THEY SEE ME ROLLIN', THEY HATIN'—

[naturallywavy]

CHARACTERS: Gintoki Sakata naturallywavy and whoever!

DATE: December 14th.

WARNINGS: this is a Gintoki log.

SUMMARY: Mostly scooter related, but some other things too: a SOL hell post.

( 1. ) SCOOTER HELL #1

<sub>[ After all the care and attention he had been given from all of these model citizens (seriously, you know who you are— and who do you think you even are anyway?), Gintoki is up and running to his healthiest. He had received once he had gotten out of jail a personal item from home and hasn't been using it except recently because he's in better condition to.

People might have seen the strange, silver "horse" as some described it, buzzing between the two divided parts of the city. Though, people in the goblin's side might catch a better glimpse of it. The horse in question is usually seen as a beacon of silver light before somebody can fully see it in the lantern lights that decorate the city.

Maybe you sent Gintoki on a task to retrieve something for you, such as an item from the market (specifically if you're on the goblin side and want something from the human side, fugitives!) or maybe he's just stopping by for a visit— you decide! It's completely up to you (remember, he's a freelancer who will do any task for money), but he stops his scooter near you. ]</sub>

Yo.

_{[ He's running late, for whatever it is we're doing, but you don't even get an apology. There's a sucker in his mouth and he pulls it out when he shows up— that probably wasn't safe to eat while you're driving, but w/e. ]}

( 2. ) SCOOTER HELL #2

<sub>[ Maybe it's the other way around— you don't need him, he needs you! Especially if you're somebody he's had CR with. He's talked about something really important that he needs to show you and doesn't go into description about it, but he's asking you to wait outside of the inn you're staying in— human or goblin inn, it doesn't matter.
And again, here he is, pulling up in his mo-ped like he is the absolute shit. It's a bit of a nerve wrecking stop as he spins the scooter, making it come to a stop by breaking and allowing it to skid to the side. Wow, look how cool it is! Maybe he was trying to accommodate for how small he was down there.

Once he has stopped there is a long silence as the dust he stirs up has settled. He removes his helmet. ]</sub>

It's cool, isn't it?
_{[ yeah this..... was all he wanted to show you. You came outside for this. ]}

( 3. ) OUTSKIRTS

No, this isn't what I'm looking for either. Do you have something that is like this, oi, pay attention— It's like this— _{[ Gintoki is having at it with a goblin vendor who is selling some articles of clothing on the streets. He's aggressively gesturing to his yukata, scooter neatly parked off to the side. ]}

White and blue— where I have have one arm out. I don't want two sleeves. I want just one sleeve. Do you have just one sleeve..!?
<sub>[ he goblin seems a bit frustrated at this and pulls out another article of clothing that looks nothing like what he's wanting (which is the exact same thing he is wearing). It's just.. it's a little stained, even after Alice washed it, with blood and has a few tears in it.

Gintoki grits his teeth, beginning to lose his patience as well. The goblin pulls out what appears to be a dress next, which is indeed, white and blue— but it's a dress. ]</sub>

What the hell is that..!? WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU TAKING ME FOR..!?
_{[ break up this argument? watch in awe? I'm not sure, but things could get violent if you just sit back and watch. ]}

Comments

[naturallywavy]

_{[ He realizes that she's embarrassed, and so, he just goes along with it. Sure, why not. She thinks he's a cross dresser. That's great. It's his own fault for trying to be on his best behavior with her around: ]}

I don't have any doubt it will accentuate my curves.
_{[ Maybe he will wear it anyway. He's a wanted fugitive, after all. ]}

Though, I'm sure you could wear it much better.
_{[ Smooth, Gin. It happens every once in a blue moon. He even tilts his head to the side and turns the dress around, daring to hold it out in front of Olivia with a curious expression. Huh. ]}

[winces]

[ not when her face is so red, it clashes terribly with the dress. ]


U-Um.

[ her hands come up reflexively, despite her cloak already falling over her shoulders. ]

A-Anyway, I'll get out of your way now... Sorry again.

[naturallywavy]

_{[ ??????
He lowers the dress, lips pursing slightly. She's a bit odd today— maybe it had to do with the note that he left her. Gintoki couldn't imagine why that letter would make her act like this, but she's a jittery little thing to start with. ]}

You don't gotta. I was wondering if I'd see you again.
_{[ He just didn't expect you here.
Anyway, he puts the dress across his shoulder. Maybe she didn't like it? That's fine. He'll figure something out. ]}

Aaah, let me guess. You're on your way going somewhere?

[winces]

N-No, I was actually just finishing up here, I—

[ she pauses, just about to launch into how she totally just scored a bag of spices for her next stew when she realizes:

i was wondering if i'd see you again.

she peers up at him curiously, uncertainly. his tone hadn't been resentful or wary... ]

Wait... Does that mean you aren't mad at me...?

[naturallywavy]

_{[ ?????. She seemed less confident than the last time he saw her. What the hell happened? Did somebody or something tell her something mean or treat her unfairly? ]}

Anybody who gets mad at you needs to have their brain evaluated. How could I be angry with my rescuer, aaa?
_{[ He shifts out of her proximity, heading over to his mo-ped. ]}

Hey. If someone's bein' mean to you, you just gotta let me know.
_{[ He'll just fold up that dress and it put it in his back cargo. ]}

[winces]

[ olivia can only look on in blatant confusion. there's time enough to wonder over that strabge silver carriage later — this would be her second time seeing it, and second time forgetting to question it — right now there are more important things at hand! ]

But. Y-You'd left so suddenly, and without saying goodbye, and — and there was that note in that code and — and I hadn't heard from you since then and — and what is that thing anyway???

[ ok so she couldn't hold it back any longer ]

[naturallywavy]

_{[ By now, Gintoki has sat himself on the scooter, legs spread and posture slouched as he just stares at Olivia, completely baffled. Could she not read Japanese? He knew there were some people here who were like that.
Then she asks that question, and well, he'll move right along: ]}

It's a very rare and valuable item of transportation from my home. It's made out of pure silver. _{[ He probably got it from a hand me down store, honestly, and nothing about it was genuine silver. ]}

You can touch it. _{[ he is giving you this honor... wow. ]}

[winces]

[ she hesitates, though she can read the atmosphere enough to realize this is a Big Deal... was this some sort of custom in his world? is he showing her forgiveness this way????

tentatively, she steps forward, holding out a small, steady hand towards the scooter's handle... ]

Oh! It's cold..!

[naturallywavy]

Aaah, yeah. It can be cold, but then it can be really hot too.

_{[ that stupid smug face is seen again. He's feeling pretty confident too!
So, after a moment of silent contemplation, he asks: ]}

You want to ride it?
_{[ please god don't crash whatever you do. ]}

[winces]

Can I really? Oh — I'd love to—

[ she pauses suddenly.

slowly, she draws her hand back, turning her attention back to the man mounted on the metal carriage. she frowns slightly, momentarily stamping down that curious excitement to once more clarify: ]

What did that note say, Mr. Fruit...?

1.2

[naturallywavy]

The note.. ?
<sub>[ Gintoki cannot even remember what he wrote on that note, shit. It was perfect, too, and any other day he could have easily pulled another shounen speech out of his ass. But with her standing there expectantly, he's having trouble. She makes him nervous? Stop.

Nevertheless, he musters to say, all the while looking ahead and not making eye contact with her: ]</sub>

Uh. It said... shit.
_{[ wait, no, not that. ]}

2.2

[naturallywavy]

_{[ Some of it is coming back to his mind. ]}
Thanks for your hospitality. I think I was almost dead, but you made me live.

_{[ A pause. ]}
Having your heart open is a really hard thing to do, so the fact you do it so nicely is a gift.
_{[ He scratches the side of his cheek. Geeze. ]}

You'll find an important place in this world if you never give up.
Uh.
Signed,
Mister Fruit.

[winces]

[ olivia, of course, has no way of knowing whether or not that was true. but somehow the idea that he'd lie to her or make something up hadn't ever occured to her. perhaps she'd just been too selfish and desperate to think it was all okay, that he hadn't been mad or upset at her at all. perhaps a part of her was just eager to be relieved.

she smiles faintly, ducking her head to hide the blush on her cheeks, feeling warm under such undue praise. ]

Sorry, [ she says, lifting a hand to stiffle a soft giggle. ] That must have been really embarrassing for you just now.

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ ??????????????????
Gintoki isn't sure if it's just his sugar levels are on the fritz right now or if she's too damn pure he just can't really cope with it well, feeling nerve shot.

Anyway, he tears his gaze away from her to look forward. ]</sub>

It's not embarrassing. Oi, I'm the main character. I say crap like this all the time-- but I mean it.

Saying it to you isn't any different. But uh.. it's true as long as you know that.

[winces]

[ the main character...? what a strange way of phrasing it, olivia thinks. though she supposes it's quite true — isn't everyone the main character of their own story? she's fairly certain her grandmother had said something of that nature once before, when they'd all circled around the campfire and waited out a particularly chilly night. ]

...thank you, Mr. Fruit, [ she winds up saying around a small, shy smile. she's not entirely sure if she believes the words just yet, but she certainly believes the sincerity behind them. he's — a little strange, admittedly. but it's not hard to see the good heart beneath all that strange babbling.

(besides, it's not like olivia is one to fault anyone for weird chatter...) ]

Um. [ she fidgets a little nervously, but this is more out of her sheepishness than any ill feelings. ]

Is the offer to ride still available...?

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ a part of him wants to correct her and tell her his real name but he doesn't want to upset her, so. Mister Fruit he will always be, he guesses. Its kind of cute anyway.

Gin clears his throat suddenly-- oh right. Instantly, he twists his body around and opens up the back cargo to reveal a spare helmet.

Confidently, he speaks: ]</sub>

Ah, available! Yes, uh. A long as you promise to be safe.
Hey, do you promise that?

[winces]

[ will she ever find out the truth... who knows. he's right, though — she'll feel incredibly embarrassed for having been mistaken in the first place. though a part of her is already fairly certain it can't be his real name (that conversation with ranmaru about usernames comes to mind, after all), but he hasn't yet corrected her this whole time so... perhaps it's just his preferred alias? who even knows. it's apparently a battle of courtesy here.

just as olivia means to reach for the oddly smooth helmet, she draws back with a soft squeak, eyes wide in apprehension. had she done something wrong already??!

oh. a promise. how nice... she can definitely do a promise! ]

Oh, I promise! I won't do a thing to hurt your precious, um — [ ??? ] — steed. [ ????//???/ ]

[naturallywavy]

....

It's more or less I want you to be safe and not my steed.

_{[ Gintoki reaches up and goes ahead to just put the helmet on her head if she isn't going to take it herself.
It might fit a little lopsided with her cute hairdoo, but he doesn't bother asking if it feels alright. ]}

See. That'll keep you safe.
_{[ He even reaches under her chin to buckle the helmet together, careful not to snap her. ]}

[winces]

[ oh.

well that's.

oh.

there's no real way to properly explain away the bright red flush that overtakes olivia's cheeks in that moment; she can only hope that her propensity for doing so will mask the real reason for her sudden fluster... though the way she suddenly darts her gaze away when he's only a foot away from her is probably damning in and of itself.

it... surely it isn't her fault that such a bold and casual desire for her safety should affect her so, right? when she normally doesn't put much value into herself, it still shocks her when someone else cares to. ]

Oh, um. R-Right...

[ she's so distracted, she doesn't even have the right frame of mind to startle at the sudden snap! sound just beneath her chin. lol what even are buckles man.

she tries to right the helmet over her head, but it definitely sits awkwardly thanks to her ponytail. she glances around curiously. ]

So... Are the horses invisible, or...?

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ She is so naive to this, it reminds him of Tama slightly-- like a lot of people are reminding him of his treasured people back home.

Gintoki reaches up and snaps the buckle on his helmet too, also sliding the goggles that were perched up there over his eyes. He busies himself with readying the scooter rather than looking at her, a faint pink color also gracing his cheeks.

Ugh. That was an annoying feeling so he tried to ignore it. Fortunately, he is sounding more confident and not jittery around her so that's a plus.

Why not. He will humor her. ]</sub>

Something like that.

[winces]

[ gintoki, please... how is she going to learn anything if you keep humoring her.

truthfully, she actually looks surprised that her meager guess might have been anywhere close to accurate. she's suddenly staring off into the space in front of the silver machine with wide, mildly apprehensive eyes.

should. i mean is she supposed to pet these ghost horses?! befriend them??? something???! ]

Oh, uh. Hello, horsies...

[ what is she even doing she has no idea jesus take the wheel ]

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ oh my god.....? buddha help her.
Gintoki just stares at her, baffled-- he should stop her before she embarrasses herself even further.

His voice jumps a pitch cause he is trying to be careful with his words (always hard for him to do): ]</sub>

Aaaa, Olivia-san. They can't hear. It's best to leave them alone. They go really fast, so it is good not to break their focus.

[winces]

[ whispers this is your fault... ]

Oh.

[ okay but can she go and die now. quietly, she'll reach up to fiddle with the helmet again. this time she seems to be trying to tug it down over her eyes. ]

M-Maybe this was a bad idea...

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ internally SCREAMING .......
Gintoki waves his hand and gestures wildly. No, little Olivia, don't act like that!! It's okay!

He thinks that if he didn't encourage her to ride it she might would feel even worse since it is something he assumed she generally wanted to try. ]</sub>

A-ah, it isn't like that. Don't feel bad-- a lot of people make that mistake. I made that mistake! Here, oi, just--

_{[ gesturing ??? Again??? ]}

Take a seat where ever you like.
Ah, I can take you in the front, or the back--
_{[ this might have double meaning but he feels like maybe she won't catch it...... ]}

[winces]

[ she doesn't. mostly because the thought that he'd even want to do something like that with her — let alone anyone! — is pretty ludicrous in her mind, so it's never something that occurs to her easily.

instead, her focus remains on the silver machine itself, which somehow looks that much more intimidating now that she's really getting a good look at it...

but also kind of. really fun???

she takes an excited step forward, glancing over the shiny handlebars. ]

Um. If I sit in the front, does that mean I can control it...?