ardent | 005. [Video, and one other thing]

[VIDEO]

[Well! From the sound of the BGM, Ishimaru is currently back in Violet, though he's apparently holed up in Nondescript Hotel Room #356; he seems to have set the device on the table in front of him, and one of his Pokémon is actually out with him today - admittedly, it's a small pink tapir with flowers on it, and while it's definitely levitating itself it's tethered itself to his hair in a way that makes it look more than a little like some sort of really fabulous Combine headcrab. At least, he doesn't seem to mind - if anything, he seems a bit...lost in thought today. Not distracted, per se, just really contemplative.

And maybe a little peeved. Though that might be just his normal expression, it’s sorta hard to tell sometimes.]

So I've been told that I should probably start dressing like a "normal person."

[...okay, yeahno, he’s definitely a little agitated, though it's definitely more frustration than anger; he seems to realize then that his Munna is back and...well, doing the hair-thing again, and he takes a moment to retrieve her, holding her awkwardly in folded arms.]

While I find the way I dress to be completely appropriate and necessary, apparently that isn’t considered to be the case here! I don't see why - I'm a student, and therefore my clothing should reflect that! It's my profession for the time being, and as such the uniform of my profession is something that I should wear with pride!! It isn't proper conduct to do otherwise!

How...ever...

[Whatever he was going to say after that, he falters quite a bit; just...let him get his defensiveness levels down a little bit.]

...As fashion is something I've never really had a grasp on, I would...like to hear about what constitutes "normal" and how it can be achieved, as one's presentation goes!

Thank you for your time, and even if you don't reply, I want you to keep your head up and your eyes trained forward! Today is going to be a good day, I can tell!

[...yeah he kind of doesn't do "normal" well, um.]

[VIDEO - PRIVATE TO DANGANS, ALSO DORUMON]

[A second video will hit shortly after the first, now that he's finished discussing his hideous social failure; still in the Painfully Generic Hotel Room, still with the same setup going on, but at least he seems in somewhat higher spirits this time around, though he's still holding the Munna and seems determined to keep doing so until he's done filming.]

We've made it back to town as of yesterday - safe and doing well, as far as I know! It will be good to see you all again; hopefully you've all been well and keeping yourselves in line during my absence!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well, at the very least it's obvious that he does not have nearly enough credits in Advanced Social Interaction to really get what the argument even is anymore, but he's giving it the old college try anyway.]

I think it comes down to a matter of intent, doesn't it?

[ She takes a moment at thinking on that answer. Hmm... ]

What is your intent, then? You seem steadfast in your beliefs.

And I am!

[No, really, why would that even be a -

...

... ... ...

...good lord, they could probably feel that sense of "...oh" setting in over in Kanto, but at least he finally seems to be on the same page now.]

It's come to my attention that I haven't experienced much outside of what I already know - bluntly put, my education regarding such things is lacking! I choose to look at it as more of a learning experience than anything else!

[ Yeah, that "...oh" was kind of palpable. She even saw it on his face when he realized it, but she doesn't comment on it. ]

So your uniform fits. You're still a "student" who's trying to learn more than he knows.

[ Have they reached a point of understanding??? ]

Well, yes, of course - I'd think that goes without saying!

[They seem to have come to an understanding, though he's not sure it's on the actual point. Gold star stickers all around.]

Should it really bother you if your uniform isn't "normal" to others, then?

[ People wear what they want and what is comfortable, right? The uniform did look a bit practical, anyway. ]

It doesn't; again, it's more of a learning experience than anything! I see nothing wrong with asking about it if it contributes to my education on the matter; I'll decide for myself what to do with it!

What's the general consensus?

Varied, based on whether those responding know me or not.

[ Considering that this world gives free clothing upon arrival-- ]

What about the clothes you were given when you got here?

Those aren't anything I'd wear if I had any other choice whatsoever available!

[...ahahaha um. We don't. We don't talk about his arrival.]

[ She merely blinks at that. He's rather... vehement about that. ]

Not even for a "learning experience"?

Not even for that! There are some lines that have to be drawn, after all!

[Had he more self-awareness he would likely realize that poor Mikasa is being subjected to zero-context theatre here and he is likely seeming like a tremendous diva, but...]

[ Hold on, she has to replay the last few moments of this conversation. ]

You really don't want to be seen in them?

[ ... is her casual observation. ]

...Something like that, yes.

[ She gives a small sigh at that, knowing a moot point when she sees it. ]

I'd help, but I'm not much of a fashion expert, myself. The styles here are more... exotic than I thought.

[ As it might show as she's wearing her military fatigues, with its numerous straps and red scarf. ]

005. [Video, and one other thing]

video; apologies for slowness, it's pretty much been one of those weeks

video; no worries; as long as you're okay

video; getting there!

video; /sends you well wishes!

video; thank you!

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