Act I | Video

[onewhostays]

[When the video begins, Shion is peering straight into the camera, but he sounds distracted.]

I thought they were lying about this place to the people who have been brought here, but after looking around I'm starting to doubt that's the case.

Anyway, hi. I'm Shion. It's nice to meet you. [He smiles cheerfully. Nezumi said they should scope out the place, so that's what he's working on doing. Okay moving on.]

I'd like to ask a few questions to anyone who is willing to answer them. Since most of us are from different worlds, I'd be interested to hear how similar or dissimilar this world is from the ones we're from. If this has been going on for an undetermined amount of time, I'm sure there are already people looking into how this world works, but I'd be interested in doing the same and seeing what we've learned so far. It might be safer for some of you, depending on the state of your world, but there are probably others eager to go home. As safe as it may seem, we've still been brought here against our will.

I guess I should get a job at some point too, huh? I could do that separately from the other work...

Comments

[ action ]

[onewhostays]

But we've talked a lot.

[He nods and moves away from him, reluctant to do so.] Let's go.

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[donttouchme]

You can talk and have sex. [ HOW WOULD HE EVEN KNOW?? ]

[ he walks out, making sure that no one is really looking. except when they come out, everyone is looking at them because they were the only ones in the store. how long had they been in there? was it time for them to close? Nezumi just made his way to the exit, not paying attention to anyone. unfortunately, he forgot to steal the dress ]

Re: [ action ]

[onewhostays]

Oh, okay. Can we talk about ecology?

[And it's too late for him to say anything about it because there are people around... He feels kind of bad about distracting Nezumi, but at the same time not really. He'll just buy him the dress later.]

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[donttouchme]

Ecology? Is it like economy? [ they sound alike ]

[ he can't help but sigh when they leave the store. his wig looks like hell but he's giving a good show, pulling the dress to the side with one hand just to look a little more elegant ]

Thanks for coming by. You really didn't have to if you were busy.

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[onewhostays]

...It's an interdisciplinary science that studies biology and its impact on the environment and vice versa.

[he tries ruffling his own hair to match. but he probably just looks weird.]

I'm never too busy to go into a women's apparel store and hang out in the dressing room for thirty minutes. Never for you. You're welcome.

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[donttouchme]

That actually sounds interesting.

[ he chuckles, reaching over to move some of Shion's hair back and push it out of his eyes. that's sweet but if you can't see it's not worth it ]

Well, you make it seem like a chore. Was it honestly all that bad? You got to see me almost naked.

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[onewhostays]

It is to me. I want to continue it here because this place is different, something's off about the people who weren't brought here.

[Aww Nezumi. At least he can still see Nezumi's eyes. He seems to seriously think over his question.]

I enjoyed that. It wasn't bad. I just...don't know as much about fashion as you.

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[donttouchme]

Yeah, I haven't met a lot if them but... They're pretty weird.

Hopefully next time you won't have to stay as long or go out of your way.

[ action ]

[onewhostays]

It might not be possible, but I want to see if how they interact is greatly different from the way we do with the environment.

[He stares at him...and shoves him. Or tries to.]

I was being sarcastic, it's fine.

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[donttouchme]

Sounds like fun. We could probably find some real freaks that way. I wonder if there's a detective agency that you could join to do your research.

[ he starts to laugh when he's shoved ] Oh no, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you in any way.

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[onewhostays]

Maybe. I'll look into it and see. If not, maybe there are others who are also interested!

In that case... Can I practice surgery on you?

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[donttouchme]

You could be a private investigator and research on the side. Who knows, you might really catch some drama going on around here or find out the real cause as to why we're all here. You could be a hero, Shion.

...Not unless I'm mortally wounded.

[ action ]

[onewhostays]

[A hero? His eyes darken and he shakes his head, the look gone as fast as it appeared.] But you're the one better at gathering intel. Why don't you do it instead?

[He practically pouts.] Why not?

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[donttouchme]

[ he notices, frowning ever so lightly. he just... everything they had been through really messed him up. it was Nezumi's fault. he still had guilt over that. Shion wasn't the innocent little boy he used to be because of him ] Three jobs and you're still lazing around? Geez, what kind of guy -- girl.. [ oh right he's still in the dress shit. just be quiet now ]

Unless you're going to make me until an unstoppable android, then no.

[ action ]

[onewhostays]

[If he says that aloud, not only will Shion adamantly disagree, he might punch him for being stupid. He has a lot of mixed feelings which he'd rather just ignore if he can. Being around Nezumi makes that easier.] You're right. I'm sorry, it's not fair to you.

I can't do that. It would be much less appealing to cuddle with you.

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[donttouchme]

I'm just kidding, I'll think about it. I mean, what else do we have to do around here?

You wouldn't want to hug a cold lifeless robot? Even if it was me? I'm hurt!

[ action ]

[onewhostays]

There's lots to do around here.

It wouldn't be you if it was a robot, Nezumi. You're too full of life. But if you're that hurt by it, I could try dating a robot.

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[donttouchme]

Pfft, full of life? Who in the world are you kidding?

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[onewhostays]

But you're always fighting. If anything's robotic, it would be Number 6.

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[donttouchme]

That's...actually very true.

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[onewhostays]

I know it is. You've been fighting since the day I met you. It's actually beautiful.

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[donttouchme]

What happens when I can't fight anymore?

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[onewhostays]

Then I fight. [It's simple. There's no other answer. He doesn't try to dwell on the alternatives.]

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[donttouchme]

And what if you can't?

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[onewhostays]

We both know the answer to that. [Please don't make him say it.]