godbent | 24th: The Jocundity of Haruhi Suzumiya

Entry tags:

24th: The Jocundity of Haruhi Suzumiya

[Filtered to the SOS-Brigade // 90% Unhackable]

As some of you probably noticed by now, Mikage's gone. [a beat] ...What this means is that the Deputy Vice Chief position is now vacant, and in addition to this we have Christmas coming up - New Years too. Winter Holidays! In light of those two facts, I'm proposing a simple solution! In addition to the existing projects we have - the Friendship Club from our trainee member and Operation Hydra Social with Oswald and his buttmonkey - that the show we're going to put on for Christmas be a trial for all of you! The one who shows the most promise will get the esteemed promotion to Deputy Vice Chief!

What exactly we'll be doing is to be discussed at the next meeting, but keep this in mind.

[See: here for further and OOC discussion]

[Open Voice]

Luceti, listen up! In this Holiday Season we're coming into now, no doubt there'll be even more parties and such than what has already happened and no doubt the Organization will throw something at us too. However, I want you all to bear in mind that there is an outlet for whatever complications you run into as a result of all this: the legendary SOS-Brigade. Like always, come to our HQ if you have any problems, particularly if they're interesting.

[Take that, Angel]

Besides this... If you want to join our ranks, you can apply there as well. Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for something way more impressive than our efforts last year.

Haruhi, over and out!

[Filtered from Winry // 90% Unhackable]

[...] But hey, for any of you who don't know, Winry's birthday is on the eleventh. [A beat] She's been sick for a while now, and I don't know if she'll be 100% by then, so we're not going to do some huge party, but if you're her friend you better still get her gifts! Nice, thoughtful things!

[Filtered from Kyon // 90% Unhackable]

[And then this has been bugging her for a while. Seeking insight from the whole village - her, the leader of the SOS-Brigade - would be disgusting. But she can at least get one thing out of the way here]

If you happen to - [...She was going to introduce everyone to him as "Kyon" to make sure he has no chance to reclaim his name. She remembers doing something similar in Luceti, years ago, the last time Kyon was here. But the moment she starts, her heart isn't in it] ... You know what, forget it. Whatever.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[..] Forget what?

It, everything!

...Weren't you dramatically sent home a while ago?

Dramatically? [She knows Madoka asked around if anyway saw her, but she didn't think it was that big of a deal.] I did go home and I came back. That's just how things are sometimes here, right?

...Yeah, it is. [there's a very pronounced sigh here though. The fact it is like that doesn't make it less painful for everyone. Doesn't make it sting less]

[Hmmmm. Yeah something is definitely off from Haruhi's usual mood.]

Is something wrong? Does it have to do with the 'forget it' thing?

What- what, no, I was just agreeing with you! Learn to appreciate things like that!

You seem awfully quick to change the subject.

It's called having higher brain function.

There's no need to get into insults. I'm only asking.

[...Sigh]

Right, whatever. What did you want again?

Only what you were about to bring up. The "if you happen to" that you quickly dismissed.

See a guy who looks boring in every way his name is Kyon.

Something wrong?

[Winry's birthday is noted and filed away.]

[Better not go too deep that's only a few days]

No.

[it means he'll go look for a present once he's done bothering her ok]

Oh?

I just said no, do you listen at all?

I do.

[which is why he's commenting at all. There's clearly something on her mind.]

It doesn't seem like it.

I listened to your entry.

...What's your game, Arisato?

[...]

I want to talk, if you need it.

[He just wants to get to know you better. Rank up this link. Give him your love, your anger, and all of your sorrow.]

[...]

Yeah, well I don't, but I'll humor you I guess.

[...why are you so complicated.]

Thanks.

So what do you know about some bum named Kyon?

Edited 2011-12-12 14:58 (UTC)

You mean [and now in the background Koromaru is running around and barking at a squirrel in the yard]-kun?

Kyon. Kyon.

[sigh oh Haruhi.]

He's your friend.

[The longest, most awkwardest pause]

...Sure.

[uhh...]

Isn't he?

Ye- no? Maybe?

Why 'maybe'?

Because maybe!

He seems to have been pretty close.

How do you figure?

He talks about you a lot.

Oh... does he.

Nothing bad.

[....relatively speaking.

He doesn't want to get Kyon in trouble.]

Really.

Should he be?

How should I know? It's his life.

[sigh they're getting off track]

So what about him?

So he's Kyon.

And?

[You're the one who brought him up.]

And you said another name.

[It's a good thing Minato doesn't have a nickname....]

What about 'Kyon'?

...Nothing else!

[.....he doesn't buy it.]

[DEAL WITH IT ARISATO.

Or speak up. Awkward shifting silence on this end of the line]

You said you'd humor me.

[ ... ]

I've been here three years, memory-wise. And he's from further along into the future back home.

So there's a gap.

It's more than that. You can feel it - the "Haruhi" he knows isn't even a "Haruhi" that I've ever been.

[This feels like a subject they've touched on before... so he'll treat it gently.]

You're still Haruhi.

That's dodging the point, don't be stupid.

[he shakes his head.]

Haruhi Suzumiya is Haruhi Suzumiya. Even with different memories.

That's not true and you know it.

You get hit and have amnesia. Are you not yourself anymore?

Of course you're not, how could you be?

You have the same genes and the same soul.

And you have most of the same experiences.

That's not quite irrelevant, but it doesn't change anything. Like I said with Rena, if she came back again with no memories, she is not the "Rena Ryuuguu" I knew. She's "Rena Ryuuguu" but not the same one.

I can't agree.

[but that's where he stops.]

I know.

[anyway.]

Many people have friends here from their futures, Haruhi.

Yeah, I'm sure they do.

What if he were from your past?

Then... then what? He'd be from my past.

Would he be 'your' Kyon?

...Kyon isn't my anything! He's just- well I guess he's my minion but- no!

And if you leave, you'll forget and become the "Haruhi" he knows... even if you remember when you come back.

If I remember when I come back, there's a continuity between the "me" now and the "me" then. Even with additional experiences, that fits. I'm different then than now, yes, but it's a less dubious connection than to something I've never experienced at all.

But you will experience it.

No, a Haruhi without my experiences will.

You'll go home and live it. And if you come back here, you'll remember it and Luceti both.

Edited 2012-01-07 06:44 (UTC)

And the preference is that I don't. Don't complicate the situation.

You want to stay?

No, you idiot. Don't you get it? [WHAT DOES NO ONE GET IT] There's only one solution.

Which?

The.

Resolving the situation, that is!

[which situation are they talking about, again...]

Then what's your answer?

I just said it - a resolution of this whole "problem." Kyon just needs to get that and the length of time in question in his head.

So the issue is from him?

Well duh.

...Then you're right. It's just time.

Obviously.

[Ugh]

Yeah, yeah. I don't need reminded. I've already got something.

Well, good.

[Because those stupid boys of hers are both out now]

Yeah, well, she better get better soon. I'm gonna start thinking she's faking it.

H-hey, she's been plenty sick! Super sick!

[...Except she had gotten better in the last week and a half. Hence why Ed felt good/restless enough to go on the mission she figures]

Or she just found out about all the work I've had piling up.

You've been amassing work for her?

I've been amassing work for me, but some help would be nice.

Oh. Fair enough, yeah.

Besides. It's not the same without her around. I mean. Hiccup's not bad. But. [He's Hiccup.]

What's wrong with Hiccup?

Nothing. It's just. He's in your brigade now. It's like you have a spy in the smithy now.

Oh yes, because my girlfriend being in there is not invasive enough.

Yeah, but she's... Winry. That's different.

Fair enough. Anyway, there's not a war of ideals yet, so it's fine.

Maybe. [...]

Anyway, I'll drop her off a present later.

Probably should do it on the day of.

I know, that's what I meant. Later is a broad term which includes any point in the future!

Okay, okay, whatever!

Well. Good.

[YEAH. THERE. We're done here!]

Yeah. Good.

[FINE]

...okay you know what? Where are you? Because if you're not far away I'd rather talk to you in person about stuff.

Where else would I be at this hour? I'm working on something in my office.

[...Slightly sarcastically. She's at home]

Your office. Sure. [Yeah there are sudden footsteps as Shiki goes off to find her.] Are you going to make this conversation easy on me?

I don't know what you're taking about.

[ :I But she'll be in the upstairs former Brigade room which had also been a bedroom at other points at the end of the hall]

[And she doesn't even respond, just heading up there and not even bothering to knock as she enters the room and shuts her journal.] What are you doing up here?

I'm just here thinking!

[ D u h. But she sits up and perks up for this]

Well...[She'll shut the door then.] You can do some extra thinking and help me come up with a nice present for Winry. What are you getting her anyway? [It's not the main issue she wants to talk about, but it's a nice start.]

Are you kidding? I worked that out a long time ago. it's a combo gift.

[With a sage nod]

A combo gift of what?

Well first I need to cure her already but aside from that! I got her photo album I found in the shops and I've been filling up with some of my stuff. Besides that though, in case someone one-ups me with picture frames or something I've been working on taking apart and modifying some things to get a new set of earrings for her. I think I might need to finish those of, but details.

[Just. Gonna stare.] That's really deta--

...crap! Neku's birthday! [And she's suddenly derailed as she's digging into her hipbag for a mini notebook where she jots ideas. Don't mind her as she's going to flip through it to see if she has any ideas.]

How are you going to cure her anyway? [Yep. Gonna focus on that.] Also I feel like I should get her something but I'm not sure what.

Neku's?

[WAIT WHAT. And a notepad? Guuuurl]

The 22nd...he doesn't really mention it but I remember it anyway.

Oh. Okay.

[She nods resolutely there, getting comfy in her seat again]

...so. Um. By the way? I met Kyon. [May as well get to the point now.]

Of course you did.

And does this bother you at all? Because you know. We kind of talked. A lot.

Shiki, are you trying to tell me something?

[Because, right now, you're being a silly person.]

...not in particular, other than we talk about you a lot. [She has some things she wants to say, but she's not sure how to start.]

Uh huh. That seems to be a pattern.

[ ... ]

Let's make this easy. What have and haven't you told him about the last few years here?

Why would I have told him anything...?

Because he's still Kyon and you're still Haruhi? Did you keep him in the dark a lot or what?

It's not about that, it's just awkward. [... Itching her nose. Pouting a bit]

Awkward for the reasons I think it's awkward, or more stuff I don't actually know about?

What do you think is awkward? What isn't awkward?

Well my idea of awkward is different than your idea, remember?

Everything's awkward!

[GURL DUH]

Still not really helping!

Everything! He's older than I remember, I'm older than he remembers, I used to be a boy in everyone else's memories, I'm dating someone, living with you and Neku and that other guy, I have responsibilities, the Brigade's different-! Use your head, Shiki!

...the other guy's name is Beat. [Yeah, that's really all she says for a few moments.] I guess this just isn't something you can explain away as being normal for this place, can you?

...Don't be stupid.

I'm not being stupid. Trust me, I get to go through the same thing with Neku.

[Ouch, point but haruhi's going underhanded-] I'm not in love with him.

You used to be. [Or at least Haruki was in love with Kyonko. Didn't that transfer?]

[Snap. The distance Breaks and Haruhi stands to pull Shiki up by the scruff of her neck]

You didn't tell him that?!

[Squeaking and flailing a bit.] Oh my god, chill out! I didn't say anything! Why would you even think that?!

You're blabbermouth sometimes, okay!

[And... releasing her. Sigh]

Well not with stuff like this! God, I thought you would trust me more than that.

Well you're the one telling me you've told him things! So what did come up?!

...the Closed Spaces?

...You didn't.

[In a very light, very weak voice]

He...mentioned...them...first? [She did something bad, didn't she.]

[So he knows, after all. she deflates. She deflates and then begins to curl up into a ball. Crouching down and frowning]

....why's that such a bad thing?

[He shouldn't know...]

It's not... I guess.

...are you lying to me?

...Shiki, I only learned about that through the reports, remember?

...I know. [Yep. She blew it. She really is a blabbermouth.] But that's all we talked about, okay?

[But it still means Kyon knew. For how long? The whole time?]

Right. Right that's...

[Sigh]

...are you scared of what else he knows? Because it's really not much, to be honest.

What.

Ugh, what are you "what"ing me for now?

Don't be stupid, I'm telling you to tell me what he knows!

Oh my gosh, everything? Don't put pressure on me like this!

You said he didn't know much, so just tell me everything if it's not much. It's not complicated, Shiki.

I swear, all we talked about were the weird people from your universe and the Closed Spaces, that's it! Basically.

Shiki this is important. What else? And who's weird?

...let me ask you something. What exactly do you know about your home world?

I know that it's Earth just like yours, just get the point.

I don't mean like the physical parts. I mean like, you know, the people in it.

Shiki, shut up and spill.

[because this is important, dammit]

I can't! I'm not going to be the one responsible for spilling about things you don' t know!

[ ... Well, that confirms it, doesn't it? Haruhi pauses a moment, and then stands. She walks past shiki, heading for the door to the room to prepare to walk out]

Hey! Where are you going?

[She pauses, only briefly, halfway out the door. She all but snarls this part out]

If you're telling me nothing, I've got no point being here.

Don't get mad at me just because I'm protecting you!

Protect- Shiki if you say one more word that isn't telling me something worthwhile, that it. I'm done.

[And he grip on the doorknob tightens]

...go ask Kyon yourself.

Fine.

[And now he's going to, well. Storm off. Not to ask Kyon - a half a month later she still won't do that - but right now she's pissed off and disgusted]

...Is the position that vital to have, anyway?

Absolutely.

And yet you don't have one at home.

What are you talking about? That was Mikuru.

[In Haruhi's own mind ~~I could have sworn it came up in some story but now I can't find it in my pdfs and books sob~~]

...That'd probably be news to her.

Well it's obvious.

How is it more obvious that Asahina-san should hold that post than Nagato?

Simple - though she was adopted into the Brigade, she still was a member of the literary club at the time. Couple that with the fact that she has dominion over those computer geeks now, and her interests are more questionable. Not that she would ever betray our Brigade, of course, but she still has to out of a matter of responsibility direction hold a less demanding position than Mikuru.

['I would hardly call that obvious, Haruhi.

Oh well, no need to ask about why the last brigade member isn't considered for a leadership position. Not that I want one.']

Doesn't sound like the job requires a lot of qualifications then.

Well it's a mostly cosmetic position, but those things still have an important role in things.

['Mostly cosmetic. Well, from one perspective--one particularly heartless, cruel, and overall insensitive, as well as boorish and generally improper perspective--that is what Asahina-san is...']

So the trial is going to be 'cosmetic' in nature...?

In a sense! I'm just judging performance through New Years, essentially.

...Performance, I see.

Well, I hope whoever it is richly merits the position.

I'm sure they will, that's the point of a contest like this.

I know, I know.

['I'm just hoping there's someone else to provide some of the menial labor. That zombie, maybe.']

Not that you have a chance of winning right now, but you really need to pick up that enthusiasm Kyon it's a matter of principle!

I think my current enthusiasm level is a matter of principle as well.

['And you know I never had that chance, Haruhi.']

And that's precisely why I'm so generous.

Yeah, that's definitely a word I associate with you.

['Along with attachments, like "helping of crazy served with a side of energy".']

As well you should.

In fact, I'm moderately surprised your generosity hasn't extended to introducing me to everyone as "menial laborer Kyon" yet.

W-well, the Brigade got an introduction to you, right?

[And she felt... almost out of line... to give an intro like that to the village]

['What is this tone from Haruhi? I've got to say, that's a little unexpected. Does she feel some kind of qualm about that idea?

If so, I should probably encourage that... Right? I don't know. For some reason, I feel hesitant about it. I guess you might say, I liked... That is, the old Haruhi was kind of Stockholm Syndrome comfortable to be around.

Okay, maybe that's just all paranoia.']

Well, if it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me, Haruhi.

[ ... ]

Fine, then maybe I will! The whole village, calling you Kyon!

[This is clearly more of an awkward unsure reaction than anything]

['...You know, Haruhi is kind of cute when she's like this. Or no. Maybe that's not even the right word. Haruhi is...

As I've said before, Haruhi is always Haruhi. Even this Haruhi. But this is when she's really being most like the Haruhi underneath, despite being outwardly most like the Haruhi on top.

I don't know, though. Maybe I'm reading too much into that. I just suddenly feel strangely comfortable with it. Maybe that was the thing. Maybe she didn't know what to think of me being back here, after time passed for her. And I'm going to have to see what to think of her, in the same way. And maybe even in a situation as stupid and small as this (and may my aunt be damned forevermore for creating the nickname anyway), it comes out... Whether it's okay to go back to how it was between us at home, or whether she's beyond that now.

And I've been saying for a month now that I've got to choose the former. But do I? What does it mean? Is it because I want to hang on to what was special between us that doesn't seem the same anymore? Is this her thinking about doing the same thing?

It's too much for a stupid nickname to bear...'

After that prolonged pause:]

Haruhi.

...You know, I would be thankful if you didn't.

But... it's okay. It's okay, whatever you decide.

[...This is a breakthrough. Even through her haze of being indignant and red in the face and flustered and all that she can recognize this is a turning point. So...]

...Of course. Just trust me in these things.

[He nods, with a smile coming over his face.]

Yeah, I will.

[He pauses.]

...Anyway. Are you intentionally growing your hair longer again?

['...Because that was a smooth segue.']

[He noticed...]

Well uh- yeah, actually.

['She is, huh?']

...Probably not for the benefit of any aliens, though, I'm guessing.

['Begging the question of whose benefit it is for.

...Undoubtedly her own unfathomable reasons. Right?']

What? No, they don't care - C'Thun wouldn't anyway. Get your head on straight.

['Who? Is this just supposed to be another reminder that I have no idea what Haruhi knows anymore?']

How would I know what someone who sounds like they have an apostrophe in their name would care about, anyway?

...Anyway, it looks good, that's all.

Who asked you?

[.............doki doki. She actually is annoyed at herself how much the compliment makes her bristle]

Of course it does.

[...He smiles wryly.

'Yeah, typical. Would you have said it like that if Koizumi had said it?!']

Just volunteering an opinion.

I'll consider it for later review.

['That means you're going to file it away and forget about it, right?']

...Yeah, okay.

...The eleventh?

[ storing that date up, kay thanks. ]

Yeah, the eleventh.

...I'll be there. Bells on.

Why bells?

It's...a thing. That people say. Be there with bells on. Idiomtastic.

Oh, well... okay. Be there.

Wouldn't miss it for the world. Is there anything present-wise which she's been itching for or am I free to bring my own creative gifting to the table?

I'm not giving you freebies, figure it our yourself.

Not asking for one. Just -- you're close to her. You know what she needs. What she's been looking out for.

[WHY SUMMERS]

Well-! [...] There's always something simple, like tools. Apparently that pirate guy steals them sometimes.

[ she just wants to do right by her ~~daughter~~friend! ]

He's a nuisance. Clearly. He must be stopped. I'll get right on that.

[...This feels familiar.

She decides not to press]

But aside from that, she's going into the medical world a bit deeper all the time since the draft, even if she's still a mechanic first. I don't know where you'd find anything related to that... uh. [A beat] Mostly she just needs to kick this cold or flu or whatever it is.

Medical, huh? [ her voice softens. ] I think I know just the thing.

Has she been mainlining chicken noodle soup?

Yes, and ginger tea. I'm this close to going with high lemon-lemonade but everyone thinks that sounds silly in her house.

Hey. That's got...lemons. They're full of vitamin C.

Exactly! It's the perfect remedy.

...Can I offer a suggestion, though?

[ DELICATE. conversations with haruhi are always a minefield but she seems to be actually TRYING to be decent, today. ]

S...sure?

Pour a glass of half orange juice and half grape-fruit. Pulp free. A little Summers home remedy.

[ ugh so mom. ]

...

...

I'll consider it.

[ that's half a victory right there. ]

And peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. With the crusts cut off.

Crunchy peanut butter, of course.

Okay that's just ridiculous - and too chewy for someone with achey joints!

It's not ridiculous. It's...comfort food. It does wonders. And the sandwiches cut into little triangles...

But... peanut butter - though I guess she is Western...

Edited 2011-12-16 17:26 (UTC)

...She is? I thought she was from some other world-type place.

Amestris is a country in an other world-y place which bares a distinct resemblance to Europe at the turn of the 20th century if you look past the working metal prosthetics and the alchemy. Look at her names, what she eats, what where she lived in was from. A lot of these "other worlds" have some vague resemblances to elements of our-- to Earth.

Or our Earth resembles their other worlds. It's kind of a chicken and egg problem, isn't it?

Theoretically, sure - but from our perspective I'm right either way.

...She does do a wicked sweet potato casserole.

[ somehow, this clinches it for the slayer. ]

Precisely. Most of these worlds have random overlaps.

...Points of intersection.

[ thoughtful. ]

Yeah, exactly. Or well, other things which are more vague too, but basically.

[ that puts THOUGHTS in her head. ]

Huh. I wonder if...I wonder if those points might be like -- like weak points.

[...Weak points? What?]

You mean between dimensional boundaries?

More impressive than last year? [He... doesn't even remember last year very well]

Way more!

[...That said it would be hard to be less impressive. A simple Secret Santa because she was gone, given she vanished in November and came back in January]

I'll be looking forward to see what you come up with.

And if Haruhi-chan needs any assistance at all, just let me know~!!

Uh... sure- it's a matter of pride though, so don't count on it.

Matter of pride, huh?

Yes, pride! Pride. It's a simple matter of doing what the Brigade does.

Aaah, of course.

In that case, nevermind the offer. I'll let you and your Brigade handle things.

As well you should...!

That said, it's a nice offer. I'll keep- [Wait. ... Oh ] Actually I might want to borrow your diner.

Edited 2011-12-13 00:48 (UTC)

Seventh Heaven? [His restaurant has been getting a workout lately. Birthday parties, weddings, and now possible Haruhi shenanigans.]

When do you need it?

Christmas Eve - just as a gift depot for a Secret Santa I'm having one of my underlings organize. I would use the HQ but it's undergoing renovation.

[... There's something inherently hilarious about hearing the word "underlings" from her mouth. Chortle-- ehem.]

It's free for Haruhi-chan to use! I'll let everyone else know.

Good-!

[...] And thanks, we appreciate it.

No trouble at all, Haruhi-chan~! It's the least I can do~!

[She's got him curious though. Not that he's diligent in keeping up with the Brigade news, but this is still the first he's heard of renovations]

You spiffing your HQ up for the holidays?

More like we're expanding in general - Brave Vesperia's sort of on it already, but I guess the confusion about their leader showing up again slowed it done.

That Yuri guy, right?

And how long until everything's complete?

I don't know! If it takes longer than the end of this month though I'll have to kick their butts.

Edited 2011-12-16 03:09 (UTC)

Awaaah! Haruhi-chan is so terrifying~!!

Of course I am!

[/SERIOUS]

[So noted.]

In any case, I'm sure they'll pull through for you.

Yeah, the Rec Center is testament enough to that.

Did something happen?

...They made it in the first place?

[...]

Where are you?

My house?

Can I drop by?

S...sure?

Edited 2011-12-12 14:58 (UTC)

Great, can I go now?

[He's kind of already getting out anyway.]

If you... want?

[Whaaat...]

Coming, then.

[And he will go there! You better be around when he knocks the door.]

[Sure boy, sure.

she'll be right there with her rooster beside her]

[Good girl. Don't mind Keiichi as he smiles at her.]

I see you're in good company. Have you thought of getting him a girlfriend?

Wh- oh, Sekai. I guess there's chickens at the farmlands up there...

[...That said, Sekai is a Jersey Giant. she can't help but feel he would crush those...]

You could start your own chicken farm.

[Just joking, obviously.]

And let Sekai- no! That's weird!

[Laughing.]

How so? Isn't he a rooster? Don't tell me he's too young for it.

I'm... I'm not emotionally prepared for that, okay!

[HUFF. Now get off your shoes and such so she can sit on the couch you weirdo]

[Okay that makes him laugh as he takes off his shoes and walks in.]

Still not ready to be a grandmother, huh? Even though you would be a cute one.

I... I am so not that old! Don't even, Keiichi!

[FUUUUUh]

But that's why it would be cool! You're still young and cute and energetic. Your grandchildren-chicks would be able to play with you the whole day and you wouldn't have to worry about back pains and such!

[Okay, okay, he will shut up now.]

[ 1/2 ]

...Seriously? Seriously?

[SHIVER]

[ 2/2 ]

Ugh, okay. Okay.

[ ... ]

So why are you here?

Can't I want to pay you a visit and drop by without having a specific reason?

[But... Well, he has one. Kind of.]

I was wondering how you were doing.

Well you asked specifically and it sounded dramatic. But uh, I'm fine, fine.

No dramatic, I don't feel up to deal with that.

[Pause. Oh well, better be forward with this.]

But I do wonder about that. A month ago you were talking about being old and now [Sekai decides it's a good time to sing apparently.] is here... After so long I'm not sure you're really fine with it, and that filter you made only to say that we should forget it doesn't help.

Kyon.

[The correction is quick, sharp, and clearly not at all about his name. Even if it is far too regal for him]

Him.

[He doesn't seem to enjoy that nickname, Haruhi and Keiichi doesn't feel like adding to the poor guy. No matter how the name may sound to him or whatever.]

Whatever, are you really fine?

O-of course I'm really fine! What the hell else would I be, Keiichi?

[HUFF HUFF]

Worried? Uncomfortable, unsure? Feeling as if you had been tossed into a hurricane that threatens to turn upside down everything you have gained and built here or destroy whatever link you may have with what you had before? Desperate because you need to make everything fit or something could crumble? Feeling bad just in general?

[He keeps his tone calm and serious, this isn't a joking matter after all.]

I don't know, I may be wrong and worry without reason. But I would probably feel like that if Rena or the others appeared here now... And I haven't been separated from them as much as you have, I don't have to deal with the added issue of being mentally older and everything else. So I thought that if you weren't fine, maybe I could do something for you? Or just listen or whatever?

[Stupid emotional Keiichi. She sighs and gets herself a more comfortable position in the living room here. She itches her nose briefly, considering what she's supposed to respond to that]

I'm not the "Haruhi" he would know.

[He makes an agreement sound as he gets comfortable himself, without invitation but whatever.]

He's not the "Kyon", as you call him, you know either. You know the guy he once was, but so you were once the girl he once knew. What is it that bothers you more? Him being different from what you expect... Or you being different from what he would expect?

Wha- what sort of question is that?!

[She blinks, taken aback entirely for a moment]

A normal one. What's wrong with it?

[Let's admit it, Haruhi's someone who often has a determined set of expectations about things and people and when those aren't met she gets annoyed. So it could be the first option in her case, though it could also be her being worried about not meeting his expectations either or something like that.]

W-why would I be worried about appealing to him?! That's just stupid! And it's not like I have anything I was expecting out of him, it's just... different! And weird! And there's a lot to explain!

Who said anything about you appealing to him?

[He sighs.]

You could be worried about him deciding you're too different from the Haruhi he knows, or claim that you're fake or some stupid idea like that. Or him just judging you for making a Brigade here or whatever. You were still worried with the changes the Brigade has got and then he arrived, it just doesn't add up in a good way with everything else.

If it was just about you appealing to him there wouldn't be a problem, I'm sure you look the same and are as appealing as always no matter when someone is from.

I don't look the same.

[She brushes the back of her head. No one has noticed, but then, Luceti wouldn't have a great frame of reference. In the last year she's not cut her hair, just groomed it, trying to grow it a little longer]

Hair length doesn't count.

[And you looked far more different than now when he first met you, you know, being a guy and such. Not that it was that way for you... Wait.]

Hey, do you think this is like when you returned here?

How do you mean?

Things weren't what you expected them to be when you returned... Though I suppose that for it to be really similar to this situation then you would have had to return to a Luceti were Winry is a guy or something, for example.

...What are you even saying?

How would you have felt if you returned and not only did people expect a different looking you but Winry was a guy instead of a girl as you remembered?

[Pause.]

Actually, I'm not very sure of what I'm saying, forget it.

[ ... ] Yeah seriously, that's just weird. But to go back to the original point, it's both.

Oh... That makes it more complicated.

What, you thought it would be simple?

No, but I expected it to be a little complicated. Not very complicated.

Shut up.

[UGH. Head into hands]

[He sighs and shuts up. Cue staring at her, what now?]

It's just going to be complicated for a while, okay?

I know that. But I still want to help in any way I can. Though I suppose there's no such luck here, right?

[...]

Well, what do you think?

I can only think of being here for you? Like a good friend and all... And stating that I like the way you are and such, but I'm biased.

I like me the way I am too! [Puffing out her checks...! I: ]

Then nothing else matters, does it? He will like you and if not, it's his loss.

[ ... ]

Fine, whatever. That makes sense, yeah.

[He sighs and eyes her. Though he supposes he really can't do anything for her on this besides being by her side and all those typical things.]

[...Nnngh]

You can tell he's frustrated. And it's pissing me off.

He seems the type that gets frustrated easily though. And you really can't blame him, even leaving aside the issue about you, there's just the issue of Luceti in general. And he doesn't seem the type to accept easily the way things are either.

[So it all just adds up to it.]

I get why it's pissing you off though.

[At all makes sense, she knows. She knows, but it's still frustrating to think about. He just... :| he should be better! And okay?! But... seriously, that's annoying. She lets that out with a sigh and then nods to herself]

Well, yeah.

[He agrees with her anyway. It frustrates him as well when people just... Just don't get better, no matter how much time it passes and they keep clinging to the idea of leaving and such. It's not that he thinks they should welcome the idea of being stuck here but... Those things only make it worse for them and others around them. And Kyon really seemed like a serious case of "I don't care, where is the exit", which only adds to the complications of the situation.]

Give him some time, he may get better with it.

He doesn't get it, the moron. [But then, no one gets it. No one understands things the way she does right now. They just think "Oh I want to go home" or "oh I don't want to go home." All the idiots here fail to see the bigger picture]

Not everyone gets it. Some people spend here years and still don't get it so him not getting it right away isn't that bad. Unless you're telling me he was the kind of genius who would get things like this in a second and this is an exception or something.

No, he's just some guy.

Typically average, huh?

Boringly so.

[He arches an eyebrow at that.]

Really?

Really.

A typically average and boring guy... How boring are we talking about here?

A listless high school student with no real goals in life who happens to be 5'7 and an average student.

... That's very boring, all right.

Completely! He owes me for involving him in my SOS-Brigade. [Ignore that... Kyon gave her the idea]

Why did you involve him in it to begin with?

[Now he's curious. It's not that she can't involve "normal" people in the Brigade, but normally there's a reason for it. Like when she got Keiichi into it, it was all just to fulfill her promise, wasn't it? She, well he back then, barely stood Keiichi before that as far as he knows.]

Edited 2012-01-07 16:04 (UTC)

[...Well that's a question. She frowns, distinctly. She considers giving some lie: that it was a whim, that it just happened. But Kyon will contradict it and she's got no reason to get caught up in a conflict of interests like that. So she looks up at the ceiling before answering Keiichi]

There were five of us, back home. The first was me. The second... was him.

[So he was the first member of the Brigade (aside from her)]

So he was the first member.

[That doesn't answer the why though.]

Yeah, he was. Yuki was the second. Then Mikuru, then Koizumi-kun.

[Still no answer, huh?]

So, what? Did you get the idea of the Brigade and just grabbed the first person that was around to have him do all the paperwork while you looked for suitable members?

[It's Haruhi so... It sounds legit.]

[It is so, so tempting to say yes. But...]

...Something that guy said gave me the idea. I doubt he even realized it though.

Oh... Then at least he can have good ideas.

[Or be the source of them at least. Wait... Wouldn't then be her the one owing something to him?]

Hey - it was my idea, he just said something smart for once! Even monkeys can fall from trees, you know - the opposite's true too.

At least he can be the source of good ideas. Better?

Yeah, I'll accept that for the time being.

Picky, aren't we?

[He chuckles though.]

I'm just digging to the heart of the matter.

Then rather than picky it would be thorough?

Exactly. Much better word.

I suppose I can see then why you "invited" him to the Brigade.

[Probably dragged to. Because it's Haruhi, though it has been a while since she dragged anyone to the Brigade in special.]

He should be thankful for that.

[Probably not. Keiichi is thankful for it but then again he's a weirdo like that.]

Exactly! I added a lot of excitement and purpose to a listless life! It's something for him o be eternally grateful for!

Shouldn't he be grateful to the Malnosso now, then? Since they threw him into an even more exciting and purposeful life.

No.

[A pause, and then a sigh] Objectively, some parts of what the Organization does make sense, they aren't 100% the "Bad Guy." But ultimately, we're not benefiting from the way they aren't other than basic comforts here. No one should thank them for something like being here.

[A shift] ...Unless they're dead or something, I guess.

[Oh... Keiichi chuckles lightly.]

I was just teasing, you know. You're right anyway, I can't see them as 100% the "Bad Guys", besides that seems too easy for my tastes. Too convenient. Still that doesn't mean that I agree with them or like them or anything.

[He pauses for a second, thinking on Minato and Hughes.]

I suppose people who are dead could thank them for it... But again that's assuming they are the ones who bring us to this world, if they just lock us here but not bring us to the world itself, then there's nothing to be grateful for.

They aren't responsible for that. There's no way it makes sense if they are. [Unless they're just... vindictive and in-fighting within that, but even that seems to not hold up]

Many people here still seem to believe that they are, though. I can't believe that they are really trying to find a way so everyone gets back to their worlds, but it really doesn't make sense even if that's indeed a lie, that they would be bringing people here. One would think if they were they would be more picky about the subjects.

Nah, I believe the original objective was that at least.

I suppose a part of the organization still has it.

[If they are to believe the way things seem to be within the organization, that is.]

Possibly. Either way, their self-interests - some of which would be going home, of course - are also a factor.

Yeah, that makes sense.

[He nods.]

Exactly.

[And she rolls her eyes. See? Simple and basic.]

If only everything was so simple... I have a question. About him.

[Him being Kyon, obviously.]

Yeah, what?

I know Yuki... She was here before after all. But has she been the only one? Was he here ever before and doesn't remember?

[ ... ]

In my memory, he was only here once before. But I guess in your memory, there would be other instances of him being here, yeah.

I don't really remember him being here before, though.

[Trying to remember.]

He's been here - ... The version of events you have see Yuki being here once, "me" being here two or so times, and Kyon being here twice before.

[She thinks it was twice. The memories get so hazy.]

Edited 2012-01-08 03:29 (UTC)

Hmm... Was it this hard back then as well? That you can remember.

Well... No. Way back then, it was just the two of us. We arrived at like the same time.

Ah... How long was he here that time?

Long enough.

[I loved him.]

This is ancient history, anyway. Besides, if you were even here then, that time he would have been a girl for you, right?

Uh? Based in the fact that you were a boy? But maybe he could have been still a boy for me as well. I mean, Nagato was a girl for you back home as well, right?

[He remembers her, that girl often reading and rarely showing emotions. She and that boy/girl/whatever with the hood seemed to get along well from what he remembers.]

She wasn't here. A male version of her was.

[In Haruhi's memories]

[... Okay...]

Okay, then probably he was a girl back then. Because I'm pretty sure Nagato was a girl and not a trap.

I just said that. [NNNGH]

Sorry, sorry. This is a mess, okay? I mean, I can hardly even make a difference anymore in my memories about you being a guy or a girl, there are differences but... Suzumiya is Suzumiya and a great friend either way so...

[It doesn't really matter to him? Something like that.]

And who knows, maybe the memories just didn't match regarding you and not regarding everyone else ever from your school.

That's probably a sound conclusion, yeah. [which means... that "Haruki" only ever experienced someone from his world once too. She can't help but feel bad for him for a brief moment]

Hm... Is that so? I'll remember to bring something by for her.

Oh uh. Good!

[...Oh right, Winry is learning meds, of course she knew Raine]

Thank you for the notice.

No problem. She deserves a good time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

24th: The Jocundity of Haruhi Suzumiya

kyon filter

1/2

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

kyon filter

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]

[the second filter]