after vivarium

[fairsfair]

after vivarium!

It may have been weeks, months, or even years, but finally, everyone makes it out of the warehouse just fine. The authorities have broken in and let everyone out, or maybe the characters managed to escape on their own. Either way, Zero and Calhoun vanish without a trace and they still haven't been caught to this day. It's infuriating, but the important part is that they're now free. What exactly entrails after that ending though? How to Play: ✖ Make a top-level comment, either blank or filled with some info/prose. ✖ Tag others, whether it's shortly after the escape or much later. ✖ Action, text, video, whatever, it's all good. ✖ Have multiple threads? ✖ Done!

Comments

[puzzlinglad]

[Thank goodness, he probably spent a lot of gift to get Sasuke's Harvest Moon heart rank up.]

"Supposed to work as partners" seems rather telling. [His tone is a bit dry, but at least that sounds better than 'Yuusuke tried to stab me this morning.'] Still, it sounds like you're doing a tad better with him. Maybe your absence had some effect.

[not_that_sasuke]

[Well, he did already max out one stat at least.]

...I don't think that's it.

[Otherwise knives wouldn't have been a problem after the first two years.]

I'm pretty sure he just doesn't want to mess up our mission. I don't really mind, though; it's... nice, getting back to school.

[And the people there. Even if it was still sometimes awkward.]

[puzzlinglad]

[YES need to highfive Heiji over this. Friendship~*~ prevails.]

I suppose you're right, after the first time- [He tries not to sigh. He had the foolish dream of Yuusuke not being shit to Sasuke one day, the hope was still alive in his heart despite it all.] It's a start, I imagine.

Ah, yes, how's Neko? [Just how upset was she.]

[not_that_sasuke]

[So upset. Having Yuusuke around to give constant updates of "no signs of him yet" might not have actually helped.

Also, no need to read too deeply into how quickly he looks elsewhere before answering.]

She's doing well. Since the only members of the ninja club are her, Yuusuke, and another student, I've been helping her with their activities.

[It doesn't help that their upperclassmen probably picked Yuusuke as the next club leader when they graduated. It's true he's got the highest skill level out of the three, but personality-wise...]

[puzzlinglad]

[Hershel tries not to smile about him looking away. He'll be a good dude, he promises.]

I imagine the activities a 'ninja club' participate in would need some practice and instruction. You've always been very patient, you must make a good teacher. [Why is Yuusuke allowed to lead people though...]

[not_that_sasuke]

[Thank you for not shitlording, he appreciates it.]

I wouldn't say that. Yuusuke just doesn't bother teaching at all.

[He's definitely more of the sink or swim mentality. Must be nice to be super talented at whatever you try to the point where you never learn how to study or practice.]

[puzzlinglad]

[He's got your back, buddy.]

What would Neko say? [Probably that you're a good teacher, he assumes. He shakes his head.] What are your plans now that things have begun to settle down anyway?

[not_that_sasuke]

[Neko would probably say he's a good teacher too but shhh it's just because the alternative is Yuusuke okay. Also... relationship things. Things that still haven't really gone anywhere despite both of them being aware and--

Is he getting flustered? It's probably slightly harder to tell with how determined he is not to look at Hershel at the moment.]

...I've just been keeping my head down. My family keeps worrying that I'll be kidnapped again, since I wasn't even safe at home.

[To say it was a blow to the Sagami family's pride would be an understatement.]

[puzzlinglad]

[Ho ho ho, Sasuke, I see. Hershel smiles, kind of picking up on the fluster there but deciding not to tease because he's merciful I guess.] So that's a yes on her agreeing with me? I'd like to meet her one day, if you wouldn't mind too much. She seems like a lovely person.

[And potentially Sasuke's future beau?? Stay tuned.]

I see, I suppose I can't blame them for that worry. It must have been very jarring. [He sighs, rubbing the side of his neck.] Sometimes it feels like nothing will really go completely back to normal, doesn't it?

[I forgot are they on their way to the hotel to put stuff away, right, because if they are there it is coming up.]

[not_that_sasuke]

[Hershel, just. Don't even go there. He doesn't even know how to deal with this relationship as it is, which is currently Really Good Friends(?)]

...You'd probably get along well with her. [They could bond over fretting about Sasuke's life decisions.] She's very kind.

[Hey look it's the hotel that sure is a welcome sight. Hopefully Hershel isn't claustrophobic because the rooms are very good at utilizing the fairly tiny space they have. Welcome to Japan, dude.]

I can handle checking in, but don't worry about talking with the staff; they're used to English speakers visiting.

[And he will indeed go ahead and do that since Japanese is easier for everyone. Aside from letting them scan his passport, Hershel can easily sit tight through the process.]

[puzzlinglad]

[Just wait until everyone decides to meddle in his romantic life, that'll be the party of the century. Hershel nods.]

She certainly sounds it. Another reason to try and learn Japanese, I think. [Form Fret Squad 2: The Re-Frettening.]

[He's vaguely used to small spaces because London, but wow this is even more than what he imagined. Japan is a mysterious place.] Ah, of course, thank you.

[And sit tight he does, glancing around at the scenery and trying to be as polite a paper weight as possible. He's relieved when they can go up to his room, thanking the people Sasuke dealt with as politely as he could. Manners. On the way there he asks:] Is there anything I should know, culture-wise and all? I don't want to accidentally offend anyone.

[not_that_sasuke]

[Knowing Neko, she'd probably flail over trying to communicate with a foreigner... Ahh, he really needs to stop relying on whatever the hell language Zero gave them and learn English properly.

As for Hershel's question, he stops to think about it for a moment while they're on the elevator.]

...I think you'll probably be fine. You're a foreigner, so people will cut you some slack. [Plus, he's already pretty polite...]

Just try to keep your voice low and avoid being blunt, if you can. [He only really mentions those in particular because they both know Heiji, and, well...]

[puzzlinglad]

[What a conversation that would be, and poor Sasuke gets to be the middleman. Thank god for fake Zero languages.]

I tried reading up a bit on Japanese customs, I think I know how to handle myself when eating, at least. [He's the kind of person who worries about this. Also he had to laugh a little at the last statement since his mind immediately went to Heiji.]

I take it not everyone in Japan is as rambunctious as some in Osaka are? [When they reach his door he unlocks it, and another small room. Oh Japan. He walks in and places his bags down with a sigh. They were getting heavy after lugging them around for a while.] I should probably let Heiji know I made it, if he isn't busy on some strange adventure.

[not_that_sasuke]

[Sasuke just quietly edits the translations in his head to include none of the flaily awkwardness on either side.

This is also one of those rooms with only enough walking space around the bed to allow for some small drawers and a compact fridge attached to the counter/desk space on one side. Enjoy.]

People from Osaka have a reputation...

I think Heiji probably matches it exactly, personality-wise.

[He'll set Hershel's bag down for now, so Hershel can let Heiji know they're in the same country now. Unless he was studying abroad, anyway.]

We can go whenever you're ready. We don't even have to go today, if you need some time.