[backdated: july 3rd] video —> text responses; un: otoproxy

[ends]

[ although the thought of reaching out via text had crossed his mind (exhausted as it is) more than once, Otonashi ultimately settles on video for the sake of consideration. if anyone had seen Ruca’s earlier message and still had lingering concern, seeing him functional and able to speak for himself should alleviate it.

he’s not quite fine given the tells of poor sleep etched into his face, but he’s not torn to pieces or missing, either. ]

Hey... I just thought showing my face would be the right thing to do after I wasn’t able to for... uh, however long. [ a pause before he continues: ] 3, 4 days? I’m... not your go-go person if you need someone keeping track of time.

[ death will do that to a person. what do days matter when they blur together in endless time? ]

With that great character flaw covered and out of the way... I’m Otonashi. Anyway, I wanted to pitch an idea to everyone for—something like a club? A support group? I haven’t been here very long, but I’m, ah, noticing a trend... [ of people with poor socialization, or who have issues making friends, or trusting people, or... hm. his point. ] ... and I think there’s a lot of strength in organized numbers. I know there are groups designed to protect, clinics, recreation, but I was thinking something a little more informal?

[ he has to workshop it a bit more, but the world certainly has enough space to accommodate wishes such as this. surely it’s feasible, and if it already exists? all the better. strength in numbers. ]

I’m going to leave this here... My roommate insisted I sleep with him, and he was pretty adamant on not taking ‘no’ for an ans— [ almost as if on cue, the sleepy, comfortable voice of Ruca cuts in for those who may be familiar, slurring Otonashi’s name. Otonashi, in turn, takes the opportunity to turn aside to yawn a little. ] —answer... Right, so, let me know what you think..? See you later, switching to text.

( so Otonashi is running on empty, getting back from a series of unfortunate events, and letting everyone know he’s fine following some choice, sleepy wording. chaos may ensue. responses may come from Otonashi or Ruca (demonicbookworm), probably text but may swap depending! disclaimer: they are not, in fact, about to go to town on each other. )

Comments

[triggerhappytraitor]

I've gotten close more than once.

[[When sinking into the ocean, the fading light was the last thing he remembered. It had been a lot more peaceful of a slip into oblivion than the previous time.

Less of a rude awakening afterwards, however. But the less time spent thinking about that the better.]]

[ends]

is that so...

[ a simple acknowledgement alone is woefully underwhelming, and Otonashi can recognize as much. taking a moment to absorb the information, the same way he’d done with his friends from home. ]

hey, I never asked... what’s your name?

would you try coming to a meeting? just to see? you don’t have to or anything, but maybe...

[triggerhappytraitor]

Tachibana.

[[Any curiosity about his undername now instantly cleared up. similarly, any illusions about his creativity naming, as if that hadn't already been dispelled]]

I might.

Let me know when you have something worked out. Or if you need help getting things set up.

[ends]

... wow, deja vu.

I’ve had this exact conversation before.

[ asking a name isn’t exactly a strange, unique thing on its own, but it’s the backdrop—the invitation, talk of life and death, and recognizing the familiar beats of ache and appreciating an anchor, as Tachibana had called it. ]

I know it’s not an uncommon name or anything, it’s just kinda ... funny how these things work, I guess.

anyway
I’d love help workshopping it, if you’re up for it later. so, sure. you got it.

Not sure how I typed "username" as "undername" but that was sure a thing that happened..

[triggerhappytraitor]

Common enough that everyone knows one, but not common enough that we need to switch to first names often.

Unless you already have a friend here by that name?

[[If it were a friend back home... that also might be awkward. But not something he wanted to pry about. Not when Otonashi was likely still abit tired from whatever ordeal he had returned from.]]

all good! typos happen, maybe it’s a sign that he needs an undercover username

[ends]

oh, I knew someone back home... the conversation just went a lot like this too.

I don’t know anyone here, but...
maybe I just made a new friend with that name?

He's got one of those~ :D

[triggerhappytraitor]

[[There is a slight pause as Tachibana just. Has a moment, reflecting on Lyall's gentle chiding, and Hajime's aggravated yelling, both pointing out that yes, they were his friends. Something he still... didn't have a very good handle on. After being alone for so many years...]]

Yeah.