perfectmatch | week two

. . . I don't know if that's how it works.

[but he says that with a laugh. time to make their way into the batting cage!!]

Why don't you go first?

[offering her the bat he is holding!]

Okay! This one's dedicated to Makoto!!

[ Brandishing the bat once she's acquired it--without whacking him, of course.

When the ball launches, she does manage a fairly solid hit and connects, though it won't be like. A homerun or anything. ]

[a solid line drive is still pretty impressive!!]

On your first try. . . ?!

[being so active is doing her many favors on this date]

This could be you, you know!

[ If he tries! Hard enough!! ]

[HE DOUBTS IT, BUT. . . she also makes a pretty good argument!!]

You said you were active when you were younger, but did you play any sports? Like, officially?

[or unofficially. backyard games count! heads up, the machine is lobbing another pitch her way]

Nope! No teams.

[ She was just an active kid!

And another hit! ]

[watches as the ball skips across the ground, before being caught by the net at the end of the cage]

So this is all natural talent, huh?

And staying active! You get good if you play long enough.

[ Yeah. ]

So how about it? Ready to try?

[. . . a small laugh, and he holds out his hand to take the bat from her]

Cheer me on from the sidelines, all right? I'll definitely need it.

[BEAN BATTER UP]

You've got this!! Just keep your eye on the ball!

[ She believes in him!! ]

Everyone says that! I still don't know how it helps!

[whoosh. the machine flings a ball Edamura's way! he swings the back, and. . . . . . . . misses. quite solidly. by a lot]

. . . see! Didn't help!

Okay, so--we work on your timing.

[ We're not giving up yet! ]

As soon as the ball launches, get ready to swing!

[her determination is admirable. . .]

Okay. . . like this?

[holding the bat firmly in his hands, but it isn't until the ball is released that he locks in and draws it back for a swing. this time-- he hits it!!]

[it's an awkward ground ball to the left, but he hit it]

Oh! There we go.

There we go!!

[ Much more joyfully. ]

Great job, Makoto! I knew you could do it!!

T. . . thanks.

[for such a tiny win, he does seem pretty pleased!]

Your talent must have rubbed off on me.

That's not a possibility. You did this yourself, you just found a way that worked for you!

[ She's so proud of him. ]

[. . . Maya you're too sweet and earnest. it's endearing]

Do you want to make a game out of this? It might keep things more interesting.

[handing her the bat so she can take another turn]

Something. . . mildly competitive.

First to hit a homerun, or...?

[ Wow. ]

What?? No way; I'd lose that one in a heartbeat.

[he can hit a ball but he can't hit a homerun]

Dates are supposed to be about getting to know each other, so. . . what if-- ever time one of us hits a ball-- we get to ask the other a question?

[they don't need a game for that, but he thinks incorporating their date spot into it might be fun??]

That seems fine to me!

[ She's simple. ]

Do we want to count that as the first, or is this starting now?

Starting now. It wouldn't be right if I got a freebie and you didn't.

[sage nod. he plays fair!!]

Okay, then! Let's try at the same time, so there's less pressure.

[ Different batting cages, but they can still talk. ]

[perfect idea! he picks up a new bat of his own and scoots over the next cage over, lifting one hand to his mouth to call out]

Heeeeey! So you can still hear me?

Loud and clear, competitor Edamura!! Are you ready to get started?

[ She's ready! Bat is being brandished! ]

[a mock salute! and then he assumes the batting position]

Ready! On three. One, two. . .

[the machines load up their pitches]

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