soundoftheseas | DIAMARI CATCHALL

"Ugh."

Dia slumps forward onto her desk, frustrated groan buried behind her arms. The pen slips from between her fingers in a moment of neglect, clattering to the floor. She hears it roll all the way to the other side of the room, and only heaves out another groan.

"Honestly, what is this," she moans, lifting her head just enough to be able to see above her crossed arms. The open notebook before her is an unsightly jumble of scribbles and scratches, not a single line free of annotations or strike-throughs. The page before it is just the same, as is the one before it, and the three before that.

She refuses to call it a writer's block. It's simply that she holds herself to exceptionally high standards. This upcoming concert, in particular, will be their first performing in sub-units -- that means she has to write a song that won't just flawlessly capture the essence of Azalea, but will stand out among the other two groups as well. Something that will leave a strong impression in people's memories. Something...

Well, something that's not this, that much Dia knows.

Flipping the notebook shut, she reaches for her phone. The Azalea group chat has about a dozen unread messages: Kanan and Hanamaru cheering her on before moving on to discuss possible outfit designs. The conversation concludes, as if to rub salt in her wound, with 'I guess we can't really know what'd be best until we know what kind of song we're doing!'

Kanan's cheery dolphin sticker does nothing to alleviate the sting.

"I'd like to know that, too," Dia mutters through a scowl, tapping the conversation closed without a response. She appreciates their support, of course, and they are doing the best they can... but they're absolutely no help to her right now. Previous attempts in consultation yielded well-intentioned but ultimately unproductive advice: Kanan's suggestions included 'ocean', 'water', 'swimming', and 'diving' ("Haha... sorry, you know I'm no good at this stuff"), and brainstorming with Hanamaru sent them down a two-hour association chain that somehow resulted in a sci-fi adventure scenario featuring astronaut zebras hunting for magic crystals in space. The lyric submission deadline is this coming Friday-- she really can't afford to be wasting so much time. But she's been making no progress on her own, either...

Perhaps she'll take a moment to check on the competition, then. Opening a new chat window, Dia sends out:

Good evening, Mari-san.
I trust you've been having a frugal Saturday?

The late weekend hour doesn't stop Mari's response from being borderline immediate; not even a minute passes from the moment Dia presses "send" before the string of responses from Mari come barreling in, oversaturated with emojis and exclamation points. God only knows what she could be doing up at this hour, but, more likely than not, lyrics aren't a factor in the equation; after all, of the three members of Guilty Kiss, two of them are shameless enough to put anything on a page and go for broke, and the other member is, regardless of her reluctance, forced to pour her talents into indulging their nonsense and composing it. Needless to say, a Friday deadline would be a piece of cake, and the lyric matter would be put off until a sleepless Thursday, where she and Yoshiko would churn out an earworm with lyrics that most artists worth their salt would find utterly humiliating enough to even read, let alone sing.

But regardless of what she's up to, the fact of the matter is, it's clearly not important enough to keep her attention on it, especially when Dia is involved. The truth of the matter is, of course, that she'd probably drop even the most urgent matters for Dia's sake, but, this overeager kind of swiftness may be going just a bit too far...

And a ✨ BUONA ✨ SERA ✨ to you as well!!!!!!! <3 <3

I can hardly BELIEVE my eyes!!!! To be texted by Dia so late into the night...surely you must have some sort of urgent business, an absolute emergency!!! A secret matter of the heart!!!! Could it be......you need advice when it comes to love?! Σ░(꒪◊꒪ ))))

Well, fear not, my beautiful Dia!! ☆ I happen to be an expert on this subject, as you may know, well versed in all things romantic! Just tell me all of the spicy little details, and your good friend Mari will come to the rescue, no questions asked!!! ( ˘ ³˘)♥

Clearly, the upcoming concert is the last thing on her mind. It must be nice to be so carefree.

Don't hold back on me, I'm on the edge of my seat here!!! I need to know what my competition is like, so please, tell me all about them!!! ✧٩(ˊωˋ*)و✧

Edited 2017-02-20 05:58 (UTC)

Dia's initial response -- as it so often is with Mari -- is bafflement. She can't imagine what it was about her two lines of text that inspired such a barrage of messages, or what led Mari to leap to such an outlandish conclusion. And what is this about 'competition'? For a moment, the only response she can think to text back is a long string of question marks.

But then-- knowing Mari for as long as she has, it's safe to assume that's the exact reaction she was aiming for. Even ten years later, Dia still ends up playing into her hands with daunting frequency -- but over text, at least, she has the advantage of being able to think each response through.

Talking songwriting with Mari has instantly proven just about impossible, but never mind that now! Dia has set her sights on a new goal. She will play Mari at her own game! And she will emerge triumphant! And the method by which she'll pave her way to victory...

... is by going along with her nonsense without batting an eye!

Mari-san! I had merely asked about your day, must you always draw such presumptuous conclusions?

A pause, for effect--

... This once, however, I will admit.
You were not wholly off-mark.

...Well, this is certainly an interesting approach for Dia, and it's not one that proves fruitless, judging from Mari's reaction. Whether or not she's being serious or just overdoing it as usual is up to Dia to decide, and it's really a toss-up, just because of how tough it can be to read someone over text. Either way, though, now she has to know--

!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ∴(O艸O★)

If Dia listens closely, she might be able to hear Mari's "kyaa!" all the way from her house, all things considered.

It's not presumptuous if I'm RIGHT, Diaaaaa!!!! But either way, this is BIG news!!! Big big big BIG!!! Ψ(≧ω≦)Ψ

I can just imagine you, sitting at your phone, with your cute little thumbs over the send button!!! "Should I text Mari this??? What should I do??? My pure maiden's heart is throbbing, on this dark moonless night, I have to tell SOMEONE, but can I really share my feelings this way....." But! But but but!!! Admitting your feelings is the first step to a beautiful and spectacular First Love!! 💖😍💖😍💖😍💖😍💖

I'm so glad that you trust me with such critical matters, my darling Dia! I simply MUST everything, you can't just leave me like this!! Go, go, go!!!

Edited 2017-02-20 09:14 (UTC)

"Geh," comes Dia's kneejerk reaction as Mari's messages flood her screen again. Her first instinct is to doubt -- can she really last in the face of Mari's overbearing enthusiasm? And isn't she making a bit too big a deal of this, besides?!

No, she tells herself. It's too late to have regrets! She'll see this through! The one to have the last laugh is Dia Kurosawa!

Kindly settle down!
To begin with, I hesitate to divulge such delicate information to you. These are highly sensitive matters, Mari-san. How can I be sure you're worthy of trust? Do you swear confidentiality?!

... Of course, then there's the minor matter of those details' existence, or lack thereof. She'll work something out.

Oh, no she doesn't, she can't just worm her way out of telling her this easily! Not when she hyped it up so much like this! ...Ignoring the fact that Mari entirely hyped it up on her own, but--

DIA, I'm so hurt! Heartbroken, even!!!! how could you POSSIBLY suggest I would blab about a fair maiden's most sensitive secrets?!?!?! ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ

Actually, that's probably a question better left unanswered. But even so! How rude, that she would insinuate such a thing! Does she think Mari is so shameless, so heartless before the desperate cries of a maiden in love?!

I'll have you know!! That there is no one in Uchiura more sensitive to the plight of a lonely maiden than I!!! PLUS, we've known each other for so long, do you REALLY think I would ever betray your trust like that?!?! I can't believe you!!!

Say you're sorry!!!!! If you don't, you're gonna get it I see you tomorrow!!!! ＼＼\\٩(๑`^´๑)۶//／／

Actually, don't say you're sorry yet!!! if you tell me your absolutely incredibly pressing very important extremely passionate romance troubles, I'll accept that as an apology!!!

Dia can't get away with roundabout answers for long, she knows, not with Mari as demanding as she is. But she's certainly not about to spill 'everything' as Mari insists, what with there being nothing to spill.

Bite-sized bits of information, then -- that should be the safest strategy. If she only addresses each point as it rises, it should hopefully lead Mari to ask more specific questions, helping Dia come up with a clearer image in turn.

For now, what she sends is:

Well, I can tell you right now that person is the COMPLETE opposite of you.

She doesn't know why that's the first thing that popped into her head. Still, she can't help being curious-- wondering if that'll win her a reaction.

They don't throw such childish tantrums, for one!

Edited 2017-02-20 10:10 (UTC)

ＧＡＳＰ !!!!!!!! Σ (　 Д )ﻌﻌﻌﻌ⊙ ⊙

That was stone cold, Dia. If it was a reaction she wanted, it was a reaction she got; she's half tempted to call her up and give her a piece of her mind for real! But, for now...

but if they're the opposite of me, then they must treat you so poorly!! They'll never spoil you, and never check in to see if you've been well, and you'd never have fun conversations late on Saturday nights with them!! I can't allow that! My beloved Dia deserves only the best!!! (⁎˃ᆺ˂)

It wasn't a tantrum, though! If anything, you were the one being cruel! Saying I'm a blabbermouth, calling me such rotten things! I know you've been having some issues with love, but that's noooo reason to take it out on your dear friend!!! Not when I was only trying to heeeeelp o(╥﹏╥)o

Wow. A reaction indeed. Dia's not sure how to parse it, at first -- it evokes an odd stirring of emotion somewhere between her chest and belly. There's guilt there, instinctively, because goodness knows she's far weaker to Mari than she'd ever like to be; there's the usual expaseration towards her dramatics, and there's... fondness there, too, just from seeing her react so strongly. Just from knowing she's on Mari's mind.

She's careful not to let that color her reply, however; Mari sniffs out weakness like a shark sniffs out blood in the water. She won't let her control slip quite so easily!

See, it is EXACTLY this infantile attitude that sets the two of you apart!
If you truly are interested in assisting me, would you at least take this a little more seriously?
This is not the time to be singing your own praises, either! Honestly!

Infantile!!!! See, Dia?!?! You're STILL calling me mean names!!! o(*･ﾛ･*)o

I'm trying to do my best here but YOU!!!! keep beating around the bush!!!! I haven't even gotten this person's N☆A☆M☆E yet! I've been SOOOO eager to hear you out, and what do I get!? You're being TOtally mistrusting! ...Besides, I think it's the PERFECT time to list all of my charm points~!

The mood of her texts seems to be shifting around quite a bit; on the one hand, it's a good way to keep Dia on her toes, but, on the other hand...

If there's really someone who's trying to steal your heart from me, I have to make sure I don't go down without a fight! Love Is A Battle Phase!!! I'm going to listen because I could never EVER turn down a request from my adorable Dia, but!!! I won't lose to just anyone!

She has to wonder, at this point, if Mari knows she's bluffing -- if she's treating this as a competition, as well. Because what else could this be if not a prime attempt at one-upping? Worse, even though Dia knows better, she still feels heat prickle at her cheeks.

"A-as if I'd fall for that!" she squawks down at her phone screen, furiously tapping away at the keyboard.

Did I not JUST ask you to take this seriously? Yet here you go with your tasteless jokes!
Perhaps I ought turn to Kanan-san for advice instead!

Edited 2017-02-20 11:11 (UTC)

Oooh, Dia Dia Dia Dia...

Why did you message ME if you didn't think I was going to get like this?? (n˘v˘•)¬

Besides, this is the BEST way to deal with love sickness! 100% Dr. Mari Approved, 9 out of 10 pharmacists agree!!!! But, if you REALLY want me to put on my Very Super Serious Face, I can do that, too...

Dia can probably almost hear the giggling, even though it's just text. If this is a game, she's having quite a bit of fun playing it; that much should be evident from the quick responses and the little teases.

Okay. No more messing around, I promise. Serious Time. ಠ_ಠ

Do not give me that accursed face!
You! are! INCORRIGIBLE!!!

Dia's face burns even hotter. This is stupid-- what is she doing, getting riled up for real? But she can't help wanting Mari to take this seriously, even when the crux of this conversation was pulled from thin air. Because-- because what if it was real, and she sincerely came to Mari for support? And why does Mari keep making those nonsensical jokes about fighting for her heart if she's not even going to stick by them--

--that's-- that's not the right thing to get upset about, is it? No-- it's all stupid. Dia's going to win. She's going to get Mari invested in her fictional romantic endeavors with every fiber of body and soul! She'll get her so into it she'll even drop those obnoxious smiley faces that Dia can never fully make out! She just needs-- some sort of hook, something that'll reel her in-- No! Not just a hook, she'll get her hook, line and sinker!

It's Kanan-san.

... is what ultimately comes out of this internal volcanic eruption, and Dia's so caught up in it that it doesn't yet occur to her to regret it.

Take that, Mari Ohara!

Mari's about to send her just one more tiny dig, but that second text leaves Dia's phone, and not 15 seconds after the delivery, Dia's ringer goes off; a call from Mari.

If she doesn't answer it, it'll just ring again and again until she picks it up, so leaving it hanging for too long is an exercise in futility. Hell, after a text like that, it may be a surprise that she settled on a phone call instead of just coming straight over to her house, but, the fact of the matter stands, and if Dia's goal was to get Mari invested, well, consider it a complete success. The time for coy little emojis and little jabs at her love life is probably over now; time to see if she can keep the charade up for that much longer, right?

The color that had risen up to Dia's cheeks drains at once when her phone begins to buzz. Oh no. Oh no, no no. Dia is not one tenth as adept when it comes to keeping level off-text. What is she going to say? She didn't think this through at all! And with Mari being Mari, she may well keep calling until daybreak if Dia doesn't pick up!

Screwing her eyes shut with a deep, steadying inhale, Dia goes to face her destiny.

"Wh-what is it? Did you exhaust your supply of ridiculous smiley faces?"

"Is it true?! You and Kanan, are you serious about her?! Serious serious?! When did this happen?! How long ago was it, that I didn't notice it?! I had no idea!"

Guess there's no smiley faces now. In fact, she sounds gravely serious. Was this going on behind her back for a while now, and she just hadn't picked up on it? Has Kanan noticed it, too? In a situation like this, she's obviously jokeless--

"Why didn't you say so from the start?"

There is exactly one thought running through Dia's head right now, and it is oh god in an infinite loop. Mari's not laughing anymore -- she got what she wanted -- but she is not remotely equipped to deal with it. Before she knows it she's up and off her chair, pacing in circles all across the bedroom, as if to shake the torrent of questions off from her shoulders.

Oh god oh god oh god oh god.

"What's it to you!" she blurts out dumbly, the first coherent chain of words her panicked brain successfully forms. Dia cringes at herself. A no-less-frantic attempt at salvaging is made, a bit too strained to sound like a joke: "I-intending to fight her, are you?"

There's a small sound from the other end of the line; a sharp intake of breath, the rustling of blankets, a slightly strained exhale before she continues.

"Dia, I..."

There's a lot she wants to say, now, but none of the words that form on her lips in that pause seem right. There's a joke somewhere buried in there, about how well the last time she and Kanan fought went. There's an outburst hidden in there, too, confused at how this could have been a secret for so long (or, at least, she imagines it's been quite some time, feelings for someone who's been so constant for her [far more constant than Mari ever was, most certainly] don't just blossom overnight). On the tip of her tongue, there's a confession there, too; a declaration that just because Dia loves Kanan doesn't mean Mari will be so willing to give her up, herself. That one stays put, solely because she doesn't want Dia to interpret it as yet another joke.

What ultimately comes out is an apology. But even that seems unfitting.

"I'm sorry, Dia. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I didn't realize..."

Dia freezes mid-pace, feet rooted to the wooden floor. Mari's voice sounds so small, smaller than she ever wanted to hear it after everything between the three of them was resolved. And Dia singlehandedly brought it about just now, all because of... what, some prank? A one-sided war she'd declared on her own pride?

How in the world could she have thought this was worth it?

There is nothing but silence in the wake of Mari's words; Dia rolls her tongue around her dry, dry mouth, swallowing with difficulty. It's far too late to nip this off cleanly -- she might as well just spit it out.

"That was a lie, just now." Dia pauses. Swallows again. "All of it."

"A...lie?"

It takes Mari a moment to process what Dia just said; it's a good thing they're on the phone, because her face shifts through a whirlwind of emotions (most prominently, relief, because goodness gracious that had so much potential to turn ugly and that's absolutely the last thing she wanted, after everything the three friends had gone through) before eventually settling on...

"A-ahahaha! Oh, of course, you were just playing a joke! You got me really good there, Dia!"

She sounds almost like she's still trying to convince herself of it.

"I-I should have known! If you had really fallen for Kanan, I'm sure I would have known by now, ahahaha..."

Her laugh certainly feels more forced than usual, and Dia of all people should recognize that, seeing as though her giggling is so prominent.

"I guess I totally did it to myself, though, didn't I? I was being presumptuous, after all...silly me! I really overreacted there, huh?"

She probably won't be trying that particular approach again anytime soon, when Dia texts her on a Saturday night.

On the other end of the line, Dia listens in quiet unease. She had expected Mari to get mad, at least a little -- this self-deprecation doesn't suit her one bit. And even though she's come clean, the guilty knots in Dia's stomach only pull tighter.

Any other time, Dia would have justified herself: well, Mari's always telling those insufferable jokes, isn't she, so how about a taste of her own medicine for once? But this doesn't feel right. Mari's laughter doesn't sound right, either.

"... I apologize," Dia tries, awkward. "It was in poor taste. So if you're angry with me, go ahead and let me hear it."

"Ah, what's that, you say? Don't tell me my lovely Dia is feeling guilty because of little old moi..."

That...sounds a little better. Frankly, her heart was too far in her throat for her to react with anything other than that overwhelming sensation of solace, after what could have been a call way too close for comfort. Hearing Dia sound so remorseful is a bad look for her, too; it may not have been the funniest joke, but, she's not one to let an awkward situation hang for too long, if she can help it. Push those feelings of "but what if that does happen, someday?" or "many a truth is said in jest" straight towards the backburner, go back to business as usual--

"What kind of person would I be if I couldn't take a joke? Come now, Dia, you're cute when you're flustered, but not this kind of flustered! Do I need to come over there and give you a forgiveness hug? I'm in my PJ's right now, but, if you don't mind that..."

Frustration's bubbling up in Dia's throat again, making her flush -- but it offers a faint sense of relief alongside it.

"Just wipe this entire conversation from your memory, please and thank you!"

Yes, this is better. This is normal, after all. Mari sounds like herself again.

Dia should know by now that Mari wouldn't dare let her off that easily. She may be forgiven in an instant, but forgotten is another story, especially when it comes to Mari.

"Ooooh~? But, Dia, I couldn't possibly do that...I mean, you never even told me why you texted me so late to begin with! And to think I was so curious, before you decided to catch me with that mean little trick...honestly, Dia, I didn't think you had it in you, but, you might just have a prankster's spirit after all! I'll have to keep my eye on you just a little bit more closely from now on!"

After all, she doubts she just texted her to play a joke on her; surely there must have been something she needed?

"So, so, so! If it wasn't a desperate matter of the heart, what was it? You can tell me anything, bellissima, you know that! All joke aside, of course, you don't need to be shy, you know I would never bite..."

Not unless prompted, anyway.

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