2022-11-28: Resolve ~UNION~
- Cast: Alouette Pommier, Rikka Takarada, Yuta Hibiki
- Where: Tsutsujidai - Junk Shop Aya
- Date: U.C. 0096 11 28
- Summary: Alouette pays Junk Shop Aya a visit for a project. Although there are worries on Yuta and Rikka's minds, the three enjoy an afternoon together.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Ever since CK-12 (kaiju Bujack) was defeated, Volfogg purified, and the remaining Ruin Apostles seemingly retreating far away from Tsutsujidai, the drastic situation at Orbit Base has slowed to a comfortable crawl, with morale high and the crew celebrating a well-earned victory. Returning from a near-two month vacation, Alouette hasn't quite been celebrating, knowing there's far too much to be done. Once the immediates were taken care of, she turned her attention to a personal project of sorts. One that she hopes will let her stand as a Brave in her own right...
Although Ushiyama and even Chief Akamatsu offered to help her with the hardware, she was insistent on collecting the parts herself, when otherwise she might roll her eyes and say her personal job title isn't Orbit Base's delivery girl. Besides, she knows a very good place!
Alouette strolls into the cafe-junk-shop Aya, wearing both her full uniform and a spark in her eyes not seen in Tsutsujidai for a long while. And she happens upon two familiar faces! "Ah, Rikka-chan, Yuta-kun! I was actually here to pick up some mobile suit parts, but seeing you two is a very pleasant surprise." She greets, scanning around the shop, hoping she didn't interrupt something important. As such, she doesn't make herself immediately comfortable until she's welcomed, and first moves to look at some chips over in the "junk" area.
<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.
Yuta hasn't been going to class. He's only in Aya now because Vit dragged him out of his apartment to get some fresh air, and the young man doesn't look his best. Hunched up in the corner of the Junk Shop's couch, Yuta sips at a teacup. A brilliant red scarf is looped around his neck, but the rest of his clothes are summery -- comfortable basketball shorts and a yellow tank top. It's clear he's... not really trying!
At the sound of Alouette's voice, Yuta jumps, nearly dropping his teacup. "A--Alouette?" She actually came back? She's greeting him happily? She's not... mad? Glancing toward his friend, Yuta feels himself getting choked up, and quickly looks away again.
"Y--yeah!" Yuta manages. "It's great to see you!"
As ever, Calibur slouches in one of the bar seats, knitting away. Is he making another scarf? Max sits next to him with a teacup of his own, one arm still in a sling. Borr raises a hand in a wave to Alouette, grinning. Vit leans against a wall, tapping at his phone.
Besides the aura of gloom around Yuta, it seems to be a fairly normal day in Aya.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
Bujack has been defeated. It seems like the people who were under its spell have been released. This is good! In any other situation, Rikka would've reached out sooner herself... but since then she's had a lot of troubles of her own placed onto her shoulders, and it's kept her from really being able to do that.
Rikka, at the time, is behind the Aya's counter. She still has to work, and in a way she's thankful for something to have something to keep her mind off things. She's currently tending to a pot of coffee and a pot of tea, her attention not quite on the door.
"Hi, welcome to-" Rikka starts reflectively as she hears the bell above the door ring to indicate the arrival of a customer. But when she turns to see who it is... Rikka gasps! Seeing Alouette there in the doorway, back in uniform and with a spark in her eyes... she's struck still for a moment before a smile crosses her face.
"Yeah, same here... It's really good to see you again." Rikka replies with a nod. "How've you been doing?"
She watches, with interest, as Alouette moves toward the junk area. She's looking for mobile suit parts...
"Can I help you find anything specific?" She asks.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Alouette notes both of their surprised reactions - she totally can't blame them - after the painful feelings Bujack dredged up, it would be easy to feel bitter towards this city and never come back. She knows that's unproductive - she may be disappointed in Akane Shinjo right now, but that doesn't extend to the rest of her friends from Tsutsujidai. "It's good to see you both as well. I'm glad to be back where I belong... but there's been a lot on my mind," she admits.
She scans the room more closely, and Yuta, and some of the NGJHS for that matter, aren't looking too well. Did they get into a particularly rough battle recently? "...Hey Yuta, is everything okay? You look.. down somehow." she carefully asks. It can't hurt to be there for a friend, after feeling like she utterly failed to do so while that kaiju had her.
To Rikka, she nods. "Well.. I'm looking for some Coordinator-spec parts. It might be a long shot, but since Tsutsujidai is a PLANT, I assumed this was the best place I could look." In her time living in the city ward, she noticed the storefronts often offered products you might only find in the PLANTs, or even old discontinued Zeon products. It was largely inconsistent really, but she's hoping this might be true for junk, as well.
<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.
Yuta looks very, very carefully into his teacup. "I should be asking you that, Alouette. I --" He sighs, looking over to her with a very wobbly smile. "I didn't do anything. You were in trouble, and I didn't even realize. I'm so sorry."
The young man's voice gets softer the longer he speaks. As if to give him a moment to collect himself, Max seems to smile, stepping forward to Alouette. "It is truly heartening to see you well, Miss Pommier. As you look through the store, would you like any refreshment? It would be our pleasure to treat you."
"So stuffy!" Borr laughs. "Here's the real truth. We've all been worried sick about you kids! And seeing that light back in your eyes feels great. Though it's a lot quieter around here now. Lame." A knife appears in Borr's hand, and they flip it in the air, catching it by the handle.
Hearing the NGJHS so lighthearted makes Yuta feel worse, somehow. He curls in on himself a bit more, lowering his head so his bangs hide his eyes.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
"That's good..." Rikka says, when Alouette says she's glad to be back where she belongs. Still, she says there's been a lot on her mind, too... "...Any way we can help with that?"
She looks briefly toward Yuta. This has all been hitting him pretty hard... Thankfully, the NGJHS are there to help give him some space, at least. Although...
"...Yuta..." Rikka murmurs, before looking back up at Alouette.
"Coordinator-spec parts..." Rikka repeats, 'hm'ing to herself as she thinks back. "Hold on, let me check the catalogue..."
Rikka pulls out her phone, tapping through the documents. Even since Tsutsujidai's change, she's been keeping track of what kind of mobile suit salvage they have in stock after starting to find things in the junkyard she was sure weren't there before.
"...Yeah, actually. It looks like we do." Rikka says, then looks up at Alouette. "What kind of project are you working on?"
She doesn't want it to feel like just a business transaction - right now, she really wants to hang out with a friend, too.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Looking Yuta back in the eyes, Alouette shakes her head, keeping up her smile. "No, you did... the best possible course of action you could," she affirms. "Guy seemed to imply that if he took us back before we were ready, it would only make things worse. I think he's right." It's true that if Yuta had tried to convince her that something was wrong with her, she would be probably be upset in that state. "Besides, I would prefer not to be seen as a victim. It's best that you didn't treat me that way." Even after she tries to re-assure him, though, she senses there's something else to his troubles. She doesn't press, but she still keeps it open.
"Merci, Monsieur Max. A black tea, please?" she mirrors his politeness. And to Borr's playful sarcasm, she giggles. "Geez, I bet. Then even if I can't live here anymore, I'll be sure to visit as much as I can!"
"Excellent," she replies, and truthfully she can't hold back her excitement on the project even if she's still yet unsure if it can succeed. And she, too, would love to discuss ideas with someone she considers a friend. "My original idea was to build a successor to GaoFighGar. That was the very first project I had a hand in, but I also want to show how much I've grown since then." GaoFighGar was touted as an Earth-built Fighting Mechanoid, but with PLANT technology in the mix, it becomes something else entirely, doesn't it? "I'm a Coordinator, not an Evoluder, so I need to make a lot of adjustments if I will be the one to pilot it." She looks at Yuta for a moment, too. "I want to think of it as a representation of my will to never give up on.. so many people. That includes the Gridman Alliance."
<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.
Yuta's brave enough to look Alouette in the eyes as she speaks. Her smile is comforting, as is her resolve. Not wanting to be seen as a victim... That's something Yuta hadn't considered. He was so certain his friends would be angry at him, he never actually considered their feelings. The knot of guilt and regret in his heart loosens, and his shoulders relax, just a bit. "You're really amazing, Alouette. I -- thank you. I won't forget the way you feel about all this."
"Right away." Max gives Alouette a shallow little bow, keeping up the game. He makes his way behind the counter with Rikka, carefully preparing the tea. It takes him a little bit longer with only one arm accessible, but he's still more than capable.
"A successor? Woah." Yuta's eyes widen as he joins the conversation at last. "That's got to be a huge project! We'll do whatever we can to help!" Fumbling for a moment, the young mant ries to think of ways he could help. "Um, I can help carry things! I'm pretty strong..." He laughs. That's pretty lame...
Max approaches with the tea, offering it to Alouette in a delicate teacup edged with flowering vines. "Here you are, Miss Pommier. I hope you enjoy."
"A will to never give up, huh?" Borr grins. "You're my kind of lady, Alouette. You know, us four aren't slouches when it comes to computer stuff. Not that you'd really need the help, but if you want it, we've got you."
Vit, without interrupting his scrolling, nods in agreement. "Yeah. Love hearing that kind of thing. You thought of a name for this thing yet, Alouette?"
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
Rikka nods as Alouette assures Yuta. She's right, she thinks - they did everything they could. ...But it is a little reassuring to be told that directly.
"You'll always be welcome." Rikka says, as Alouette says she'll be sure to visit as much as she can. She means, it too. But Max joins her behind the counter to help get Alouette her tea so Rikka shifts a little to let him in. She'll help him out wherever he needs it to get it ready... but, he seems to have it mostly handled.
She looks toward Alouette as she starts to explain what she's working on. Her new project, the representation of her will to never give up on the people she cares about... It resonates with Rikka.
"Wow... you're amazing, Alouette. That's an incredible idea." Rikka replies. "It's... really good to see you so fired up again. We missed you, you know?"
She nods as Yuta offers help in whatever way they can.
"Yeah, I'll do what I can, too. Uh... I probably can't carry anything, but I can help in other ways, too." She says.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Alouette wasn't sure how Yuta might take her words, but her smile remains when it seems like they got through and helped him feel better. As she notices Rikka nod as well, she considers that Rikka likely had her own similar worries about the situation. "Of course! Even if healing is a slow process, I think having friends like you support me makes it a lot easier." Although Akane has not come up in this conversation, she can't help but think about Akane. The only reason she did it was because she didn't have such a support network - thought the only way she could was by molding people.
Yuta offers to help by carrying things, and although he looks down sheepishly when he says that, Alouette might just need that - even a genius like her can forget she needs to carry the stuff back. "I.. actually could use the assistance in carrying some parts back to the Wadatsumi - even if they're in smaller pieces right now. So thank you for offering!"
As Max arrives with the tea, she thanks him and takes a sip. "It's good.." Among Tsutsujidai's many cafes, the taste at Aya's was always something special.
"I'm sure Orbit Base won't say no to four more tech supports, especially with Inubouzaki and me busy as we are," she grins back at Borr.
Vit presents an interesting question: what will she name it? She thinks for a few moments. Without Final Fusion or GaoMachines, she won't be following the GaoGaiGar naming convention, which gives her free reign. "A lark who transcends globe and galaxy so she can protect people in need. I'll have to think about that," she answers, vaguely - she's getting close to the right shape in her mind.
Finally, Rikka affirms that they all missed her, which gives her a warm feeling separate from the tea she's drinking. "Yes.. it's very good to be back. Even before my little vacation, I was in a bit of a slump with programming." Although she wishes the circumstances were different, giving her mind that opportunity to recharge is one she's grateful for. "...I'm glad that spark didn't go away for good."
"Oh and thank you! You've already been plenty of help with the parts. I'm not so sure NERV would just let me permanently dissemble one of their Long Daggers," she laughs.
<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.
Yuta's smile gets that much brighter to hear Alouette credit her friends. "We'll do whatever we can. You'd do the same for us!"
Much like Alouette, Yuta thinks of Akane. His feelings about her have been so conflicted lately -- but no matter what, they have to save her. Sliding his phone out of his pocket, Yuta taps on Akane's contact. An image of a cat, slowly rotating, is sent. That should do it. Yuta replaces his phone.
"Hey, that's great!" Yuta stands, grinning. Being able to be useful is the antidote to feeling depressed! Walking to the counter, the young man puts his empty teacup down. "See? I'm a total pro at carrying things. It's gonna be great."
"While we cannot promise to be available with any sort of regularity, I am certain we could send one or two of us your way when needed. As long as Tsutsujidai remains adequately protected, we may do whatever we wish." Max says, a happy note in his voice.
"I--I would like to see the Orbit Base." Calibur speaks up, finally. He's looking at Alouette with an intense gaze. "Sp--space was interesting."
"Don't rush yourself for a name." Vit chimes in. "You'll be stuck with it for a long time, so you may as well think it over. Liking the bird theme, though. Very chic."
"You really are the coolest, Alouette, just to be able to do this! Just waking up one day and deciding to build a machine... So cool!" Yuta smiles. "Rikka's a pro at tons of things, just having her around makes projects go better. She's practically a good-luck charm!"
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
"Definitely." Rikka agrees, as Yuta assures Alouette that they'll support her however they can. She's already been a big help to them, having been with them through a lot.
"See, there you go." Rikka says to Yuta, as Alouette points out that there are things she needs carried. "I think we should have a hand cart somewhere around here, actually. That should make it a little easier on you."
Going to Orbit Base, huh... Rikka can't help but smile a little when Calibur expresses interest in space. It's good to see him taking interest in things. But as for the name... Rikka listens with interest.
"That's really romantic, Alouette." She enthuses. "That's a great thought."
But, Alouette is glad to be back, and remarks that she had been in a bit of a slump.
"I'm glad, too. Though, I think it would've come back eventually. You're pretty talented." She remarks... and then smirks. "...Yeah, I bet they'd have something to say about that... It's a shame, right?"
Yuta praises her, and Rikka looks proud for a moment.
"I do do my best." She preens, playing it up... and then laughs, a moment later. ...It's nice, to be able to share a laugh like this again after everything that's been happening.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
"Oh, perfect!" Alouette exclaims as she spots the handcart. "Before we carry these out I should probably..." She discretely takes out the cash she brought along, and adds a sizeable tip to the amount those parts were marked up for. In their current state, they might be junk, but Alouette is confident she can make something beautiful out of them. And she's just as certain Ms. Orie Takarada wouldn't be against the extra cash.
"Of course," she replies to Max, a little surprised they all took her suggestion seriously. And when Calibur expresses intent interest on visiting space again, she can't help but smile. She loves Earth, Space, and in-between all the same. "Tsutsujidai comes first, but you're always welcome at Orbit Base."
When Vit points out the bird theme, and Rikka notes the romanticism of it, she smiles. "My mother loves birds, and that's why my name is Alouette. I hope.. I can become that guardian lark for her." Although her goals go even beyond that, her mother is certainly someone she wants to be able to protect.
"Oh definitely," Alouette responds at Rikka's snark. "Here is much preferable to having to pay someone higher ranking than Kaworu a visit." She smirks.
"You're right, a good luck charm. It was very fortunate that we met, don't you think?" She laughs at her own bad joke, along with Rikka's prideful remark. She's.. very glad they got to have this meeting, both to clear the air about her situation, and most importantly, to spend a good afternoon with her friends.