Whiskey, Laughter, and Fate [Ryoichi/Amelia]

Amelia was pulled from her thoughts by Ryoichi’s voice. She turned to face him, smiling as she leaned against the building a little too. “Yeah, pretty eventful… Thank you, again. You were very brave to jump into something like that without hesitating.”

“I don’t know what is happening with those things,” Amelia said, gaze at the floor and her hands tightening around her purse handle. “This isn’t the first time they have attacked. It’s… the five? Sixth? This town used to be very quiet. Things like this didn’t happen, and about a year ago that all changed. People a-a-are dying…” Amelia’s anxiety reared its head as a stutter came with her words. “I-I have been att-attacked twice, no three times now, a-a-and two of my students’ parents have gone missing… I don’t know what’s happening and I'm scared for the people here.”

Ryoichi smiled and gave a light shrug in response. Even if it was brave compared to most people, he had never really thought of it like that. It was just the right thing to do, simple as that. If he had the ability to do something, he couldn't just stand around and do nothing. But, as Amelia started to talk, Ryoichi's expression turned more serious. He had heard that there was heightened Hollow activity around this area, but, now that the fight was over, he had wondered why there wasn't a Shinigami or Quincy stationed in the area.

Did they not know? Or did they not care? Nevertheless, if they weren't going to do something about it, then he'd at least try and help out as best he could. As Amelia started to stutter, Ryoichi quietly slipped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into a gentle, yet firm embrace.

"Hey, hey...it'll be okay. I'll pass this along to my boss, see if she can get some word out to either Quincy, Shinigami, or her own people to try and help handle the uptick."

A hand gently patted her shoulder, Ryoichi smiling warmly, even if, deep down, he was concerned as well. This wasn't normal, and even if he couldn't be everywhere, he was at least going to try and help make things a little better.

Amelia shut her mouth the moment she was touched, and instinctively leaned into his embrace when he pulled her in. She realized she was rambling, took a deep breath, and calmly released it. “Your boss?” Amelia questioned, tilting her head. She smiled and felt some relief. “Thank you, Ryoichi. I appreciate it. The rest of us will as well,” Amelia said, looking out over what small crowd still existed since this the fight ended. Others were still having their statements taken, and the rest were just patrons of the main street. It was calming down quickly around this time.

“So…” Amelia smiled, shyly pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “What now?” There were implications of certain plans before the hollow attacked, but she wasn’t sure either of them were still looking for that kind of end to the night. She was worried about her family, especially if that monster may have known more about her than she would ever have liked, but she would also get a call if things went wrong.

Ryoichi gave a light nod in response. He knew that, at the very least, the Rapid Response Team would be able to...well, respond, should something drastic happen, but, he also knew that some events were too small for them to react to. He didn't know if this Hollow specifically wanted to come after Amelia, one of her family in particular, or if it was some kind of grand scheme -- if Hollows were even capable of something like that. With that one? It was certainly possible.

"No thanks necessary. I did what anyone should do."

He offered a small smile, hoping for it to be reassuring, and as she did that cute thing some women did and pushed some hair behind her ear, asking what next, Ryoichi leaned against the wall of the bar lightly, hands idly sliding into his pockets.

"Whatever you're comfortable with. I think we'd both rather end this night on a happier note, but, I'll let it be your call."

‘Not anyone…’ Amelia thought. There were many people that could not and should not step in like that. When a bear comes running at you, choosing to fight it was once dumb. With how many superheroes were appearing, it felt more possible.

Hearing his answer, Amelia’s gaze shifted to the right, though the eager bite of her bottom lip made it clear what she was thinking. With a giggle, she took his hand, lacing her fingers with his, “So, what hotel are you staying at?”