compnetwork | Anonymous text after the Taurus event

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Anonymous text after the Taurus event

[No way is he showing his face to Hinoto-Ri: not now, not soon. Time heals all wounds, and time is exactly what he needs to work through the aftermath of the event.]

The government announcement and star sign "sickness" —

Will this happen to us a lot? Is this just how it works here? What can we do to... stop it?

...

I'm sorry.

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I don't know if this will continue to happen, but...

For now, I think we should focus on trying to prevent it if it's possible. That, and try to do what we can to repair the damage that was done.

[When the name "Aoi Misato" pops up as the sender, Otonashi hesitates. She's another Taurus event victim who must know exactly what this feels like. He switches the feed over to video after carefully ensuring that it will indeed be private.

He still looks rather nervous.]

... Misato. Are you... are you okay?

[Her eyes widen at first with surprise as she realizes who it is, but they soon become filled with concern.]

...Well, I've been better. [It's an attempt to lighten the mood slightly, and also make it clear he shouldn't worry about her. True to what she had said in her text, she would rather focus on trying to fix whatever could still be salvaged instead of remain bound by a past she had no control over.

It still hurts, but... She has to stay strong about this.]

What about you? Are you alright, Otonashi?

Ah... yeah. [It's a flat, short acknowledgement, but understanding nonetheless. In the interest of not sounding too dismissive, he sits upright. Based on the background of the video, he appears to be in an unlit room.]

I'll be fine. I want to keep busy... I want to see if there's something I can do about this. If this is something I... can't change, I... should at least be informed.

[She worries about that unlit room. Sitting in the dark isn't good for your eyes, is it?]

...I think that's a good idea.

But, you're sure you're doing okay? It looks a little dark over there...

[Unsaid for the moment, but the concern behind her words is clear: are you taking care of yourself?]

It's fine, Misato, I— [He pauses, seeming to pick up on her worry. He would feel the same way if their positions were switched, wouldn't he?]

I left my apartment. Even if I'm not a danger right now, I feel like I can't stay there. I'll... find a direction, I'm sure. I just need time. [This all feels agonizingly familiar to him, but that's all the more reason for him to pursue it. There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel: it's only a matter of finding it.]

You left your apartment?

[Worry is now skyrocketing!]

Where are you planning to stay? The streets are too dangerous, especially when it gets late.

I'll stay around town. There are inns and student housing... and buildings that have space.

[He tries to sound so sure of himself.]

Even if I get caught in the thirteenth hour, I can handle it. But... thank you. [You know, for the concern at all.]

But... That could still be dangerous. The demons aren't the only thing you have to worry about, you know.

[As much faith as she has in humanity, even she realizes there are some bad eggs out there.]

It costs money too, doesn't it? Are you sure you can afford that?

I'll be careful. I don't think this is a permanent relocation, but I need to be somewhere that's not... there for a while.

[Right now, staying right next to the first person he tried to kill makes him feel nothing short of sick. Would the SSS approve of one their members working on an intel project they weren't a part of?]

I have some money saved for now. I'll do whatever I have to.

[Her expression becomes tight. It's clear she doesn't approve of this plan in the slightest.

But... At the same time, she can sympathize, in a way. That event had taken its toll on the both of them, and while they could not ultimately be held responsible for the actions they had taken at the time, the fact remains that they still tried to hurt innocent people. And when she remembers how she felt the last time she was even indirectly responsible for the deaths and injuries of so many...

Ah, even then she had been trying to be alone, wasn't she?

But at the same time, it doesn't sit well with her to leave Otonashi by himself. After a moment of contemplation, she makes an offer, hoping that perhaps she can stop him from trying to go it completely alone.]

Then... what about a free place, away from the apartments?

Is that an option? [To say he looked excited would be an exaggeration, but there is a moment of hope, a fleeting brightness on his face. It's as if things might fall into place and maybe—maybe—moving forward isn't a pipe dream.]

Where...?

My home should fit the requirements just fine, right?

But that's—that's your home, I can't invade on your... [He wants to say privacy, but he's seen the size of that house. Shortage of space isn't an issue.]

W-well what would I have to do? I can't just take it for nothing..!

[At least he doesn't seem to be actively opposed to the idea.]

You said you could help with the cleaning sometimes. If you did that, it should be enough compensation.

Ah. I can do that. [And he doesn't have to say it at all, but there's an almost audible "but" hanging at the end of that.]

What else would you need done?

As long as you clean up after yourself and try not to take too much food without restocking, that would be fine.

[She's not trying to be a landlord, here, and she knows that Otonashi will be a respectful roommate.]

N-no! I couldn't take your food...

[He'll have to find time to go get a stock of inexpensive food. And it goes without saying that cleaning up after himself is mostly a non-issue.]

Well, space in the refrigerator is limited... If there are doubles of certain items, it will only take up more space, so it can't always be helped.

I don't want to be intrusive... [He pauses, hesitant to press the issue, but just on the cusp of doing so.]

I know I've lived with less, so I shouldn't need any more resources than you're already offering me.

You're not being intrusive at all. I'm inviting you here - as a friend.

Please, let me help you however I can.

Ahh... um. [A not-so-eloquent way of saying "okay, you've got me there."]

I guess I shouldn't sound like I'm rejecting the offer. I... Thank you, Misato.

It's no problem at all. Really.

When should I expect to see you?

You're in Libra, aren't you?

I can probably be back there in an hour. I don't have much to clean up or bring with me.

Yes, that's right. I'll leave the gate open, but if you still have trouble getting in just give me a call and I'll open it for you.

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trainwrecking - 2013-05-18 02:15 (UTC) - Expand

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eyewillprotect - 2013-05-18 09:01 (UTC) - Expand

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Anonymous text after the Taurus event

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