it only hurts for a moment - you get used to it quickly

[swordsinternally]

[ After everything's said and done, Shirou's going to go ahead and set things up for today. It's the same as always; nothing has changed-- but he still wants to believe that there's something worth in doing this, so he'll at least go ahead and do that once he's given out notes (or told a person verbally, one on one) under their door, a small neat note stating: ]

For those who don't want to be alone today:

I know it's been a hard month. And I know it's probably going to get even more difficult from here. But I don't want anyone to give up just yet. If you'd like, there'll be food and drinks in the simulation room.

- E.

[ And for those who decide to make the trip to the simulation room, they'll find themselves walking into what seems to be a karaoke bar! Shirou's made it pretty spacious and there is, in fact, a table set up with some food for everyone to take - primarily burgers and ramen (hell, there's a bit of ramen burgers, too, the Biggest Cancer) - that he's made the decision to make, so feel free to take it, and he's willing to even get drinks for everyone, too.

This includes virtual drinks, as he actually has some experience working at a bar, even if it was more menial tasks and less bartending. But hey, there's a first time for everything, yeah?

And there's also the option to sing your heart out-- although that might not be the most appropriate, given the last execution, but he's. He's trying, anyway. ]

Comments

[lovedanime]

[Mitarai is extremely uncomfortably, amidst intense intimidation, bobbing his head along to all this.]

[sendintheclown]

[He sees you, Mitarai. He sees you, and he advances, not breaking from his performance as he does so.

As soon as he's close enough, he offers out a hand.

Take it?]

[lovedanime]

[He mirrors the movement of extending the hand, trying to pretend he didn't know Gogol was trying to straight up grab the hand. Like he's making an arm movement dance move like dabbing or something.]

[sendintheclown]

[Gogol laughs, and seizes his hand all the same, and tries to drag him more towards the 'stage'. There's a convenient instrumental break, so he can finally speak.]

Do you know this song?

[lovedanime]

[WELP, here Mitarai is. He's clinging to Gogol's other hand now for support because he's that unsteady on his feet. And despite himself a grin cracks open his face with the answer because he can't lie, lying is wrong—]

Actually, my mom really liked ABBA.

[sendintheclown]

[Gogol laughs, but it's not mocking. It actually sounds like genuine enjoyment.]

She had good taste!

[He doesn't mind Mitarai clinging to him, though he does tug him a little closer to bring the microphone to him.]

So you'll join in, right?

I listened to the song all over again just to find the gaps

[lovedanime]

[This is actually touching his heart on some weird level, and he blinks tenderly, and by the time his eyes settle on the mic in front of him, the melody is starting again and here he goes]

So how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose

[sendintheclown]

[Here comes the chorus! Gogol begins to swing the arm he’s holding onto Mitarai with, coaxing him into a dance.]

Waterloo! Couldn’t escape if I wanted to!
Waterloo! Knowing my fate is to be with you!

[That dancing takes a step up, Gogol moving with more energy as he sings, trying to get Mitarai to follow suit.]

[lovedanime]

[much less exuberant as can be guessed by the lack of exclamation marks, but at least consistently, in his little piccolo voice]

Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo
Waterloo: knowing my fate is to be with you

[He's moving their connected arms unapologetically but his feet are stuck to the ground as if with bubblegum, and he keeps glancing down making sure they haven't wandered away from him.]

[sendintheclown]

[That's no good, Mitarai! The song's almost over, so it's time for drastic measures! He takes a step away, and pulls him into following, and tries to do this as much as Mitarai can physically let him.]

Waterloo! Finally facing my Waterloo!

[lovedanime]

Wa-a-ah—

[After hesitation Mitarai takes a step, and then two more steps, and this third step is when it's too much and he loses control and starts falling forward and has to grab Gogol's actual torso for support and he's going to die, his face is on FIRE, but the melody is running away from him.]

...ing my fate is to be with you...!

[sendintheclown]

[Gogol giggles and, now he no longer needs to sing, he can wrap both arms around the Mitarai clinging to him and...are you ready? 3, 2, 1, he tries to pick him up and spin him for an excellent finish!]