[closed] everybody's working for the weekend + overflow for july intro log

[defenceless]

Who: Rin, Saber, Kija, Hakuno, Ed, Setsuna, and Bolin (and anyone from the July intro!)
When: Throughout the month of June, into mid-July
Where: Various sites; Caissa to start, then Lasker
What: Completing jobs and doing good deeds. Repurposing "first date" time, in some cases. Doing intro log things.
Rating: Should be pretty safe, will be updated accordingly. Right now the only warnings may be for death and occasional cute... and some scandalousness... TW: mentions of suggestive things in the water festival thread!


Have a Drink (from June 5th on, Caissa/closed to Hakuno)
[it wasn't actually rin's first choice for a convenient way to occupy her days in caissa, but... money is valuable, and money must be earned. just because the worlds have changed, that doesn't make the economics any different. and rin loves money, so of course she finds herself contributing at least some effort to the paid, heroic cause.

it took her a little time to find her own niche in the ongoing dance of the drops festivities. fortunately, people are predictable, and, also fortunately, a pair of pretty female saviors will add a certain charm to the ongoing water fights. dragging hakuno along with her, they've usurped a simple shaded booth where a vendor has asked them to hand out popsicles and other frozen treats for the occasion.

the major draw of the booth, though, is to greet two of blanc's own newest heroes. in bikinis.]

Here you go~! [the smile rin has stretched across her face is almost too saccharine to be believable, her co-conspirator in building public morale will note. she passes a colorful ice cream cone to a waiting patron.] Enjoy the festival, today! Recharge and head back out to receive summer's blessings!

TSI: Train Scene Investigation (from June 25th to July 3rd, Lasker/closed to Saber and Kija)
[after hearing the dismal news, there's no way she can abandon those rail cars. rin sets out from lasker to search for the strewn cars; are you accompanying her?

the harsh and unrelenting landscape doesn't seem to dull her determination to discover survivors. if the coast is mysteriously clear, she listens for cries of help or the pitiful whimpers that could only belong to a small, and frightened, child. just as well, she'll keep her eyes open for bodies—whether motionless or still struggling—the cars themselves, and any other pieces of wreckage, always approaching them to hunt for more unfortunate victims.

throughout it all, her face is grim, but her wavering blue eyes betray how much the tragedy affects her.]

Soul Train (from June 25th to July 15th, Lasker/closed to Ed, Setsuna, and Bolin)
[it's not even a question that she would chip in to aid the refugees. when she isn't elsewhere, rin is somewhere within the shield, busy with the work of providing relief for those rudely displaced by the trainwreck.

occasionally, she's trotting off with heavy baskets of clothing, blankets, and various supplies to carry them up to a certain floor of a safehouse. if she doesn't foist one (or several) on you—]

Here, take this. I don't want to hear any complaints.

[—you're with her as she knocks on the door to a newly arrived, and traumatized, resident.]

It's all right. We're here to help you.

[at other times, rin is delivering practical first aid among a group of survivors, adding to the ongoing discussion of noir's attack in a manner that is neither impolite nor too sugarcoated. while winding a bandage around an injured arm, she admits,]

No, you're right. The better decision would have been to split up our forces equally. There was no need for this folly in dividing us.

[some of those gathered nod their heads in soft agreement. some are more outspoken and angry.

most often, though, rin is whipping up homemade meals with that specific touch of care in a makeshift tent, station, or even small kitchen commandeered for the cooking effort. she holds the end of a wide spoon to your face, her hand cupped beneath it to catch any spills, and asks,]

Will you please try it? [she smiles warmly, giggling a little. you may be wondering oh my god is this really rin tohsaka] Hehe! I want to make sure it meets approval.

[who knows what she's prepared, exactly, but it definitely smells comforting and divine... and tastes rich and delicious, with a distinct hint of spiciness.]

Overflow for the July Intro (July 8th/closed to a bunch of people)
[rin's top-level here! threads will be linked and continued below.]

Comments

you know the one

[sealeted]

[Hakuno has a much subtler sweetness to her expression, but the faint air of bashfulness she has over wearing so little in front of so many seems to have as much of a draw as Rin's undeniable glamour. Her brown hair has been wrestled into twin tails to match her partner, and she's still getting used to feeling her hair flutter over her bare shoulders whenever she turns.]

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you have fun today.

[Hakuno bends down to give a little boy his own cone, thankfully oblivious to the way his chaperone--either an older brother or a young uncle of some sort--eyes her appreciatively from behind.]

[armorial]

[ While Saber is relatively used to all the tragedy and the like, it still weighs heavy on her mind. The treatment the Heroes have been receiving is either praise or utter resentment. It's been hard, but... They must persevere.

She has accompanied Rin on this journey to Lasker. While she's also hoping to find clues about the happenings, she also wants to watch out for the young woman--and ask her how the mission went for her. She faintly remembers seeing her on the train, but focused on her objective, believing Rin to hold her own.

... From what it looks like, Rin is physically fine. She averts her gaze elsewhere before she notices something. ]

Rin, over there. [ There's a lot of debris, but one can make out a toppled rail car beneath the rubble and tree branches.

When she finds the right opportunity, she'll ask. ]

[sediments]

[ There's probably nothing that could've lifted Bolin's spirits like helping out with the refugees. There's still a sad pressure on his heart when he sees kids and adults that haven't gotten the energy for optimism or hope, but he does his best to remain forward thinking; to let himself be warmed by all the people that are devoting their time and energy to helping the refugees, and to the refugees that dare smile despite their circumstances.

And while Bolin is generally unabashed in his friendliness, he feels the guilt of the lost train well enough that he doesn't try invade any of the refugees' space with his insistence that he can help. He'a already learned that, in a lot of ways, he just can't.

He's helping with some soup when Rin offers the spoon, and for a second the earthbender assumes that this must be some hallucination.

And then he grins, no trace of suspicion. ]

Sure!

[ Leaning forward eagerly to accept the mouthful, and doubly glad that he had because it's good. It's obvious on his face as well, the way his shoulders draw up with a pleasured tingle, and his eyes close happily. ]

It's really good! What is it?

[quaria]

[ Although Setsuna doesn't express himself at all, the fact that he is here is enough to tell that he cares underneath that icy exterior. He's just in time as he brings in the latest food supplies, setting down the heavy boxes of donated goods at an appropriate location where the volunteers can easily access them. Once he lifts his head and straightens his posture, he blinks out when he's unexpectedly greeted by Rin's adorable smile and the steaming spoonful of what appears to be chicken and tomato soup.

Setsuna doesn't ask though, instead obediently leaning forward to try it as requested. His hair strands flow down as he lowers himself to the girl's direction, each dark strand framing his distant-looking face. Rin looks very bright today... He's actually glad to see it. It suits her, he thinks. But he can only hope that she means that smile. Is she only putting on a front for the sake of those around them? He can't tell, he doesn't know her well enough to tell. But one thing is for sure, she's doing her best. That's enough to know.

He chews in silence as he observes her, only speaking again once he swallows the bite. ]

... It is delicious. I am certain everyone will like it.

[yaoihand]

[ He found it so regretful that he was not able to help these people. Even in the other train, there were people he could not save. Imagine his (and a lot of other heroes') devastation upon the knowledge that there was another train, that there were hundreds more people they had failed. Of course, one could argue that they hadn't known, but that wouldn't change the fact that so many had perished in the tragedy.

The only thing they could do now was make amends. That was how Kija felt, anyway. That was why he was here now, finding his best to search for the missing pieces. They could be stranded people out there, still alive but desperate in need of help - they could not leave them to die too.

A lead brings them to the middle of the forests, where fairies and other woodland creatures made their home. The heroes had little time to sight-see, however. ]

Do not worry. If they are out there, we will find them. [ That piece of encouragement may have come out of nowhere, but Kija simply felt the need to spread some of the optimism he had. He had just met Rin, so he didn't know her well, but he wouldn't be surprised if the whole incident was getting to her as well.

From some faraway direction, the weak crying of a young girl can be made out. ]

[fuhrinkaed]

[Ed had been looking for the next person to practice healing magic on while helping deal with their injuries, but suddenly he's found a basket filled with clothes shoved in his hands by a twintailed girl demanding that he not complain about it.]

[She must have recognized by his uniform that they're comrades, then, meaning that she's relying on him to help out... well, he can definitely respond to her wish.]

A-alright then! No complaints! [Even if it is a little heavy, he'll make it work.] Where are we going, miss?

yes i do

[defenceless]

[rin isn't so oblivious. after serving her own customer and sending them back towards the festival with a coy wink, she stands watching hakuno, too... what, are there rules that she also can't check her out? it's natural, right?

when the boy and his older tagalong wander away (the latter with an enthusiastic wave), rin whispers to a now standing hakuno in a conniving manner.]

... Five.

[wait, what?]

[sealeted]

[Hakuno doesn't mind. Literally, it doesn't even register that Rin might be scoping her out in a way that isn't analytical. The other Rin set a rather dangerous precedent when she felt up Hakuno in the belief that she was inspecting a NPC character at the time. So, really, it's only natural that Hakuno blinks uncertainly at that soft aside.

You're gonna have to be more specific, Booth Buddy.]

...? Five what?

[defenceless]

[she was keeping her eyes peeled for any clue to a displaced rail car or the presence of people, but perhaps it's no wonder that saber picks up on something before she does. standing next to the shorter woman with her face shaded while she looks in a different direction, rin turns at her command and instantly understands. she nods briskly.

it's as though this is a battleground in the wake of a skirmish during the holy grail war.

that means rin is likely hiding her emotions. but it's precisely the time to do just that, isn't it?]

Right. We can't wait, Saber. [there could be people inside.] Let's act quickly.

[she bounds towards the collected pile of debris in the next moment, ready to tear away rocks and branches.]

[defenceless]

[that's right, bolin, it's a hallucination.

rin could look more elegant in her raggedy-apron-over-a-uniform combo, but her eager, if carefully tentative, smile outshines anything else about her. bolin is so trusting. she was expecting that, but it's an odd feeling (too domestic?) to watch him taste her home-cooked meal right in front of her. just as he shivers up because it's good, she shivers because she's nervous—and flattered.

she gently retrieves the spoon once he's eaten from it, and allows for a quick test of her own, pressing her lips to the top edge of the spoon where there's still some broth collected. this is like almost sharing an unofficial kiss... in a way... try not to think about that, rin. she doesn't win out, and her cheeks blush with color.]

U-Um, it's spicy chicken stew with dumplings. Nothing special.

[what is she supposed to say?]

I'm happy you like it.

[defenceless]

[it's a genuine smile. perhaps he'd be able to tell by the way a soft pink color tints her cheeks as she watches him eat from the spoon and waits expectantly for his reaction. she's embarrassed—even happy—but she doesn't shy away.

is he really convinced that girl on the train would keep smiling if she was secretly feeling terrible?]

You're not just saying that, are you?

[rin meets his eyes. she's been staring at his face all along, so it isn't difficult. he's still uncommonly handsome—still silent and reserved to the point of being emotionless. is that why... she's teasing him? the question has a playful lilt to it, like it might not actually be that serious. setsuna wouldn't strike people as the type to lie, either.

but, blinking at him, she's clearly expecting an answer.]

[defenceless]

[it was absolutely devastation, what she experienced. a cooler head would say they made a valid decision, and even that protecting the lives of valued vips arguably safeguarded the lives of the more than hundreds of others beneath them, but... rin is a girl who can never be happy when people have died, perhaps meaninglessly and in a situation where it could have been avoided if things were done differently.

yet, signing up for the search effort was never a case of returning meaning to lives—these people would be remembered, after death—or making amends for her, really. what amends could she make? she's out here because she feels it's the best (the only?) choice.

she's not so strong or so noble, though. the girl standing beside him is still young. she starts at kija's voice, turning to face him, and despite the fact she doesn't mention it, his optimism was dearly needed. her eyes disclose far more emotion than she talks about.

there's no time for an answer. as rin stares at him, the girl's crying reaches their ears.]

Ah—! Hurry! This way!

[her heart fills with hope. please, please be alive when they get there. rin runs towards the wailing as fast as she can—which is pretty fast, given the speed boost of pawns.]

[defenceless]

[build up those muscles, ed.

in contrast to her demands, though, she doesn't seem all that worried by his response. maybe it's enough that he just agreed?]

Up there.

[she points to a distant window up above them, and businesslike, marches off inside to the nearest staircase.]

[defenceless]

[hakuno, you really have to learn a few things.

it doesn't dissuade her any that the other girl has no idea what she's referring to; in fact, with the slightly pleased look on rin's face, maybe she'll get the impression this was expected. she raises her eyebrows, sharing a glance with her and smirking.]

Five men who have checked out your breasts.

[sorry. is that too much information?]

[sealeted]

WhA—

[She claps a hand over her mouth before that shocked screech can skirt its way up to full volume. She glances down with wide-eyes at her (still strangely exposed) chest. In the Moon Cell, she had only worn a one-piece, so she had thought the feeling of eyes on her skin was just her being overly self-conscious. Uncertainly, she drops her hand and stares at Rin.]

My... you're really sure they're staring at my...?

[armorial]

[ She nods, following briskly after Rin. What they meet is a small cliff, but there is fallen branches, broken glass, torn metal... But if their eyes travel up, there's a car on the edge, half of it hovering over them.

It's clear. Opaque blood covers the visible windows. ]

Rin, prepare yourself. [ She is going to use her wing magic to propel the other woman up the cliff--that's some height, but they're both used to it.

Quickly after her instruction, she casts a spell. Wind gathers underneath Rin, circling in slowly. It gradually fastens its pace as it closes in, launching her at an angle up onto the cliff. ]

[quaria]

[ Sometimes, pretending not to be in pain is the best defense mechanism for certain people. It helps them move on. It helps them look up again. And in time, they just forget. Even if they don't, time nulls the feeling away. The drawback is that it resurfaces if they're reminded... But that's expected, as nothing was exactly resolved.

Unfortunately, sometimes a solution can take a long time to achieve. Especially in a world facing war. That's why people have to do what they can to keep going no matter what; no matter what they chose to protect themselves with, as long as they can keep running towards hope, then it'll be all right. Even if a little lie or two is used to protect themselves.

Setsuna still isn't certain of the true meaning of Rin's smile, but he wants to believe in her and her strength. She knows herself more than anyone else, so he won't do anything to question it. He chooses to focus on the topic on hand instead, especially as he witnesses her eager expression now — waiting for his answer. ]

No, it really is delicious. I would ask for seconds, but it is not meant for me.

[defenceless]

[she wasn't expecting the sight of the rail car tipping precariously over the cliff, but it doesn't fill her with fear, either. saber's right to trust her. compared to a grail war, this is a no-brainer. with another stiff nod, rin unhurriedly accepts the magically summoned wind that swirls around her, gauging for a proper landing point as soon as she's flying through midair.

she achieves it, hopping feet first onto the edge of the cliff, just beside the car. if she could direct her mana through her limbs to add some strength to her, it might be possible to tug it back...

but she's too weak to accomplish anything on her own, so she stares at saber from a distance.]

You get up here, too.

[defenceless]

[now, this? this is the surprising part. rin is incredulous.]

Of course. It's men. Why wouldn't they?

[sealeted]

Because there's a prettier girl five feet to to the left?

[Hakuno still sounds a bit incredulous and self-conscious.]

[defenceless]

[she holds the spoon back, balancing it in her hand as she listens to him. but for all setsuna's answer may be direct enough for him, rin apparently doubts it. her eyebrows raise and her lips form into an interesting shape—as if to say, "hmm, is that really right? i wonder."]

... Well, that depends. When was the last time you've eaten?

[she's definitely domestic, like a mother interrogating her son or a girlfriend putting her lover on the spot.]

[defenceless]

[oh, well. she's right that rin is pretty gorgeous. (self-esteem, she may have too much of it sometimes...) rin twirls a section of long, dark hair from one of her twintails as her eyes avert to watch the crowd milling around beside the booth.]

Hmm... Even if you're new, you should be beginning to catch on, right? Living, breathing people have preferences. Some of them are going to prefer your "appeal" to mine. Some of them will look at whatever's placed in front of them.

[she shakes her head.]

Either way, embrace it. You're making money.

[quaria]

[ Oh... If it's like this, Setsuna has no idea what to say. It's not that he doesn't want to; he actually really does! But it feels a little selfish if he tells the truth, even if the chef herself is asking him. After all, there are people around The Shield that needs the food more than he does. And he can always wait until work is over before grabbing a bite. He doesn't want to take one meal away if it can potentially be accepted by a hurt soul instead...

Especially with cooking as wonderful as Rin's. ]

You do not have to worry about me.

[ Setsuna lowers his head to stare at the heavy box he just delivered, trying to avoid staring at the girl's eyes. Rin might give him a look that he won't be able to say no against... ]

[armorial]

[ It's okay. Rin. Saber is preparing a second spell for herself in the same fashion. It only takes a incantation that's about medium length since she's not used to this spell yet. Eventually, she launches herself up into the air and lands right next to Rin with grace.

Now that she's finally here, she eyes the cart. ]

I don't think either of us can pull this back.

[ If Saber were a Knight, that would be different. ]

Do you have a plan, Rin?

[sealeted]

I-I guess so?

[It somehow comes out as a question. She's not sure how to handle having the interest of somebody who isn't a power-crazed AI or berserk Lancer.]

Well, I guess that's true.

[Leave it to a Tohsaka to boil this down to fiscal importance. Even years and worlds away, some things must just be constant.]