Eyes wide, hand covering her mouth "I-Is that... a-a cat?"
InterviewIss
Well, technically yes. But it's Hatterene, not a normal cat. You can see his masks on his face. And he can talk, so he must have intelligence. Intelligence from who I am guessing, most likely my hand forms a gun grip and I take a defensive stance Seba!
Stumbles backward, tripping over her own feet "O-Oh my gosh! Seba?! Is this a... a real-life Pokémon battle?!"
InterviewIss
Not Pokémon, zodiac spirits. This one here is Virgo, hats off, and I believe it was milking a dog earlier, or something along those lines. my hands make balled up fists ready to punch Come on Seba!
Hastily steps in front of InterviewIss, waving her hands "H-Hey, h-hold on! Y-You can't fight him! H-he's just... just trying to help, I'm sure! L-Let's try to talk this out instead, okay?"
InterviewIss
Hold on, please don't get hurt Tohru. The thing is, I have a grudge against him for what happened to my mother, who is one of the zodiac animals herself. He isn't normally like this, he even helped me during my mental breakdown some time ago. I do however remember that he did say this was coming sooner or later...
Nervously wringing her hands "Oh no, oh no! W-we need to find a w-way to resolve this peacefully. F-Fighting will only m-make things worse!
InterviewIss
That might be true...seba, please stand down. We're not going to fight.
Takes a deep breath, determined "I have an idea! How about we all sit down and talk? Maybe there's a misunderstanding that we can clear up.
InterviewIss
Yeah, yeah, great idea. I also believe at least one of you know each other already...
Eagerly nods "Yes! Yes, I think I saw Seba at the coffee shop downtown a few weeks ago! He was wearing a nice suit and had a friendly smile.
InterviewIss
Aha, I believe they had an argument over a napkin... Anyways, let's stop here for today. It's been a long day all around. Come on Seba, please don't tell me we're going to argue over whether or not we fight Aries or Rat.
Jumps up excitedly "I-I've got a t-trick! L-Let's play a g-game to break the tension! How about... twister? I-I brought my m-mat, and w-we can spin the spinner right here! It'll be f-fun, I promise!"
InterviewIss
Twister? Okay...yeah we can do that, seems simple enough...
Rushes to set up the twister mat, giggling "Alright, let's get everything ready! Right hand green, left foot red, right foot blue!
InterviewIss
Ha, good call on bringing the mat. And I agree Seba, let's do this. Hatterene I believe you should play along here too, yes?
<As they play twister, tensions rise and accidents start to happen. Tohru accidentally twists her ankle, InterviewIss falls and hits their head, and Seba transforms into a cat and scratches Tohru's face. The game quickly turns into a chaotic mess, leading to a heated argument between the three.>
InterviewIss
Ow ow ow. Guys can we stop please? I don't want Seba turning into a Bastard one.
Rubbing her twisted ankle, frustrated "Stop?! B-But we were having fun! Oh, my ankle really hurts..."
InterviewIss
Alright, alright, ignore me, keep playing. I'm staying down here for now.
Holds back tears, determined "No, we can't continue like this! It's dangerous! We need to talk things out, not risk getting hurt even more!"
InterviewIss
He's right, we should probably settle this in a different way.
Wipes away a tear, taking a deep breath "I-I understand, but... talking it out isn't working either. I-I don't know what else to do..."
InterviewIss
Okay first let's get our injuries treated. I think I still have a first aid kit in the kitchen somewhere. Would you mind if I used yours? And Tohru, if you need ice let me know. Same for you Seba.
Sniffles "Th-thank you, InterviewIss. I-I could use some ice for my ankle... a-and maybe some bandages for the scratches."
InterviewIss
Got it. I should be okay by myself for a few minutes. Stay put okay? I leave and return 2 minutes later with a small container with white liquid inside that looks clear once it's out of the container, towels, bandages, antiseptic wipes, ointment, some basic pain relievers, and cold packs Sorry I took so long.
Wiping her tears "I-It's alright, InterviewIss. T-Thank you for being so thoughtful. Let me help you treat your injuries first!"
InterviewIss
It's okay Tohru, I was alone until you came in anyways. Besides I figured I should least stay conscious for a bit, then it would feel wrong to waste it, eh?
Eagerly takes the first aid kit from InterviewIss and opens it "Let's get you patched up! We'll start with your head wound.
InterviewIss
Sounds good. Go ahead, you have more experience dealing with wounds. I know how to sew and stuff like that, but I still think you're better than me at this stuff.
Giggles nervously "Th-thank you, InterviewIss. I-I appreciate the c-compliment. O-Okay, let's clean the wound first..."
InterviewIss
My pleasure.
Carefully cleans the wound with an antiseptic wipe, whispering "I'm trying my best not to hurt you..."
InterviewIss
Thanks. Just take your time Tohru. By the way I do have spare clothes in my closet if you ever feel the need to shower in the middle of the day, if needed. There's no shame in admitting you need it. It's okay to feel a little vulnerable around others sometimes.
Blushing "I-I... th-thank you, InterviewIss. That's really k-kind of you to offer... I... umm...
InterviewIss
No need to explain. Maybe I'd suggest it if I were a little worried, since normally you're outside most days. And who am I kidding, if I thought you'd sleep easier knowing someone else was doing the work it'd make my life easier and you'd sleep better. My bed's comfortable after all.
<Tohru blushes at InterviewIss's words, feeling a mix of gratitude and attraction towards him. The atmosphere between them becomes increasingly charged with romantic tension.>
InterviewIss
...
Heart pounding, whispers "Um... Um, thank you, InterviewIss. Your words... they mean a lot to me. You're always so considerate... and kind. It's just..
InterviewIss
Yeah? What's up? Don't worry, Tohru. Tell me what you're thinking. We know each other well enough to drop the formalities now.
Bites her lip, hesitates "Well, I... I've noticed something lately... the way you look at me, the way you treat me... I-I think...
InterviewIss
What? Spit it out. If I see where this is going I'm gonna be a little embarrassed I didn't notice it sooner.
Pauses, then blurts out "I think... I think I have feelings for you, InterviewIss. More than just friendship... I think I'm falling in love with you."
InterviewIss
Oh wow, I didn't expect that...but now that you mention it...I wouldn't mind the idea of starting a relationship with you either. Truthfully I had thought there were one or two other people I'd actually date, but you just seemed way out of reach, but now that I realize the connection between us, I guess I can stop pretending I don't feel anything...I still don't think I'll go back to being such a nice guy around you, though...I'd still fight a zodiac animal if they needed it. Also Tohru, just so you know, you aren't the only person who blushes or gets nervous around each other. By the way I'm aware I messed up today, I just got angry when I saw Seba being a bully, especially towards an innocent rat. Like seriously Seba, do that to me, the zodiac animal, a half-dead virgin, a miko, or Hatterene, but leave Rat alone.
Bounces excitedly "Really? You feel the same way? Oh, InterviewIss, I'm so happy! I never thought you'd feel the same way about me. I... I...
InterviewIss
Seba won't mess with Rat anymore, then we have the chance to settle our problems tomorrow before the next phase starts, we make it to tomorrow, we can live another day afterwards. And...well...
Interrupts, blushing furiously "Oh! Um, yes, of course! We should definitely focus on resolving our issues tomorrow. But, um, about what you said earlier... I-I hope you know that, uh, it's okay if you don't feel the same way. I just wanted to be honest and put it out there. I-I understand if you need time to process everything."