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[ She was about to say "THAT'S IT!?" but then... ]

So that's how it is. To tell you the truth, I never truly understood why you were so devoted to HOMRA. But I do now.

[ Because she was the same. Picking up the flowers she gathered, she begins working on her own crown. ]

That's why you have to become stronger.

I know.

[ I just wish you'd become stronger with me. No. Of course he can't say that. ]

Maybe someday I'll even be stronger than you, Kou-chan.

You think so? [ They're leagues apart. If he could become a King, then... maybe.

She wouldn't be there to see it. ] I'm looking forward to it.

But I don't just speak in terms of strength and skill, you know.

What ways are there?

[ Yata knew, of course, he'd just rather hear it from her, on the simple fact alone that he really enjoyed hearing her talk. When she said things like those... it was easier to believe them.

He places a flower behind her other ear (he may cover her in them at this rate, oops). ]

[ STOP... She's ignoring that one. Badly. She chuckles and lowers her head a bit. ]

Let's see. There's the strength to protect someone, the strength to face your fears, the strength to stand alone... the strength to get back up.

I think I've got most of those down, but I guess I won't really know until I need to.

[ He'll stop, he's actually making a crown with the flowers this time. For now. ]

What about you?

I don't know, either. But... I guess I can say the same. I don't think we can really say how strong we are until the time comes. The most we can do is prepare.

[ She sounded cool just now. She's writing that down later.

Kougyoku does mean it, though. If Totsuka and Mikoto must return and die, she knows she can't be with Yata to support him. ]

[ She did sound cool, he's gotta give her props. ]

Right! [ He looks around for a moment before his smile lands on her. ] And I guess we're preparing by hanging out with flowers in the middle of nowhere.

Oh, come off it. This is important, too!

[ She laughs, then hums in thought. ]

It's called... building camaraderie? [ a fancy excuse ]

[ Cue a laugh as he holds up a finished crown for her to see before setting it to the side, shaking his head. ]

You're such a dork.

Shut up! You're one to talk, chasing rabbits and making secret bases...

Hey, that's all cool stuff! What have you been doing? [ beat. ] Wait, don't answer that, you've probably been doing really important war stuff when I wasn't looking...

[ Yeah... Yeah, she has, which is why she is smiling. But it's okay, Yata, she knows. ]

Well, I like doing those things, too.

[ She places the flower crown she just finished next to Yata's. ]

You have your strengths and I have mine, right? It's nice... having a goal, having people to protect.

...Maybe we should make a crown for Homura.

[ with a laugh, ] She'd chew it up in two seconds!

[ he scoots himself over to the side to reach for more flowers, however, more than happy to go along with that idea. ]

You know, more than anything, I wanna protect everyone and help out... but I don't think anyone takes me seriously. [ another laugh, this time a bit-- sadder? it's soft as he confides in her, and he places the new flowers on Kougyoku's lap. ]

Isn't that because you like to fool around?

[ She can tell it bothers him, though. ]

That's not bad. [ Picking up the flowers, entwining the stems to make the beginnings of a smaller crown. ] Tatara is even sillier.

But I think your feelings get through to them. There is a reason you are the strongest after Mikoto and Izumo, that's what I believe. [ before he asks— ] Tatara told me.

...For what it's worth, I believe in you. I would do anything for you—you know that, right?

[ He simply listens to her, and by the time she's done Yata feels like his heart is trying to claw its way out of his chest, with the way it was aching.

There's a lot he wants to say but somehow none of it feels like it'd be enough for something as great as her faith in him, what could he even say to properly express that he'd do the same for her a thousand times over--

He suddenly leans over and presses his lips softly against hers. ]

[ It happens too fast, but when his lips touch hers, time seems to slow to a stop. Then, her heart starts racing, her temperature starts rising. What she does next in this state comes naturally: giving in, she closes her eyes and savors the moment. After realizing Yata's feelings, there was nothing that could make her any happier.

Nevertheless, this isn't what friends do. She's sure of that much. ]

Misaki?

[ It isn't much of a question as it is an interjection. When they pull away from the kiss, Kougyoku blinks at him, face flushed. It's difficult to gather your bearings after that. ]

[ Admittedly, he hadn't thought that through at all. He'd just gone with what felt right and now he was equally flustered, alternating looks between her and down at the space between them. ]

Sorry... wait, no, that's not true. [ He rubs at the back of his neck awkwardly. He'd already done that much, so pretending otherwise to try and brush it off was probably really stupid. ]

I like you, Kou-chan. Um, a lot. Enough that I'm happiest when I'm with you and when you're not around I'm still wondering what you could be doing or if you're alright and wanting to see you... [ wow don't look at him. He covers his face with his hands. ]

And... I'd do anything for you too.

[ Upon hearing those words, Kougyoku bows her head. She's too shy to look at him right now, and when she speaks, it's as if she doesn't want anyone else in on her secret. ]

Stupid. I said I would tell you when I was ready.

[ She glances up at him. ]

I love you too.

[ Then, she looks back down and shuts her eyes tight to stop her tears—no, too late, she's crying again... She doesn't look sad, though. ]

You do?

[ Wow, she even used the word love. If he'd been red before, it was nothing compared to how he was now, but he was also suddenly really happy, like all that pressure in his chest was finally easing up.

He leans down a bit to look at her face and reaches over, his hand hovering over Kougyoku's cheek, but making sure she wouldn't freak out or something first before he wiped the tears off. ]

I hate it when you cry, you know...

[ She chuckles and smiles at him—it's okay. ]

Sorry, it's just the first time anyone's ever said that to me... I'm really happy.

[ Having your feelings returned for once was better than she imagined. ]

[ That was stupid, how could no one have said that to her before? Kougyoku was practically the perfect girl!! It cut down some on the intimidation factor, at least. ]

I'll say it to you a million times over, if you want. [ He grins, teasing. ] Hey... where's this leave us?

[ The thought of him saying that alone prompts her to cover her face. Don't do that, please.

His question catches her attention, though. She lowers her hands and cants her head in confusion. ]

What do you mean?

Well, uh... [ How does he word this so that it sounds cool and smooth and not lame at all and she's tricked into thinking that he's somehow charming??? ]

D-do you maybe wanna be my girlfriend?

[ It's getting middle school style up in here. Too bad he didn't have a paper for her to check 'yes' or 'no' on, because he was flustered just saying it. ]

[ LAUGHS.

Wait, that wasn't an appropriate reaction. At least she covered her mouth? ]

Sorry, sorry! You really have no experience with women...

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WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

YOU ENCOURAGED THIS

I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS THIS!!

SURPRISE?!

this better not be a joke thread

plot twist: it was all a dream

that would explain everything

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