(GS3) Home Field: Espoir Mansion

[Beryl]

Satoshi sat there, contemplating his options. He could make a mad dash for the window, jump out, and never return. That seemed pretty safe right now, considering he had made just enough money to get by for a few days before he had to figure out some other plan. Or maybe he could enjoy his new life as a carpet.

A thought weaved its way into his mind, though, as the huge man paused to sip at his tea. Something his own father had said a while back. Men of power deserve respect, but they respect powerful men. The point of the saying was that standing ground would be reasonable here, even in the brink of losing his life. After all, this gargantuan man had some form of compassion to not be squeezing the life out of them yet, so maybe he was waiting to see what they would do.

He stood up slowly, a bit of blood still dripping from his lips, but he wiped it away with his hand as he stared Mr. Espoir, dead in the face. This was an incredibly stupid idea and could backfire, but with the confidence this country boy had been given from his aide on Cray...it was worth a shot to see if he could articulate things a bit more clearly than Haruka.

"Mr. Espoir, sir." He gave a short bow, then proceeded: "What my friend Mr. Nakahara here is trying to say is that he had no intention of courting your daughter. He was taking care of me, I sustained a rather heavy injury and he was making sure I was alright and tended to. The Miss came to make sure he was doing everything correctly, and to provide him with medical supplies. He mistook her shock as a fever and was attempting to care for her without realizing. It was a complete misunderstanding on his part that is my fault alone for allowing myself to be in such horrid condition."

He took a few steps forward, standing at attention before him. "In fact, sir, if it would be reasonable, I will take the full responsibility of his actions. Any punishment you deem worthy for this, I deserve infinitely more than my friend. He had only good intentions in mind. I, on the other hand..." He looked over to the blushing Yukino once, then back to Father Espoir's hard stare. "I will admit that your daughter is in fact a very attractive young woman, and as a father, you should no doubt be proud of the strength and power she has within her. I wish I could share in that prospect, but that is not for me to allow, is it not?"

He clenched his hands at his sides. "So whatever you decide...please, myself only. I'm not about to let a good-intentioned man suffer for my errors."

Haruka +2 AP

Satoshi obtained the title, "(Foolish) American Hero."

[Hope]

"Hana-chan, we are getting reports from the united alliance of a strange force shaking both Earth and Cray, Juggernaut Maximum and Amon seems to be in tears because they feel that it is far too powerful." Pacifica warned,but Hana smiled, "Tell them not to worry, that's just my dad!" That was exactly why they were worried.

Hana was still a good distance away, closer to dad-san who was now silently sipping his tea as the others were groveling. She thought she had helped them, but she was disappointed to discover that it had not hit the way she had anticipated. There was only one way to calm down dad-san when he was like this, but it may make the situation worse. Even Hana through her naive and often clueless mind knew the dangers of calling forth the one card that could trump the unimaginable force known as angry dad-san, and she was hesitant. In this situation it was like a wild card.

Satoshi took a stand, a brave and honorable act for his friend. It was an awe to watch even, but Hana knew that she must save him, his life could not end here! (The Espoirs are rich enough that dad-san can probably get away with murdering Satoshi without suffering from any repercussions.)

Hana moved without thinking and opened up her flip phone.
She called mom.

[Jello]

Haruka was definitely in deep shit. Without a good enough reason for her Father, not only was he dead, but so was Satoshi, that butler and whatever human beings are in a half-mile radius.

And then Satoshi stands up. He puts a shield of courage in front Haruka, guarding him with his own life. Haruka nearly breaks into tears. Satoshi is a saint. A god among men. This boy could single-handedly be the reason Haruka isn't torn to shreds and thrown to the wind. He gulped, in awe. Absolutely astonished. "And I was supposed to save people," Haruka said mostly to himself. 

Satoshi +5 AP

"Satoshi..." Haruka's voice was quiet. He felt sorrow burrow into his gut. He didn't want Satoshi to be destroyed here for his own problem. Haruka should have done something else. He could fix this still! He wanted to take the blame, like he originally planned. Before Haruka could open his mouth, he saw Hana pull out her cell phone and start dialing. Haruka thought for a moment. His brain's gears functioning at hyper speed. So damn fast, a future Cardfight clan would be in shock at such thought-process.

"W-Who are you-"

Haruka had realized it just now. He looked at Yukino mouthing, "Don't gotta insult me in front of your father," in response to being told that she has no interest in him or Satoshi. Haruka looks back at Hana and realizes that this is dire. He bites his lip, looking around for some sort of escape. "Ugh... this is still my fault too.." He was going to say that loud enough to evoke a response from Mr. Espoir, but that would totally throw Satoshi's prior courageous act down the drain. He had to help from the back line.

Boost the vanguard, so to speak.

"Haru, that was a poor analogy. Kill yourself." Haruka shed a tear.

It was probably a much more peaceful way to go then be destroyed by the raging lion of a man in front of him.

[Cherry]

Nope, Satoshi made a mistake. The lion man gripped Satoshi by the top of his skull, lifting him into the air. Challenging the king of beasts' stare was not something that should be attempted by any human being. He stood, growling, ready to crush the boy in his large hand, but instead, he let out another "Hmm". He had noticed the blood coming out of Satoshi's mouth, and turned toward the couch, gently setting him down.

A sigh of relief came from Yukino... This... idiotic bravery...

Satoshi +1 Affinity

Dad Espoir also gave a hearty sigh, he even knew who Hana was calling before she dialed a number. While Mom Espoir was frightening, she was also his only rival. This wasn't the first Espoir Mansion, this is was the first for Yukino and Hana. There had been several before this destroyed in the heated wars for dominance between the parents. Even so, it was probably best to not have this one wrecked to rubble too. The aura of fury finally dissipated, and the butler cleaned up the broken teacup he dropped and spilled when focusing on Satoshi.

"Are they nothing more than friends?" he asked Yukino, realizing Hana probably gave an answer born of pure naive nature. The boys seemed sorry enough, and the farm boy even gained some respect from the father. Mind you, a challenging stare was still likely to kill him if he were anyone else. ... And if he were more than a friend.

"Yes! Yes!" Yukino screamed, this needed to end before mother and father killed everyone. Yukino saw one of these fights before Hana was born... a pregnant, mood swinging mom and a dad growing tired of dealing with it... that was only one instance, yet they were out of a kitchen for a good while after the onslaught...

Keeping his arms folded, he gave another sigh. One of defeat. He finally decided to let them live. The same butler came back with tea for everyone else, including a replacement for him. Taking it and another sip, he spoke calmly again: "Let them stay just that, and they're welcome in my home", the lion accepted as workers came to immediately start fixing the cracked stairs and floor.

Alfred sweat bullets on his throne after Cray's quake. He and his right hand Blaster Blade honestly just had no words.

God bless mercy.

[Beryl]

Satoshi sat there, somehow alive and yet not breathing. That hand...that hand was so strong and so big, one squeeze would've put out his brains, and it wouldn't've even covered that much of his palm. He should be dead. Dead. Not alive. He was spared because he was injured. The lion had decided to let him go despite being challenged.

Maybe he thought he was stupid enough to be telling the truth. He half was. He was mostly sticking out his head to give Haruka a chance to run, but...there they both were.

He checked his pulse. Despite still not breathing, it was still there. He wanted to spout several curses, but he didn't want to upset Yukino---

Suddenly Satoshi remembered what he said to Mr. Espoir's face about his daughter. His head was in his hands. Crap, he had actually sort of admitted the queen was appealing to him. He could've even gone the step further and mentioned "darlin'" as the pet name, and was glad he didn't for sure now. What the hell was he thinking? Yukino was going to kill him now, for sure, even if they managed to survive her father's wrath.

Still...he also thought about the nerves of steel Hana had. To say that to her father, and then go out of her way to try and fix things up by involving Mrs. Espoir...Miss Yuki's sister was nuts, clearly. But a truly respectable kind of nuts. The kind of nuts, he realized, explained so much about the Espoirs as a family and how he and Haruka somehow got mixed up in their affairs.

The perfect kind.

Hana +5 AP
Haruka +3 AP (to go with the 2 from before)
Yukino +5 AP

[Jello]

A long rush of relief went over Haruka in a fraction of a second.

I'm not dead? WE aren't dead? How in the hell-

Haruka just let it be. He wasn't prepared to face another one of these incidents for a long time. The fire in his chest was sated for the evening. Haruka sat down next to Satoshi on the floor, not deserving of the seat that the legend currently occupied. Haruka wanted to pat his back and compliment him, but in the current, somewhat tense state of things, he wanted to just shut up and let things sort of take their course. He used his button-up as a sort of fan and used it to cool himself off, flapping it to create wind between himself and his chest. Suddenly noticing his exposed scars and burns, Haruka felt somewhat insecure. He buttoned the top button back up, despite how much he was sweating from anxiety, and other prior events.

He looked up at Mr. Espoir. This man was quite a walking, breathing apocalypse. Haruka found himself in awe of such encumbering power. Nothing Haruka necessarily wanted, but it was still amazing to see a human amass such strength.

Haruka breathed out, and turned his glance to Satoshi. He placed a hand on his knee, to try and comfort the suddenly upset Satoshi. "Thanks... I appreciate you standing up for me. Really." Haruka would've said so much more, if the situation in the house wasn't just simmering down. He still wasn't able to speak much else, so instead he simply nodded and smiled. A sort of thank you, for trying to help the situation he accidentally started.

Then his attention moved towards Yukino and Hana. First, Hana. He looke at her, and nodded as well. He wasn't sure how to address the person who Hana was calling, so he just kind of wanted her to put the phone down. Hana could have easily carried almost half the terror her father instilled if she was put in such a state.

Finally, Yukino. The final person to confront before putting his thoughts to rest. What was he supposed to say? What happened just 10 or so minutes ago could easily be described as Haruka's worst mistake.

But he didn't hate the event.

It was only to see how she was feeling. Haruka didn't want to make anything awkward for anybody. He originally had the intention of seeing if she was okay. That turned into something entirely different by the end of it. He wasn't sure how to progress with her. His eyes might be lingering on her a bit too long, so he simply moves his head back in Satoshi's direction, escaping the guilt he feels at the moment.

Satoshi likes her. It's obvious now that he admits to it. Haruka sighs and smile a bit. "What a person I am..." Haruka whispers that to himself before taking one last glance at Yukino, then Satoshi, then facing forward to Mr. Espoir.

Lesson learned: Not in the girl's house.

[Cherry]

Raising his brow, he let the children be... for now. "I assume you called the ambulance. No need for them anymore", he addressed Yukino about Satoshi's injury, several maids wandering over to the farm boy. Explaining that they had nursing degrees, and a couple of them were fully licensed doctors, they got to work on mending him. A few more glances as a waning warning, Mister Espoir left them to their devices.

With the situation settling down, Yukino's mind began retracting back to how close she was to Haruka... Far too close for comfort, but not far enough for discomfort. That... made no sense, but that's how she could describe it. The queen was just so unfamiliar with how her heart ached, placing a hand onto chest. Taking a number of deep breaths, her pulse finally slowed from sheer terror and whatever feelings that went on before.

These two were something else.

Hikari, first, approached her sister with a long, squeezing hug. "Congratulations", the Chosen Sword gave words of celebration. There was a subtle hint of disdain, a yearning to be in Hana's shoes right now. Though, it was the princess' time, and she wasn't going to take that from her. "I'm so proud of you", she said. Dad was probably thinking the same, but was too busy warding off thirsty teenagers to get the chance to. He likely made a mental note to do so later tonight or in the morning.

Returning to the two boys, Yukino blushed a little when her eyes met theirs, but it quickly went away when she shook her head.

"Do you guys want to stay the night?" she offered.

Haruka +3 Affinity (dokis)
Hana +1 Affinity

[Beryl]

Stay the night and not be out on the streets again?

"I'd greatly appreciate it. Otherwise I'd be on a bench, you know that." Satoshi noticed Yukino blush a bit. He blushed as well, looking to the balcony. He might walk out there for some air tonight. He was going to need it.

"I don't really have spare clothes for sleeping attire, though, so I may have to make do with some sheets or something as cover, it's rather warm in here..."

[Jello]

Haruka noticed the two's embarrassment. At first he felt a little bit the same, but was beginning to find himself in daze. "Ahh... Right." Haruka cracks his neck, and stands up, dusting off his pants. "Yeah, staying the night would be nice. The house I stay in isn't exactly the coziest. Do you have a coffee maker, by chance?"

Haruka absolutely loves coffee. Even at night, he loves a nice sugared-up cup of coffee. He glances around, looking for a kitchen area. He almost instinctively reaches up to his shirt to undress, since he normally sleeps in just his boxers. Then he looked back to Yukino, realizing why that was not a good idea. To stop another incident from occuring, he smoothly slips his hands into his pockets and smiles. He can't exactly put on his natural goofy grin as normal, but he manages to break into a wry grin. Left to be interpreted by the two onlookers.

"Get on top of her, now stay at her house? Do you have manners? Do you know how much stress Cray was just under? I should disown you."

Haruka simply keeps his composure, and stares back at his two friends. How to progress in a casual conversation however, he is unsure. Things aren't exactly the same as before. Satoshi is a pure, noble human. But what would he think of Haruka after that event? Does he even believe Haruka? That it was all an accident? And what about Yukino? What if she thinks Haruka is falling in love with her? What if Haruka IS falling in love with her?

Yukino +5 AP

Albeit, Haruka is somewhat entranced at the moment, he would prefer it if that was not the main focus of the current trio. He nods to the group before his mind focuses into dangerous territory. "So yeah. Coffee maker?"

[Cherry]

"Yeah, someone go make him some coffee", the queen ordered and one of the maid left to do so. The butler felt a bit dejected over Haruka not being more accepting of tea... nevertheless, he left to his other duties. Yukino was sort of confused by the man sliding a hand in his pocket and giving an odd smile, but she took it as a good note. Satoshi was being cared for well, and one of the servants stated that they were about his size. They should have some spare stuff laying around for him, and they went off to fetch it.

"Father is probably going to kill you guys if you come in my room, so we'll use one of the guest rooms to hang around with. I was hoping to talk with you guys more and get some playing in."

A deck in hand, Yukino wanted to train. Even if there was nothing to really hone her skills for.

"I'll go get changed, go down the hall and go in the second to last door on the left."

[Beryl]

Satoshi was grateful that one of the house servants had clothes his size. It wouldn't be a good idea for him to not wear a shirt, even though it was really hot inside for some reason...maybe it was from the blood rushing to his head?

He nodded to Haruka. "You go ahead. I need a little air, I'm gonna step out on the balcony." He gently got up and gestured to the nurses that he would be right outside if they were concerned about him before opening the door to the balcony.

Walking out, he embraced the fresh air and felt a bit better. Yeah, that's what he needed, cool air. He gazed out at the Espoir estate. It was really pretty at night. Very scenic. Mr. Espoir picked an excellent location for his current estate. He unbuttoned his shirt, and a faint breeze danced against his chest. He sighed a bit and removed the shirt entirely. He was about to replace it soon enough, the lion wouldn't come to get him if he was out here a fair distance from his daughter.

Satoshi rested his arms on the railing. He'd definitely be along shortly, he just needed the shirt and a little time to stare out and think.

[Hope]

"Arigatou Nee-san!" She hugged her sister back

Dad-san looked like he was settling down, so she no longer had any need to call mom-san assistance hotline. She looked upon the scene in this room. The workers were still scattering about, fixing up what dad-san had broken as well as asking him for anything that he needs. Obviously this was quite a messy scene, but Hana couldn't put her finger on what really made all this feel awkward for her. It was most likely that weird state which Yukino keeps entering and exiting constantly.

"Never seen her like that before," she said in a tone mixed with both confusion and worry.
"She's feeling doki doki." Pacifica commented.

"Their faces keep turning red..." Hana was correct with this comment, their faces were, indeed, constantly blushing and unblushing, and she was just there watching them do so from a distance. From where Hana was standing, it looked like Christmas and she sure did think that it was wierd. Eventually Yukinee invited them to the guest rooms for a session of Cardifighting. She wasn't sure whether she should join them or not as she was very exhausted from the whole day.

Of course, she should call up Mi-hime some time soon and thank her for the night of Cardfighting that they had the night before.

Affinity:
Yukinee: +1 (Hana drives a Neesan)
Geodude: +1 (Rock hard abs)
Overlordo: +1 (Pls chill)

[Jello]

Haruka watches as Satoshi walks out to the balcony out on the other side of the room. Promptly after, Haruka is brought a small mug with hot coffee in it, lightly creamed and sugared. Haruka smiles with delight and takes a quick sip.

"Better than Uncle Toshida's coffee." The aroma drifting to his nostrils was a strong one. Suddenly, Haruka didn't feel so well. He saw his reflection in his coffee. He turned to Hana, who was presumably judging them and their blushing. He opens his mouth to speak, but quickly shuts it.

The guilt was getting to him. Haruka wasn't the type of guy to leave things hanging in the air, but this was all too crazy. "Love. Friendship..." Haruka was experiencing emotions for the first time. He looked up to the butler who brought him his coffee.

"Sir. Thank you for the coffee." Haruka gives a small nod of thanks to him. Satoshi must be thinking out there. Following him out there might not be the best idea, if he's taking a bit to think. "A fight might be a good idea to clear my head right now."

Haruka seats himself on the bed in the guest room down the hall, sipping his coffee. Despite the situation, Haruka still finds himself stuck in a sweaty dress shirt and jeans. He rolls up the sleeves of his shirt and the cuffs of his pants. Comfort is a priority now, when his mind is still all over the place.

Awaiting the return of the Queen and her Royal Guard, Haruka, a man with no place in this kingdom, finds solace in his hot cup of caffeine, gulping it down in several second intervals.

[Cherry]

Returning to her room of a snow-themed wall, an unnecessarily large, fluffy bed... and a number of stuffed animals she'd rather keep secret, she needed to get out of these clothes. They weren't going to keep her comfortable throughout the night, and egotism of the queen seemed absent under the half-moon's shine. For once, feeling like a human being without being "chosen" or "royalty". It was only a small party with friends, which was a new experience. Shedding out of the royal garbs, donning some denim shorts, along with a small black, sleeveless, strapless tee exposing a lot of back and some cleavage, she felt... casual.

It was sort of gross, but at the same time, she had never wore these after buying them. This was a good excuse.

Taking a few moments to be content with this down-to-Earth attire, Yukino strut out of the room in her comfy new clothes, heading for the guest room. Showing off Starlight Violinist and Lamorak was going to be a treat, but seeing how her new deck functioned was going to be something more.

The butler from before approached Satoshi outside on the balcony, handing him a basket of clothes.

[Beryl]

Satoshi dug through the clothes and found a light buttoned shirt similar to his last one, but a bit more baggy and loose. He also chose a pair of shorts since it was so warm. Making a quick switch, he was now clothed in a reasonably comfortable way, his toned legs free from pants. He left his collar button open to expose a little bit of his upper chest, mostly because having the top button buttoned was extremely uncomfortable.

"Thank you very much," he imparted to the servant, handing him his old clothes to be laundered. He went and grabbed his bag, walking over to the guest room. Second to last door on the left.