𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
synfluxmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
DOWNTIME MINGLE / TEAM BUILDING #9
DOWNTIME MINGLE #9
▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.
The Outsiders have returned to a base that looks far healthier than the one that was left behind, and the decorations reflect the success of the latest missions. With the staff mostly recovered from their bout of flu, the decorations are back in full force, a celebration of the heroic achievements of the Angels against their own.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
▶ 002. STATE OF THE BASE.
Finally, the Neo Tokyo base has been repaired. After being attacked on the inside by a fearsome kaiju known as the Imugi, Outsiders had been temporarily housed in a back up base located in Kyoto. With the repairing of the base, LILITH was also able to renovate and improve the base with some new additions. Although most of them are still getting the finishing touches done, Outsiders are free to explore them as they like.
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they aren’t always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they aren’t always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
▶ 003. TEAM GET-ALONG.
It's been a while, and maybe some Outsiders remember the Get Along handcuffs from last year. They are back, now, but this time with a twist! Like before, Outsiders will be required to check in with Commander Yamakawa when she asks for them to arrive in the Simulation Arena. A metal device will place a small, metal device on their wrists.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
▶ 004. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS.
Recent reports have filtered out from LILITH that a pair of major traffic jams have stopped all transport of supplies, equipment, and individuals in Neo Tokyo. Two major thoroughfares have been blocked for half a day before Outsiders have been given the alert, and Commander Yamakawa’s instructions filter out to all outsiders.
“It seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These aren’t destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.”
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally don’t attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payload– I mean, the kaiju– will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
“It seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These aren’t destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.”
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally don’t attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Xiphosuransus
HEIGHT: 12m
WEIGHT: 1000 tons
CLASS: Non-threat
LOCATION: Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Neo Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: This kaiju has a protective shell and can hide from most threats. It has no teeth, claws, and its stinger is harmless. It's only purpose is to flip itself back over.
WEAKNESSES: Being tipped on its back and unable to move, attacked on its vulnerable stomach through any sharp object.
EXTRA NOTES: LILITH has specified this kaiju WILL NOT be killed. Hurting it could cause disciplinary action. This kaiju seems to be attracted to music and can even be seen "shaking" to certain beats (it's dancing.)
RIFT EFFECTS: None.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payload– I mean, the kaiju– will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
▶ 005. OPEN FORUM.
While LILITH has spent much of the month tending to the civilians, LILITH also wants to give Outsiders a space to just chat and put out their feelings. Apparently some of you have some big ones to share. Once more, they will find the trusty forum reopened for everyone to participate in.
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
r/AntiCapitalism
u/EIJI • 
• 1d
ISO: A funky chair to fit my new room!
ISO
I'm looking for something to fit my new room, maybe an old-style chair, like from before the kaiju attacks! If it has a weird pattern, all the better, can anyone help?
r/LILITHonBASE
u/SpimMeRightRound • 
• 1d
Has anyone heard those weird sounds on base?
Creepy
Social
Community
Last night I spent too much time in the rec room, and I heard the weirdest noises. Honestly? It sounded like a Kaiju was making a mess in the bathroom. I've never heard anything like it. I asked another guy down the hall if he heard it, and he said yes. So what gives? Has anyone else heard this? Someone has to know what the source of the horrible sounds was, right? Did anyone else die? Are we haunted? Or did a kaiju get in the building during construction???
▶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Downtime Mingle / Team Building #9. All comments in this event count for 2 points towards July AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The Neo Tokyo base now renovated, new trends are hitting the streets from our latest kaiju winners!
2. STATE OF THE BASE: An update on the base and it's renovations. Please give it a good read and make note of it! Room upgrades, an onsite restaurant, improve recreation area, etc.
3. TEAM GET-ALONG: Characters who have not been getting along will be handcuffed together until they complete three tasks: admit a secret, compliment the other person and also give them a hug.
4. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS: Giant horseshoe crab kaijus have appeared in Akihabara and Ikebukuro! LILITH wants to research them since they seem docile and drawn to music. Can your team figure out what kind of music each one likes and lure it back to base?
5. OPEN FORUM.: Asking advice or letting out your frustrations online is always super healthy (texting prompt.)
003
The withering glare he gets from Raidou isn't returned. Instead, he sighs with exasperation and idly examines the handcuffs. What connects them is invisible, but the device on their wrist isn't. ]
Care to entertain the loss of a hand to escape from this situation?
no subject
[Is he joking? It always can be hard to tell. He huffs, biting back a complaint to the captain as he knows it won't help anything.]</small. Let's-- go. Somewhere. And deal with this. I have things to do.
no subject
Lead the way.
no subject
If they're going to have to do things like give each other compliments and tell secrets, they can at least do so in privacy. Raidou silently marches them towards Everlight hall towards his room, unless Ratio has a better idea.
The inside of his room is still in the process of getting decorated. Other than a few photos hanging over his desk, the only other item sitting out is his heirloom sword on its stand. He looks at it for a moment, wheels turning in his head.]
... I'm sure they accounted for my strength when programming these things.
[No breaking them or chopping them to pieces.]
no subject
Ratio only sweeps the room once with his gaze, then contents himself with observing Raidou. ]
You are certainly welcome to try, but I imagine the end result will be as you've surmised.
[ Any seats in the room, or is he doomed to stand through this whole process? ]
no subject
Raidou will plop down in his chair, unsuccessfully trying to hide his annoyance. Since getting back from the Underworld, his emotions slip though more and more, like sliding through cracks in the facade. Maybe it'll be a good thing in the long run, or maybe he'll go back to the way he was with time. For now, as usual, it's the negative feelings that seem to have the easiest time coming to the surface.]
We need to just... get this over with, I guess. I have things to do.
[As if Ratio doesn't.]
no subject
Feel free to start whenever you'd like.
[ Since he's apparently in a rush, he should have no qualms going first then, right? ]
no subject
... How do we know if what we say is sufficient? A compliment, a secret, and a... hug.
[He taps his finger quietly on the arm of the chair, thinking. Might as well get the easier one done first.]
F-Fine. Um. I... find your intelligence and work ethic admirable. Even enviable.
["Easier" in that Raidou still mumbles it quietly. But it's true, and something he's thought of before.]
no subject
Given how LILITH typically operates, I suspect it is determined entirely by our own perception. If we believe we have sincerely given a compliment, shared a secret, and hugged the other, the requirements will likely be satisfied.
[ In other words, there's no way to wiggle out of this one unless one is spectacularly good at fooling themselves.
Ratio only hums in acknowledgement of the compliment. ]
Likewise, your work ethic demonstrates that you take your tasks and duties seriously. You would be a far better partner than at least fifty percent of my colleagues. Not that that's a particularly high bar to clear. However, your integrity is harder to find in the cosmos. That is certainly worthy of praise.
[ It's... hard to say whether this is backhanded complimenting or genuine, but Ratio at least seems like he genuinely means what he says. ]
no subject
... Fifty percent, huh. Thanks.
[Well, that's step 1 out of the way. Next is the harder part. Despite having a lot of secrets, Raidou doesn't see himself that way. Not in this world, anyway, where everyone knows about his job and his station in it.]
... You go first this time.
no subject
Secrets, huh... There are plenty of secrets Ratio keeps, but they're more along the lines of knowledge that must never be divulged to anyone lest it be used for the wrong purposes. That, he cannot share with Raidou, no matter what. Personal secrets... he doesn't have many. His failures are public. His life... completely mundane and free of controversy.
What about here? ]
...I do not know if this could be considered a secret, but... I... carry resentment for Ereshkigal. I know that I should not, but logic has not stopped the emotions from surfacing.
[ He doesn't make eye contact as he confesses this. ]
no subject
Raidou shifts a little in his seat.]
... It's hard not to be resentful about it. I know Ereshkigal-san didn't choose to have what happened happen. I'm sure that in time you'll come around. It might just take a long time.
no subject
But it's not worth measuring the potential harm that could have been versus what actually happened. The fact is, he harmed Yuji, and he can never undo that.
He looks down, staring at his own hands, clean of grime and hardship. Only the small callus of a pen constantly pressed against his middle finger marred his right hand. ]
I...
[ There's no point in apologizing to Raidou. And he's already been forgiven by Yuji. Where do these feelings go, except towards Ereshkigal, in the form of resentment? ]
If you... hold any resentment towards me as well, I understand. I suppose it wouldn't change our relationship to any significant degree, given that I seem to constantly upset you.
no subject
Raidou doesn't blame anyone for their actions in the rift, but seeing what Yuji had gone through, it was hard to chase all that resentment away.
But it's the last part of what Ratio says that catches Raidou off guard.]
... I thought it was the other way around.
[As the doctor is always on his case about something or other.]
no subject
Is that the impression you have?
[ That explains a lot, actually. He's so used to people being upset with him that he's forgotten that sometimes people think it's the other way around. ]
I wouldn't bother to waste my time with a fool who doesn't learn.
no subject
I-- Yes. Because you always--
[He doesn't really know what to say to this. Raidou's genuinely confused.]
I thought that the only reason you talked to me at all-- was because we have to work together.
[Maybe it hadn't always felt like that, but definitely in the last few months. But he's a different person now, too. Really, though, he thought he was better at reading people's motives. Detective training didn't prepare him for tsunderes.]
And to be honest... I wouldn't have been surprised to know you'd have been done dealing with me.
[Does that count as sharing a secret?]
no subject
Certainly, your unwillingness to listen to advice has been an endless source of frustration. I was convinced that you would have to learn your lesson painfully.
[ That he would have to make a costly mistake, failing himself or others, and run his body so ragged he'd be forced to slow down and acknowledge that his methods were wrong. ]
You've made some progress, so you aren't completely hopeless yet.
no subject
Speaking of, he can't help but make a face at such an assessment from Ratio, no matter how true it is.]
I suppose I have anyway.
[And while we're on the subject of honesty:]
... Are you able to ever compliment anyone without immediately undermining it?
[Anything nice Ratio ever says sounds backhanded. No wonder Raidou thinks he didn't like him.]