2024-04-29: Functional

• Log: 2024-04-29 Functional
• Cast: Kaworu Nagisa, Yuta Hibiki
• Where: Tokyo-3, Japan
• OOC - IC Date: April 29, UC 0099 (2024)
• Summary: Yuta meets with Kaworu to settle the past and establish a future.

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<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It's been some time since the last time Kaworu spoke with the true Yuta Hibiki, which was also the first time. He didn't expect to ever see or speak with him again, even when one day the name Yuta Hibiki appeared on a list of new NERV interns. So when one April day, Kaworu gets a message from that very person asking to meet him out in the city, it's a genuine surprise.
        
        He has no reason to refuse, though. Indeed, the fact that Yuta is reaching out to him tells Kaworu that it must be important--if nothing else, to Yuta himself.
        
        As such, he heads to the agreed-upon location. It's a decades-old laundromat that's gone a bit to seed. The machines are still functional, though, and it's cheap, so a lot of the Tokyo-3 locals--many of whom are NERV employees themselves--use it. Kaworu takes the opportunity to bring his own laundry there. It's so "normal."
        
        It's also empty. It's the middle of the day; most people are at work or at school. Kaworu graduated school early over a year ago, and he works more than his fair share compared to the rest of NERV anyway. He stands with hands in his pockets next to his selected washing machine, alive with the slot of a coin, and hums quietly to himself.

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        "Time to get the show rolling." Yuta Hibiki muttered under his breath as they approached the laundromat, precisely on time. Even though the red haired young man had picked up the location, there had been no rhyme or reason to it -- or perhaps not, the only criteria had been 'a place that was bound to be empty'.

        They had no idea how this meeting would turn out... Envisioning memories in their mind, Yuta quickly refreshed themself about what Gridman knew about Kaworu Nagisa.... No. Bad habit. This meeting had one objective and one objective only, no need to dwell on its implications.

        Stepping into the place with light steps, a jingle alerted whoever would be inside that new customers graced the place with their presence. It didn't take long for Yuta to recognize Kaworu. With a light 'ahem' to call his attention and a moment to take his breath, the young man announced their presence.

        "First of all, thank you for coming, even though I haven't seen you in two years, Kaworu Nagisa. Especially given what happened the last time we've met." Shoulders slouching slightly after the somewhat formal greeting, Yuta made sure there was a semblance of a smile to his face. Look amicable, they reminded themself.

        If Kaworu would turn around, they might be greeted upon a visage that they might now have been... expecting. With longer, red and well cared hair that went down to the middle of his back (though both bedhead and the ends stubbornly refused to stay straight), it was a far cry from the messy short style Yuta had adopted two years ago. His body was definitely more than a couple inches taller as a late puberty picked up its slack, yet his slender shape granted them an ambiguity that was even more androgynous than before. Their choice of outfit played on it -- jeans, buckle belt, a red shirt, black leather boots and an equally colored jacket of the same fabric, it either hid or emphasized his contours with the idea in mind.

        "So it's nice... To meet you again?" The last bit Yuta framed a question, extending a hand toward Kaworu.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        The door opens; a bell jingles; a young man steps inside. Kaworu looks Yuta's way with a faint smile. It's polite and friendly enough, but only that. That's normal enough too, given the circumstances. What might seem less normal is... well.
        
        While Yuta has grown taller and his red hair longer, a clear sign of the passage of time, Kaworu... looks basically the same. This is especially so after Yuta refreshes themself on Gridman's knowledge of Kaworu. Same haircut, same height, same relaxed stance. Same school uniform, even, although given that it's only a button-up shirt over a violet undershirt and belted black slacks with cream snakers, it's a bit of a stretch to call it a 'uniform.' It's what the Tokyo-3 Municipal students wear, in any case. Even though Kaworu is no longer a student.
        
        It's a little like looking back in time.
        
        "Yuta Hibiki," Kaworu greets them cordially, turning to face them. He accepts their hand for a handshake in greeting. "Likewise. You seem to be doing well for yourself. I'm glad to see it." A beat; when the handshake ends, he slips his hand back into his pocket. "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?"

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        The semblance was not lost on Yuta. To someone who wanted nothing but to change their assigned role and seize their own life, perhaps it was a bit uncanny, perhaps cruel, to see a monument to the past, entirely unchanged. At least that would have been Yuta's reaction, had they not changed and rushed forward from two years ago.
        
        "Right. Let me get straight to the point before I -- before we talk about anything else." Turning serious once more, his facial expression immediately changed from a smile to a vaguely blank, determined look. Taking a step back, Yuta Hibiki curved his upper body... in an gesture that was all too easily recognizable as an apology. "It's two years too late, but I want to say sorry for how I've treated you back then when I woke up."
        
        Yuta Hibiki had no idea how Kaworu would react to this -- they could make a reasonable guess based on what Gridman knew about the boy, but although his appearance and demeanor didn't seem to have changed, two years had indeed passed. "Though you were also in pain for having to say goodbye to someone precious to you, I lashed out for something you had no guilt about. I'm sorry."

        In a bubble, when disconnected and disjointed from everything else, these were Yuta Hibiki's feelings about their particular episode, if not their feelings about the whole situation. They acted prematurely, with no understanding of the full picture, and jeopardized a potential co- Bad habit. You are just here to apologize, Yuta Hibiki -- they told themself. Start things anew, as it were.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu's own faint smile fades into a similarly neutral expression as Yuta indicates there's something that must come first. Then they bow and apologize.
        
        Kaworu doesn't grimace. But his face does pinch, tightening a bit around the eyes and mouth. He bows his head. "No... You needn't apologize, Yuta Hibiki. I knew that body wasn't Gridman's--that your soul was still in there--but I never stopped to consider how you might feel once you reawakened. You had a right to be upset."
        
        He doesn't apologize for it--but then, he apologized back on that September day. Indeed, after a few seconds, he raises his chin. "...Still, I don't want your current feelings to go to waste, either. So I accept your apology. I hope you have accepted mine."
        
        He pauses, then adds, "May I ask what made you decide to say this now?"

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        As Kaworu first said Yuta didn't need to apologize, their reaction was to bend his body slightly lower, in silence, in a show of sincerity. They could have just let time forget all of this, but that would have been running away, the coward's way out, and there was no benefit to letting bad feelings linger and fester.
        
        Only after their apology was accepted that the rougenette dared lift his face, facial expression once again changing into something visibly more relaxed and amicable. There was no falsehood there, Yuta had simulated in their head many ways this particular interaction could go. In all honesty, for the worse case scenarious in their mind, Yuta was ready to beat a hasty retreat at a moment's notice.
        
        "Thank you. And of course you're forgiven. There's nothing that could have been done, and Gridman was a pure and naive soul, living the life of a hero, I can see how you'd be... well." Raising his hands in a friendly shrug of shoulders, they sighed in relief as a hurdle had come and gone. "Well, to answer your question at least in part, there was an opportunity. You might have seen my name in the files. Well, one of the rare times I actually used my name when applying to a job. First time, actually."

        Walking towards one of those nearby vending machines, strategically placed to quench the boredom of people who waited for their clothes to wash and dry, Yuta picked a zero-sugar cola to himself, and a - they actually stopped for a moment, realizing they didnt actually know Kaworu's taste. 'Wow, what kind of boyfriend wouldn't know their partner's taste?' they thought, chatistising Gridman inside their head - another zero sugar cola, offering it as they thought about how to best answer the question.

        "In any case, I'm thinking it's about time to move soon, and I didn't want to leave any loose ends. Besides.... it's been two years. Two very frantic, very hectic years. In his memories, you're a good man, Kaworu. And if you're the kind of man he thought you were, that incident would still be a weight upon you, even two years later. So I'm here to apologize, awkward as it is." Their words were calculated, but the feelings contained were genuine.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        No hasty retreat would've been necessary--Kaworu simply isn't the type to get angry. (Though it's certainly always best to be prepared, isn't it? Just because he has a lot of patience doesn't mean that patience has no limit. ...presumably.)
        
        So when Yuta expresses their own forgiveness and understanding, Kaworu's smile returns, a little warmer than before. "I did," he confirms. "I'm an administrator in NERV, so personnel matters often cross my desk." Though it seems as though Yuta doesn't always use his name in job applications--this is the first, in fact, which is a mild surprise to him. "Oh? Why is that?"
        
        He turns his head as Yuta goes over to a nearby vending machine. He isn't anticipating that Yuta will get a drink for him too, but when Yuta does all the same and offers it to him, he accepts it. "Thank you," he says graciously, though he doesn't crack it open right away.
        
        He does listen to Yuta's explanation, though. His eyes soften at the mention of Gridman's memories and his smile dims, though it doesn't go away. "I see. Then thank you. I'm grateful for your kindness, Yuta Hibiki." And he would leave it at that, especially since this is a loose end to Yuta--but he remembers Gridman's own wishes, and so: "Is there any kindness I can do for you in return?"

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        Yuta had seen that question coming from miles away. Perhaps not before they had met with Kaworu Nagisa some moments ago, but just seeing the kind, patient boy from far away in occasional, most likely unilateral as Yuta actively hid himself, sightings in the wild west of working at the same place, gave the rougenette some good indication. As they had said moments ago, if Gridman's appraisal of Kaworu Nagisa in his memories could be trusted, then of course, that question would show up.
        
        Noticing the shift in the boy's smile as they breached a sensitive topic, Yuta Hibiki deliberately pondered their words, and how exactly he'd express their answer. "Honestly.... yes and no. For one, I wouldn't like to impose upon your kindness. But also I would like to let you honor his.... last request to you."

        The rougenette had grown quite empathic to people's feelings, a developing skill that had been quite useful as they went around in these two years. One phrase a time, they articulated himself with gestures, expressions, making sure their intentions came across with the honesty they envisioned. "If anything comes to mind..... how about getting to know each other? As it is, I only know Kaworu Nagisa through rose-tinted lenses. Oh, in a more personal level, if you have intel you could share, that'd be great. You know, learning things is half the reason why I joined NERV in the first place."

        That's the vague request they had as an answer to a complicated question. Something that sounded a little silly, that perhaps would give them the opportunity to start fresh. Becoming acquaintaces with Kaworu would be enough. And if they expanded their knowledge with anything out of it.... well, one never knew what would turn around to be useful.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu waits as Yuta considers what to say; condensation forms on the side of the cola can and drips down onto his pale skin. 'Last request' is quite a final way of putting it, but that much, Kaworu doesn't seem bothered by. He simply gives Yuta the time to actually decide whether to make a request or not. If they prefer not to impose, he'll respect that.
        
        The request they ultimately make isn't what Kaworu would have guessed, but it isn't surprising, either. If Yuta felt bad enough about what happened when they first met, it makes sense that they'd want to get to know Kaworu better and not rely on Gridman's memories. Intel... is a little more unexpected, but when Yuta explains it in the context of why they joined NERV, it makes more sense. They did miss out on two years of their life.
        
        "All right," Kaworu replies. "There are some things I won't be able to tell you. With that understanding, what would you like to know?"

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        That had been the best answer they could hope for, in all honesty. Sure, perhaps saying 'final' had been a bit manipulative of their part, but it was still in the realm of what would be allowed. Besides.... not even all their knowledge could predict what would happen in the future. Though that Kaworu would ask him what they wanted to learn on the spot was a bit of a surprise of their own.

        "Of course, it's not like I'm hoping to learn company secrets or anything." Not that they would discourage Kaworu from saying any, if so inclined. What to ask, what to ask..... "Honestly, there's nothing I don't want to know, but let's start with something that counts for both my requests? Actually.... three things sort of come to mind."

        Crossing arms in a contemplative pose, they once again stop to consider their words. "If you don't mind if I sound a little rude, what ARE you, Kaworu? I mean, I'm not exactly an all natural human myself, as you know, but even I age. Can't say I wasn't surprised you hadn't changed one bit since I last saw you." That's question number one.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu laughs a little at that first question Yuta poses. "Right away you ask something I can't freely answer, but I'll do my best. I did age for a time, so you know, but there have been some recent changes. Now I remain unchanging as always." (A little Kaworu humor for them there. It might be a bit obtuse for them.) "Suffice to say that I'm not an all natural human, either."
        
        There are still two more questions that Yuta still has to ask, but... "You mentioned before you may move on soon. Where are you planning on going next?"

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        If anything just the fact that Kaworu could not, in fact, answer was information in itself. Information that could searched for, if they were willing to risk it, but just having an idea where to look for it would do for now. Company secrets are company secrets, as simple as it sounds. "Well, can't say that I shouldn't have seen that one coming." Confirming nor denying, Yuta shrugged his shoulders and let out a small chuckle in response as if to answer Kaworu's laugh.

        "Hard to say. Not because I don't want to answer, but because I'm deliberating over a few happenstances. In fact, you could even affect what I'll be doing when you answer my next question! Oh, but I do plan to pay a visit to Tsutsujidai soon enough. If only to check how things are going in the place that birthed my existence." Hoping that would be enough to assuage Kaworu, Yuta moved on to his second question. "Well, this one is more of a shot in the dark than anything - do you happen to known any Ultraman, or have a vague idea of where could I find one?"

        "Actually, let me ask my third question too." the rougenette said while picking up their phone. Flipping and fumbling around for a bit, they were searching for a particular footage that they happened to be watching while on the down low a couple days before. "Where is it, where is it...... Ah. Here." Turning his phone to the white haired, unchanging boy, Yuta had a paused shot of a certain Galaxy Fairy's special Friday Live, particularly, at a shot of the last contestant that showed up for the interviews. "Asciel Colette. Do you happen to know anything about her that isn't public available information?"

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        There are certainly people and places that Yuta could pursue the matter if they really want to. Whether they'd be able to do so safely is another matter. Still, it certainly is a start. Kaworu smiles back at Yuta as they seem to accept his answer.
        
        "I see," he says instead at Yuta's own vague answer. "I know several Ultramen. They've often appeared at NERV operations to help us with battle. Ultraman Geed, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Z, Ultraman Orb... All of them have appeared on this planet at some point over the past two years, though Geed and Zero haven't appeared lately. Reaching out to one of them is another matter, but Tsutsujidai was of interest to many of them. If you were to find one anywhere, that's a reasonable place to start."
        
        In other words, Kaworu will be discreetly directing an Ultraman to wander around Tsutsujidai in the near future so they might run into Yuta. But he doesn't mention that part, of course.
        
        Yuta fumbles with their phone, then turns it around to show Kaworu footage of a recent interview. The last interviewee, Asciel Colette... "She attacked the Geofront once with several allies under the name Atrytone; she made use of contractors who'd worked on buildings in Tokyo-3 to gain quick entry. Several of us managed to repel her before she did very much damage, and she hasn't returned since. I believe she's attacked the Photon Power Labs as well. She's caused a great amount of chaos through the Earth Sphere, really, but that's all publicly available information by now. Alouette Pommier tells me she's actually a quite fearful individual."
        
        And of course she's a Super A.I., but that's also public information. Sheryl Nome mentions it during that interview, even.

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

        Yuta seemed to nod along Kaworu's answers to their question. The first one is highly informative, and a hint is a hint. They know quite a bit about Ultramen from what Gridman knew about them, and Yuta was hoping to learn a bit more about their fighting style - even though they weren't wearing on his wrist as part of a show of respect to Kaworu, Yuta - in fact - still had the Accepter in their possession. It was too useful a tool to give it back to Gridman for no cost, after all. Among other things. "I see.... Then I guess that settles that I'll be paying a visit Tsutsujiudai soon enough, then. Barring nothing else happens."

        For their second question, though.... the answer makes his face warp in a slight frown. As mentioned, all of that was public available information they had already found out, yet they had hoped someone with Kaworu's clearance would know a bit more that'd be willing to share, given the Super AI was a threat. "I see..... Maybe I'll focus on digging around on that one a bit more." Anything and everything Yuta Hibiki had felt from their one chance meeting was a penchant for danger. Like they toed the line between potentially great friends or incompatible for their ways of prove their existence. "Hmm... Yeah. I'll dig up some more."

        "In any case, that's honestly all I can come up with on the spot, but thanks for sharing what you could!" Yuta extended his hand to Kaworu once more, as they had done upon arriving. "It's definitely nice to meet you again, Kaworu. Thanks for agreeing to meet me, even though all that happened. Also, even though I might be leaving NERV soon, my main gig is being a freelancer, so feel free to reach out if you need anything." And with a playful smirk on his lips, they added. "Or, you know, if you just want to play around some time for no particular reason."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Asciel Colette simply isn't someone Kaworu has had cause to concern himself with much, sadly. But: "Alouette Pommier knows her personally. What I know largely comes from her. I imagine she might know more private information about her." ...He can at least point Yuta in the right direction. Hopefully they can make it to Tsutsujidai just fine, too.
        
        "You're welcome," he replies. His smile broadens at their playful comment. "I don't have much time to play around these days, but I'll be sure to send you an invitation if an event takes place."
        
        A freelancer... Kaworu muses that Yuta really is doing well for themself now. The time that's passed since they last met has been kind to them--or perhaps it's more that Yuta has seized it well. "Likewise, if you think of anything else, you can contact me when you like," he says aloud, accepting their hand for another shake. "You know where you can find me."