowing Toki to interrupt for the moment,] It isn't certain that you would fail.

If the teacher did not speak of activation, then it is likely that 'activation' does not matter here. A laser is certainly something that needs to be activated for example, but as you said, a pencil that never dulls is something that is always active!

Regardless, it appears to be as you say then- the charms involved can be anything, and the goal is merely to identify the magical objects among others!

[He speaks with honesty- with as much calmness, and confidence, and optimism as he can. He doesn't want this to shatter again.

...He can't let it shatter again, really.]

Okay, so it's not certain I'll fail, but it's highly likely! Let's be honest here~!

[He's trying to make it sound like it's no big deal. It's just school, it doesn't matter. Gongenzaka sounds sincere, but it's hard to believe, considering how their former conversations tended to go.]

D-do you- I- What I said does make sense to you? You're not just saying it's right because you don't want to...

[He trails off and stares at the wall for a minute, interrupted by a vision... The procession. The curtains on the carriage part to reveal a fox on a rainbow cushion. It screams... and then he screams. It's short, a reflex really, and he covers his mouth quickly. He's probably already freaked Gongenzaka out again, though. This was just such a bad idea.]

T-Toki-! [Freaked out, yes-

But this time it's clear that it isn't his fault. So Gongenzaka doesn't move toward the other except to stare, and cautiously ask-] ...Are you alright? [he asks honestly.] ...I, the man Gongenzaka, do not know what happened...but... [He swallows, trying to remain calm. There are a few things helping here at least. Toki trailed off- and then Toki screamed- but he also covered himself, and frankly looks as if he didn't want that to happen either.

So...he's missing something. Gongenzaka waits for a moment, for if Toki will explain- but before such explanation can properly come, he speaks again.]

I, the man Gongenzaka, am being entirely honest when I speak to you, [he swears- voice stern but still calm as he nods.] ...And more importantly, I do not lie about such things. So long as there is a chance that you can pass- however minimal you feel it may be, I am willing to pursue it if you are. And I shall do everything I can, to help you.

[.......................................he can't help but ask-] ...Why would you think I would not wish to help, however?

I'm fine, it-

[But Gongenzaka's already talking again. Apparently, he's being honest, but it still always comes off as placating when someone tells him he has a chance to do well with academic pursuits, in any capacity. Toki's had too many years of failure to believe any of it. He'll just disappoint you, Gongenzaka. But until then, he'll fake enthusiasm for this.]

Okay, then~! It won't be a hard project~!

[And then Gongenzaka asks that and Toki goes straight for the truth before he can stop himself.]

I didn't think you'd want to help because it's a waste of your time to bother with me because you hate me and you think I'm stupid and I make all the wrong decisions that you point out every time we talk!

[Instant regret. He was determined for this conversation with Gongenzaka not to devolve into shouting, but things happen.]

Y-

[Wait]

But.... [Gongenzaka stares in stunned silence- and almost looks as if he's been struck. Yet somehow there is an air of relief, as he shakily points toward himself.]

...I, the man Gongenzaka....thought you hated me..! I thought...

...You truly do not hate me then? No, more importantly- I, the man Gongenzaka, absolutely do not hate you! Nor do I think you stupid! Also, I have been told that it is a poor habit of mine to offer corrections to those I speak with... [...In other words, with regard to the last point presented, Gongenzaka just does that with Everyone.

Gongenzaka's voice had started to rise- but now it grows quiet, so very quiet, and he looks almost pleadingly at the other.]

...but you do not hate me, then? [he breathes, struggling to keep his eyes from watering.]

No, I don't- I don't hate you, you're just so frustrating! Because you do that! The correcting and what was the point of even talking to you if everything I said was wrong!? That's what you made it sound like to me!

[He's not good with any of this, explaining actual feelings.]

And then you were just so upset when I- and I just couldn't explain everything without freaking out! I don't hate you because you're a lycanthrope, I don't! It just took a while to deal with that!

[He's gone off on a tangent, but he'd been trying to tell Gongenzaka that during their last conversation in person, that day in Soleil.]

I...

[Crying will probably not help here. It will probably make this worse. But unfortunately, Gongenzaka is a very, very emotional person.

So crying is happening, though his words are still honest.] ...I am so relieved..! [he admits, bowing his head. After all- the things Toki was upset about are...well. The things people have sort of pointed out as maybe things he should quit doing. It isn't exactly a hard blow to be reminded about it.] ...I, the man Gongenzaka, had spoken to Yuuya to attempt to perhaps fix my own behavior, but I had assumed...

[To hear that that was the Only thing, and that it wasn't even a Hate-resulting matter however? That's something.] I had thought, 'I cannot fix this'...! So to hear that you do not hate me...to have this chance to work with you in fact..! I am relieved, and even honored to have the chance..!

[He does at least seem to make an attempt to hurriedly curb the tears though, wiping at his eyes lest he scare Toki away in one fell swoop.] It is...truthfully unsurprising, [he admits with a sniff.] ...For someone to be wary or uncertain around 'my kind' as it is... ...For the most part after all, there is a true danger involved! Those such as the ones at my dojo...

....are quite rare. [The tears have stopped by now, and though Gongenzaka's face is rather red he is able to look to Toki with calm again.] ...To have even a chance to prove myself to you is a wondrous thing- I do not say this lightly.

So...if I, the man Gongenzaka, can work with you on this project still, I would be more than happy to.

[He's crying. Oh my god, no. Toki is also a very emotional person and there are tears forming before Gongenzaka's even half-way done with his speech.]

You don't have to prove yourself!

[It's less of a shout and more of a screechy attempt at reassurance, because Toki's crying now. Dramatic sobs. Gongenzaka doesn't have to do anything to prove his worth to people just because he's a lycan.]

Of course you can still work on the project!

[Before he even thinks about it, he's moving to hug Gongenzaka; and still crying.]

[It's probably a very good thing that Maya is not in this dorm, because Gongenzaka is absolutely the type to hug back. It's something Yuuya's learned to expertly dodge- those can get crushing sometimes!

(It's fortunately not the case this time)] MNH-!

Then...We shall make certain that this project comes out well..! [he announces, rather abruptly tearing up once again.] I, the man Gongenzaka, swear upon it!!

[If Yuuya could see either of them right now, he would probably be the one slamming a door in their face.] Toki..! [Gongenzaka proclaims.] Let us begin as soon as possible..!

[What even happened here? This is so surreal. It might be an hallucination, but Toki's going with it for now.]

Yes~! We can start now~!

[He pulls away from Gongenzaka and gathers his discarded notes.]

Okay! So! You research like how to make things magic and whatever and pick some object that doesn't suck and I'll come back and check your work later~! I'm glad we talked again, Gongenzaka~!

[Now he perhaps has a new friend to manipulate into doing schoolwork for him. Excellent.]

Wonderful! [The hug is broken, and Gongenzaka wipes his eyes again as he helps to hand over the notes.] I, the man Gongenzaka, shall do what I can in that case!

[hey wait a minute-] ...You will be back so we can compare our ideas as well, yes..?

[toki he's not just going to do All of your work dude]

[He should, if he doesn't want his name on a failing project.]

Of course I'll be back to compare~! I just need a break from research right now~! When do you want to meet!? It's due after the BBC leave!

[He does have a couple ideas, and he may even remember to write them down last minute before they meet again.]

[Gongenzaka is fine with his name being on it, because it is not his grade, Toki. As it is.] It would be best to meet a few days before they leave...

...However, [he adds with a nod,] We should only meet when you feel you are up to working- it will be no good if you are too tired, or feel underprepared-

[He pauses, as if realizing a problem with that statement-]

Rather, more underprepared than you feel is typical. [Since. Toki seems to Always feel he isn't capable.] Regardless...you have my number, correct? Simply message me when you wish to meet- if you like, you can also message ideas, so that I add input that way!

Yeah, we can do that! I won't be tired~!

[No, his problems for the BBC week include mental breakdowns, trying to rip his own eye out, getting bitten by a vampire, and potential repercussions for breaking into Valvatorez's office and/or assaulting a camera crew. He will not make any arrangements to meet that week, nor likely contact Gongenzaka at all. Things just happen sometimes.]

Uh, I don't, but it's on the network and Yuya has it! I'll text you mine because I have a new phone!

[Which he will also lose during the BBC invasion, and who knows if it gets recovered?]

We've got this~!

[He waves and leaves the room.]

[Toki why are you like this,

Toki can't you get a pass on the assignment that's a lot of Things happening,] Oh, a new phone?

Well, I shall await your contact then! Best of luck! [he adds, waving as Toki leaves.

...

At least they're friends now, he thinks.]

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