[Even before she came here, her usual strategy has been to seem happier, more hard working, more outgoing and kind than she's ever really felt like she is. It isn't fake it until you make it as much as fake it until others think you've made it. If there's anything she craves, it's validation and affection. But having it in a place like this, in the situation they're all in—
It terrifies her, but she smiles all the same. She still has to wonder what she's done to deserve it.]
Well, my arms are always open.
[And she reaches over to smooth down his hair, like he's done for her so many times.]
[His million little cowlicks and hair flippies just spring back up, but he seems to appreciate the gesture regardless. It's soothing - much like her presence in general.]
Now there's an offer that will spoil me! You're too kind, you know.
[BUT!! THAT'S ENOUGH WALLOWING!! For, y'know. Whatever definition of wallowing that could have possibly been... called.
Anyway he's just going to pick up their glasses again and hold one out.]
[She takes a drink after he says that, the smile remaining.]
You know, I won't say I like being here, because - I mean, who would? But... It's nice in some ways. I wouldn't have been able to meet people like you, Higekiri or Junpei if I hadn't come here.
We're of the same opinion in that case then, you and I! This place is certainly far from a nice vacation, but I don't think I've been around so many good people in a long time.
[Or been around so many people who didn't want to supermurder him, same diff.]
It's just a big park, basically, but it's beautiful. Millions of people come there every year to see it. Well, and the city I live in, but the park is a nice perk.
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It terrifies her, but she smiles all the same. She still has to wonder what she's done to deserve it.]
Well, my arms are always open.
[And she reaches over to smooth down his hair, like he's done for her so many times.]
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Now there's an offer that will spoil me! You're too kind, you know.
[BUT!! THAT'S ENOUGH WALLOWING!! For, y'know. Whatever definition of wallowing that could have possibly been... called.
Anyway he's just going to pick up their glasses again and hold one out.]
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[It's said with a warm, fond smile as she takes the glass. She holds it up towards him with that same smile.]
To friendship?
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But it's fine, it's fine, he'll just raise his own glass with a matching smile of his own.]
To friendship! Here's to our time of it so far, and its continuation well after we finally visit Costco together!
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You know, I won't say I like being here, because - I mean, who would? But... It's nice in some ways. I wouldn't have been able to meet people like you, Higekiri or Junpei if I hadn't come here.
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[Or been around so many people who didn't want to supermurder him, same diff.]
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[Maybe her taste in friends and partners won't be garbage and he won't be a social pariah! They can both dream.]
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Haha, well! If you say it, the only thing left to do is make it so, right?
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[After a moment:]
You’ll come visit me after this, right?
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[There is literally zero hesitation...]
Even if we can't figure out how to connect our worlds right away, I'll work on it, myself! You'll have to take me to your Costco when I get there.
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I'll take you to much cooler places than Costco.
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[The future is magic though and he has no doubt she could show him some batshit wild amazing things, even better than a Costco.]
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I can take you to Central Park.
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[Well
he tried.]
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Yeah. We'll have to travel pretty far, but it's worth it.
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[Another, smaller Costco??]
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[He, unsurprisingly, loves bustling and thriving cityscapes...]
The park is good too, though!
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Just about eight and a half million.
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—Really? Wait, really? I can't tell if you're joking or not this time!
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Not this time. That's about the population.
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Why in the world are there so many of you?
[There, he means, but. That also applies honestly WHY ARE THERE SO MANY.]