expiationnet | 005 ✤ video

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[ Despite the recent fight ending in the Chosen's victory, it sure doesn't seem like anyone's in mood for celebrating; between trying to repair everything that went terribly wrong (both physically and emotionally) due to the corruption, a new wave of sentencing and the mysterious explosion in the distance that now threatens the political landscape, it's only natural that people aren't in high spirits. And that's where the ever cheerful and energetic Miss Coordinator comes in, showing no trace of that hands-on serious attitude she had for a little while last month. ]

Hello, everyone~! It's your favorite magical girl, Mitama Yakumo! It looks like Aldrip took a little beating as the result of the recent events, but in the end, you emerged victorious! Miss Coordinator is proud of you ♥

[ And then, well, everything else happened; but she's not here to talk about that, so she simply smiles and claps her hands together before moving to what she actually wants to talk about: ]

Buuut, it looks like a new challenge is upon us! Not only do we need to rebuild our lovely little town, we need to prepare a party of the lifetime for our guests ♪ But what's the point in participating in a ball all on your own? The dancing, the gossip, the mingling, it's all something to be done together! And so, without further ado, I'm happy to introduce...

Aldrip's (Possibly) First Charity Date Auction!

[ The girl makes a pause to let that sink in. You can even get in applause if you wish! In fact, maybe she should arrange herself some yes man to hype up this type of announcement... oh well, maybe next time! ]

You heard that right! Looking for that special someone to spend an unforgettable time with on a snowy evening? In need of a dancing partner? Scared you'll look dumb if you arrive at the party without a plus one? Never fear, Miss Coordinator is here to make your wishes come true, and help the town while at it! Isn't that just amazing~?

[ This is a not-so-subtle hint you all should be praising her for this genius idea. Come on, you know you want to. ]

So! This Sunday at noon, gather at the Event Center so we can get the bids going! All profits will be donated to the parties responsible for rebuilding Aldrip, while you get to find that perfect date for the upcoming ball... and who knows, if you're lucky, you might even get a chance to ask yours truly out ♥

[ She winks at the camera, not a single ounce of shame in her body. ]

I'll see you all there!

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'Twould seem you seek to outdo yourself.

[Miss (Santa) Coordinator seems to have a keen interest in morale-boosting. It is at least a nice change from those who champion violence.]

Is a... plus one typical decorum for such events?

I try! Though really, it's like the opportunities to do so keep arising? It's never a dull moment here in Aldrip, that's for sure!

[ She can't exactly complain about the more, uh, trigger-happy members of the Chosen, being a glorified merchant of death herself, but she would like to convince them to channel all that excess energy into something more useful than petty internet arguments. ]

Well~ I can't say I'm an expert, but I'd say yes! It's rather common to arrive in pairs for big events like this, especially given how this is meant to be a formal happening.

[He is ever so grateful for a distraction from those arguments.

Still, the very prospect of going to a formal party.... is daunting, to say the least. Erichthonios has ever been a shy man.]

Oh...

Do you know why?

[If everyone shall arrive to the same event, why is it the decorum to arrive in pairs? What manner of event is it?]

[ The girl taps her finger on her cheek, letting out a thoughtful hum. The answer to that is a little complicated... ]

Tradition, I suppose? At the time when events like these were more common, it was considered... let's call it "inappropriate" for a lady to show up to a ball all by herself... less so for men, though for them bringing a woman along would be more of a sign of status. And for both sides, it was something of a social expectation to be married already at a certain age, and as such it would be natural to bring your spouse along.

[ ... She probably didn't need to go that far back, but hey, enjoy some random trivia! It might pop up in a quiz some time. ]

Nowadays, on the other hand, it may serve more as a reassuring presence? People often feel overwhelmed by big crowds, and having someone as your designated partner can help with that. The Chosen are a fairly small community, too, so it will more than likely be someone you're at least familiar with in passing, which can give one a much-needed morale boost when in a room full of fancy dressed strangers!

[ That was a lot of words just to say "emotional support", and at the end of her little essay, she adds a disclaimer: ]

Oh, but do keep in mind I'm basing it off my own world's history and traditions, so it's entirely possible that isn't the case here in Aldrip~

[The... entire first part of that goes right over Erichthonios' head; a consequence of his growing up in a far more egalitarian society. Such a thing would not have been seen as a sign of status... not when all were ultimately seen as equals in the eyes of the star. As for it being inappropriate for women alone to show up to a ball unescorted... he cannot even begin to comprehend why.

That is to say, Erichthonios has much the deer-in-headlights expression throughout the entire first part of her explanation. The second half, however, translates much more easily. A reassuring presence. That sounds... good, actually.]

I think I understand... My thanks for the explanation.

Pardon? How will you even convince people to join as possible dates? You can’t have an auction without people, correct? Eve is extremely confused, then again he still barely understands this world, and definitely doesn’t understand the date auction

I certainly don't mean to force anyone to do anything against their will!

[ Okay, maybe a person or two... and maybe another couple who might need a push to "volunteer"... ]

But like I said, this is an event meant to raise funds for charity! As such, I'm certain a number of people will join our cause~

That is likely true. Most people here will be glad of any chance to destress. However you should probably clarify certain things, such as what form of currency is used for the auction, how the ball works, and what else will be offered there. Not everyone here is interested in romance, or dancing. For example; I personally cannot dance to save my life.

Well, there's only one currency currently in use in Aldrip, no? And while I'm more than willing to take others into consideration when it comes to my usual services, the fact I will be donating all profits to the local organizations means my hands are tied, proverbially speaking!

[ She makes a small pause, shaking her head briefly as she explains the rest with her usual customer service smile on her face. ]

Oh, but I'm not affiliated with those who are organizing the event! I'm afraid that while Miss Coordinator is a woman of many talents, peering into the future is just outside my area of expertise~ So for details on that, you might need to contact one of the Aldrip's original residents!

If I volunteer, I will you be willing to make someone else join? I wish for revenge for the mistletoe incident.

The more, the merrier, I say! I'm not here to question the motivation behind your sign-ups~

[ For better or worse. Mostly worse. ]

Wonderful. I am up for everything, as long as they have to experience it too. [His smile looks practically vindictive]

So we are paying money on a person so that we can benefit from the pleasure of someone's company who happens to catch our fancy? Where I'm from that's called prostitution.

Technically just an escort, since there is no sexual activity involved! Well, I will not be monitoring what two consenting parties decide to do on their date, but it's not the point of the arrangement, that's for sure~

[ Semantics? Perhaps, but she'd rather clarify that before someone decides to spread rumors about Miss Coordinator being a procurer, okay! ]

Is there a clause that this auction is not to be used for sexual purposes?

[ ..........

It's like Ange can feel a chill running down her spine at all of this.. ]

Are you saying you're okay with going on a date with absolutely whoever?

[ POINTEDLY NOT ADDRESSING THE REST OF THIS!! Nuh-uh!! ]

[ Mitama blinks once, then twice. Naturally, she understands what the other girl is implying, and why she doesn't seem too taken with the idea... but addressing her actual point feels boring. She should live a little! Or in this case, live in fear of what Mitama might subject her to next. ]

Oooh, Ange-chan~ If you want to go on a date with me, all you need to do is ask! ♥

[ Does that count as an answer? ]

[ God, she should've seen that one coming, right. She made that one so easy for Mitama. It's like they're playing sports and Ange just put the ball down right in front of an empty goal, letting Mitama just kick it right in there to score the point.

And yet she doesn't want to admit defeat. A typical Ushiromiya trait, really. So even though Ange can feel the embarrassment rising to the very top of her head, she refuses to give into it. Instead she grits her teeth, managing to spit out a: ]

Your standards have to be super low to be okay with that idea.

[ NOT THAT SHE WANTS TO!

FOR THE RECORD!!! ]

[ Goodness, the girl is really making it easy for her, isn't she? Mitama lets out a small chuckle, wondering if Ange even realizes she continues to dig her own grave. ]

How come? You're a lovely girl, even if you try to hide it, and fun to talk to! I can't think of a better match~

[ She may be teasing her, but that's not to say she doesn't mean it! She does enjoy the other's company quite a bit, after all. ]

Okay, now I seriously know you're making fun of me.

[ Her tone is definitely somewhere right in the middle of sulking and embarrassed at this point. It's too much for Ange.. But at least that last part keeps her from every taking Mitama seriously, hence why the sulking instead sneaks in.

Yeah, Ange knows she's not attractive, but Mitama doesn't have to rub it in!

(Not.. that Mitama is doing that at all, but socially awkward perception does this to a person..) ]

'Can't think of a better match' is seriously going too far. No one in the world would ever believe that, you know.

[ For a brief moment, Mitama just watches her closely in silence. It's not hard to figure out what she's thinking... and truth to be told, it makes her a little sad. It's like she doesn't think it's possible for someone to genuinely like her. ]

... I know you probably think I don't take anything seriously, but I can be honest, you know. And I wouldn't say things I don't mean. Just because you're trying to keep everyone at an arm's length doesn't mean others won't grow to like you, and I know I for one enjoy being around you.

[ She's still smiling as she speaks, but her tone lost the usual playful tone, which hopefully helps convey the fact she's not teasing her. It's not often that she decides to be completely straightforward, but she can make an exception for Ange! ]

Whether you believe me or not is up to you, of course... as if whether the feeling is mutual or not. But that won't change the way I feel.

[ .. It's weird. Somehow it's easier to deal with Mitama just being more.. Mitama-y. Sure, it flusters Ange to hell and back, and even when it doesn't fluster her it just makes her exasperated, but at least Ange then knows what she can expect.

Not right now. She doesn't know what to do with those words. Sure, Mitama sounds more serious, but the words just don't make sense to Ange. It makes her want to disbelieve them, disregard it all as some weird prank on Mitama's end, but when the other sounds so serious, that's so much harder to do.

It leaves her quiet for a moment, and when she speaks up again, the edges of her tone sound like she's shrinking on herself. Defensively retreating, because she doesn't know what else to do. Indeed, just like Mitama says-- Ange only knows how to keep people at an arm's length, and nothing else. ]

.. Why would you enjoy being around me? [ It sounds a little less deadpan. Like the tone - for what it's lacking in deadpan - is making up for it with vulnerability instead, even though Ange would never admit to it. ] That makes no sense to me.

That is the question, isn't it. Why do we like the people we do?

[ For all her stoic approach, Ange surely has people she cares about, too, so in a way, that question is directed at her as much as it is at Mitama herself. The girl tilts her head to the side, her smile still warm despite being tinted by a hint of sadness she feels from hearing that kind of statement from her. ]

You're smart, resourceful and cute! That's quite a package already, and a perfectly sensible reason to want to befriend you, I'd say.

[ She makes a small pause; normally, this is where she'd end her response, but the visit to the City Hall to meet the Council has gotten her thinking... should she really try being a bit more honest with others? Not that she doesn't mean the above, but admittedly, she's aware there's more to it than that, too. ]

... And perhaps... there's a part of you that reminds me of myself.

[ More specifically, she means "herself" from back before she'd become a magical girl... back when every one of her days was filled with bullying, sneers and jabs directed at her by her peers. She tried to be strong back then, too, never reacting or responding to their provocations, and appearing unbothered in front of her family. It was only in the shower that she could finally stop pretending, letting both the water and her tears wash over her like she was hoping they could cleanse her.

She won't ask that at this point, of course, but she does wonder... does Ange have a place where she can stop trying to be strong, too? ]

[ The girl slowly inhales, then exhales. ]

In a good way, or a bad way?

[ Ange isn't really sure. With Mitama.. it could be anything, especially when Ange doesn't think there's much they have in common at all aside from both being different flavours of a magical(-ish) girl.

But, strangely enough, she does want to hear the answer. Even though it'd be so easy to walk away from this conversation instead, when she doesn't know what to do with any of the compliments that came before it. There's a reason she's only addressing the last part, after all. ]

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005 ✤ video

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