1 - ACTION / VIDEO

[wantsnudes]

[There's a dark-haired teenager with the lost expression of a new arrival wandering around the streets, clutching what few belongings he has and staring around at everything. He... seems to be talking to someone? But he's not using his phone, so maybe the person he's muttering to is just himself.]

... If living here for the first month is free, and if I forego two of my three meals a day, this money should last a few weeks longer than intended. But how to afford art supplies... More than that, even with my art, how do I gain an income...

[Someone is a little anxious about the welcome talk and getting shunted into an unfamiliar city. Since he has to stay here for the foreseeable future, his situation has shifted from figuring out who is behind this and why (apparently nobody knows? yikes???) to the more immediate, material reality of his situation. He really has no idea what to do to make ends meet.

Spotting a passerby, he just straight up steps into their path and shoves his pendant into their face.]

You there! I would like to know the address of any place I could pawn this trinket off to. [uh]


VIDEO.

Excuse me. I was informed I could use this in order to find others from my home. [A pause... Who should he ask for first... Only his friends spring to mind, so--]

Does anyone know an individual named Ren Amamiya? He is my age, bespectacled, and often smells of coffee. Or perhaps Ann Takamaki, who is the most beautiful woman to have entered my gaze. Or there is Ryuji Sakamoto, who is loud and a bit crude, with dyed hair... [talk about descriptor whiplash]

I seem to talking on for longer than intended, so I'll stop there for now. I hope if anyone knows these individuals, they would be willing to point me in the right direction.

Comments

[ascendedbeing]

Kindness is a rarity, is it not? Perhaps the world would be in a better place if people were just kinder to one another. Yes, you may call me an idealistic fool if you wish. I have heard it many times before. Besides, I do not mind helping others out at all, even if they do not have anything to offer me. I do not do the things that I do just to expect something in return. And, should you take advantage of me... well, I would not hold it against you. I would just keep on trying to help you out.

[ She has to wonder what kind of past this poor young man had to have such a jaded view on the world to be asking these kinds of questions. Her heart does ache for him and it makes her think what she can do to aid his suffering, even just a little. ]

All right. Well, in that case, did you listen to anything the hologram told you or read the pamphlet provided when you woke up?

[youfool]

Aheh, thank you.

["San", for an honorific, can't help but make him laugh.]

Glad you see the wisdom of benefit of the doubt. Indeed, doubt, or comfortably tolerating ignorance, is a too-rare currency. Well, let me know should ought else trouble you.

[wantsnudes]

I don't think that's foolish at all. I think it's a very noble worldview.

[And he just wishes he could trust it, but he's done throwing his lot in with the supposed kindness of strangers. He still feels a bit ashamed of calling the integrity of this person into question, though, clasping his hands and looking away.]

Yes, both, though I still feel like there are many things I don't understand...

[ivegotadream]

Yeah, I don't think people would have 50ft of hair extensions.

[That would probably be expensive if anything. Also why. Rapunzel herself has her reasons, but she wouldn't understand why others would have. It was a moment before she was slightly surprised.]

Model...for a painting. [She seems rather chipper all of a sudden.]

Are you a painter too? I've never actually met another person here yet who paints, so this is rather exciting.

[redreigning]

( oh yusuke, your adorable and utter clueless-ness has truly been missed. ) It actually seems like we might be safer here than at home. The Metanav doesn't work in this place. ( their personas do, oddly, but they haven't quite figured out what to do with that information yet so he leaves it alone for now. more importantly, yes yusuke, you gotta work. ) It's true, you sort of have to hit the ground running here. Maybe not by selling the only method of travel you have though. ( he draws his hand back to cup his chin. ) I'm still trying to figure out a way to get back home, but for now, we need to find you a job and a place to crash. ( he'd rather yusuke not stay in the commons by himself when his friends are here. but bringing him to the apartment without discussing it with ann and shiho first is probably. not smart. we all saw how ann reacted the first time yusuke invited himself to live with her. ) Maybe Ryuji wants a roommate? ( ryuji is just as nice an option as ann, right???? :) )

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke pulls a face at the suggestion he get something as mundane as a job, because how could he possibly join wage slavery with the commoners when he must paint!! That expression only deepens at the suggestion he room with Ryuji.]

I've never seen Ryuji's living quarters back home, but I imagine it's messy and noisy... I think it would be more beneficial if I lived alone, as before.

Where are you living? Does Morgana reside there with you? [Since Akira isn't carrying the usual cat-bag he assumes he isn't around, but maybe he's just wandered off elsewhere.]

[wantsnudes]

It seems improper to refer to a Lady without the correct title... But if it is your preference, then I will simply call you Cordelia.

[A headshake.] I haven't heard of it, no. I am from a place called Earth, from a nation known as Japan.

[wantsnudes]

Hm? [He's unsure of what's funny. Being way too formal and polite, he defaults to "san" for most acquaintances.]

A great deal troubles me, but I suppose I can only take matters one step at a time...

[divinefavor]

I have heard of Earth, as well as Japan. [ Fancy that. ] It would seem Earth is a common place so many originate from. With any luck, perhaps you will find someone familiar to you.

[youfool]

Oh? Such as? I'm happy to listen; perhaps even provide an answer. I've pored over a philosophical text or two.

video;

[effinskull]

Oh uh... yeah, yeah it'll feel like that! But nah man- I've been here for months! Futaba has been here way longer, apparently, and so has Akechi.

Ren arrived a few months ago too, and Ann just got here pretty much. We really need more chicks though! Don't know where Haru or Makoto are hiding.

[misalignment]

[ he holds a hand up as if to stop him before yusuke trailed off on his own. don't say it. as light as he's playing it, it's also the reason there's a double caffeine intake because of a lack of sleep and why he just works constantly as a distraction. if he can't pretend it's funny when one of them shows up, it's not a nice thing to dwell on.

this is fine.png ]

Yes. Was. Still am, technically. It's quite a mystery why any of us are here. How it brings people in the same state as myself is an even bigger puzzle. My own investigations into it have not been producing as many answers as I would hope for. I have a number of theories I could share but I doubt you would be interested in hearing me speculate about existence.

That being said, I have been here the longest out of our group. Most likely because of that. If you have other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[wantsnudes]

["Our group". It seemed astonishing to think Akechi would feel that way, when he had been so vehemently against anything like friendship or teammates... and Yusuke's expression flickers somewhere between curiosity and deep sadness.]

I still have many questions. But first, I simply want to say... Mysteries or no, I am glad you're here.

video;

[wantsnudes]

As I recall, you said something similar when I first joined the group. Perhaps I should reiterate my offer to dress in a more feminine manner.

[Gender balance is important for aesthetics?? He's glad Ryuji understands this.]

Where has everyone been staying? I would not mind remaining in the commons, as it is not so different from my dorm... but I understand that place is only for temporary residence.

[misalignment]

[ well, that caught him off guard. the smile slipped and his head tilted slightly to eye yusuke carefully. skeptically. people don't just say that to him. any of them saying something like gives reason to doubt. and they hadn't, he doesn't think. it was obvious to him that being here was more of a problem than something to be glad about. no one's actually pleased he's breathing air around these parts (especially ren), even if it might be a relief to them that something like that got a do-over in a way.

it's a pity thing, right? that's why there's sadness looking at him. yusuke kitagawa is difficult one to read. ]

Really? That's nice to hear.

[wantsnudes]

[Bluntly--] I'm not saying it to be nice. There was no love lost between us. Even so, we ultimately shared the same goal, and what you did for us to that end was noble.

... That's all. If you have no wish to talk about it, I won't push the matter any further.

[For as bad as Yusuke is at reading the mood, in this situation he can at least manage to be a little sensitive.]

[cool_time]

[Pipimi reaches for the pendant and holds it gently, tilting it side to side, as if studying it. As if she knows how to appraise jewels. She doesn't, but this guy doesn't need to know.]

Hmm... It's a finely crafted piece. And looks very genuine. It's not just some cheap trinket, at least. Hmmm... [She puts her hands on her hips.] Alright, how about I give you a 1000 Red Bills for it?

[redreigning]

( stop being dramatic and get your walmart application yusuke. ren chuckles a little at the shift in his expression. messy, noisy - you forgot it's probably smelly, too. ) To be honest, I actually haven't seen it yet either. But I can't say I disagree with you. ( stop roasting ryuji when he's not even here to defend himself?? anyway, if yusuke prefers to live alone, ren won't argue with him, but it is in his mind that yusuke only has a month in that place before he's forced out. at the mention of morgana, ren's expression falls a little. he shakes his head. ) He's not here, as far as I know. I have an apartment with Ann, and her friend Shiho. ( which is great and all...but no one bullies him into going to bed like his ten pound cat. )

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke gasps.] You live with Ann? I'm quite jealous.

[IF ONLY HE COULD LIVE WITH THE OBJECT OF HIS ARTISTIC FASCINATION EVERY DAY... Though he's distracted from such musing when a thought occurs to him, brow creasing in concern.]

Ah-- but if Ann's friend is here, is she all right? [Surely Shiho had been through enough, without being uprooted and tossed into an unfamiliar situation...]

[redreigning]

( i heard that gasp so clearly. ) Sleep in the same place might be more accurate, we don't actually see each other that often because I work so much. ( he's brunting most of the rent, so it's not really as romantic as it probably sounds, but he is content with the situation. it's comforting to come home to friends. at the question about shiho, he smiles softly. ) Suzui-san is doing much better. She's trying to do more things on her own and she's been looking for a job, too. ( a slight edge to his smile - almost teasing. ) If Suzui-san can do it, there's no reason you can't, right? ( truthfully though, ren can't see him working somewhere as casual as a retail store or a coffee shop. there are other places he's seen more suited to yusuke's skill-set, and he absolutely intends to help him as best he can. his hand finds yusuke's shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. ) Maybe you'll feel more optimistic if I treat you to a Yusuke Is Here breakfast?

[wantsnudes]

Hm... I hope you're not putting too much pressure on yourself to take care of everyone.

[Yusuke might not have had a mundane job in his life, but he knows what it's like, to have to work himself into the ground just to keep a roof over his head -- life with Madarame had been just like that. It's not something he'd want to see repeated with anyone else, least of all a dear friend.

... Such dark thoughts are quickly banished from his mind at Ren's suggestion of breakfast, though, and he smiles brightly.]

That sounds like an excellent idea. Where shall we go?

[redreigning]

Do I ever do that? ( ahahha..aha. he is working hard but at least it's not as straining as the five jobs he's spread himself over back home. besides, taking care of people is kind of his thing - he wouldn't know what to do with himself if he weren't busy. how can he feel pressure anyway when he's rewarded with such a smile?? he is #blessed. ) How averse are you to sweets in the morning?

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke hums, thoughtful.] I lack Ann's sweet tooth, if that's what you're asking. But, I wouldn't be against the idea.

[Neither would his stomach, if that growling is any indication. How long has he just been wandering around the city without eating anything, anyway.........]

Lead the way; given your tastes, I'd happily go anywhere you recommend.

[redreigning]

Are you saying my tastes line up with yours? Yusuke, I'm flattered. ( what an honor to have your tastes complimented by a talented artist. is yusuke also a fan of burgers as big as his head? because that's around where ren falls on the spectrum, right between "anything that's available" and "did i remember to even eat between my thirty jobs?", but let's digress. ren takes them to a new cafe not so far off called pink sugar bakery, pointing to some baked goods displayed behind the storefront window. there are cupcakes and cookies with cute designs. it's all very sanrio. ) They just opened up a couple of weeks ago, I met one of the owners and she was pretty nervous about the whole thing. Thought it might be nice to give them some patronage.

[wantsnudes]

I've made it no secret that I enjoy your curry and coffee, yes? So it's only natural to assume our tastes are aligned.

[Forgetting to eat might also be where their tastes align... Yusuke follows along after him, blinking at how cutesy and sugary everything looks. He's already doing the mental calculations of cost vs. potential nutritional value when he remembers that yes, Ren is buying for them both.]

You're thinking of others as always... Very well, I don't mind supporting an emerging food artisan in their endeavour.