Game 021 [Action] - Happy Six-Month Anniversary. Sucker.

[neverplaysfair]

[ Joshua has been running a few errands today. Maybe you've seen him traversing the main area of the village. Now he's left the plaza and was about to reach the nothernmost bridge when he suddenly collapses.

He's awake when he hits the ground, and within moments, is doubled over, clutching his stomach. Within a minute, he's audibly suppressing gagging noises.

Good afternoon, Luceti. Josh is getting hit with Shibuya withdrawal. ]

Comments

[neverplaysfair]

Oh, don't mind me. [ It's a comfort, and he knows he shouldn't be doing it, but at the moment, he doesn't really care. Joshua listens, face buried in the crook of Neku's neck, to the faint strains of his city. For now, Neku is the only one he trusts enough to get this close to, to actually draw out his Music and, in a small sense, rely on it. ]

[soundfrequency]

[He wants to be aggravated, thinking Joshua is doing this to mess with him, but that tiredness is making him relax instead. This is also weirdly comforting after everything that happend today. So there's no further protest from Neku, he's just quietly leaning against Joshua like that. For now anyway.]

[neverplaysfair]

[ At this point, Josh isn't even sure which part is the reason and which part is the bonus. He knows he should stop this, it isn't good for Neku and it isn't good for him, but it's so painful to just have a whiff of Shibuya and lose her again so fast. Neku is a tiny piece of Shibuya, not particularly strong, just another voice in a huge chorus. But he knows the part, and even a single strain is better than nothing.

Joshua doesn't even realize his tears have started falling again. ]

[soundfrequency]

[Yeah, this probably isn't a good idea. Plus now that awkward feeling is setting in. Shiki has done a good job of breaking Neku out of his personal space issues, but that's with her and this is Joshua. He's trying to pull away now.]

Enough.

[neverplaysfair]

[ Joshua follows Neku unconsciously before he notices, then he suddenly pulls back with a giggle, trying to recover himself. ]

Fine, if you insist.

[soundfrequency]

You're such an asshole.

[Aaand putting a little space between them, definitely not looking at him right now.]

[neverplaysfair]

[ Good, because if he did he might notice the tear-streaks before Joshua notices them. Joshua giggles again, putting an arm on his legs and resting his head on one hand. ]

Oh, please, Neku. I simply like having fun.

[soundfrequency]

Yeah at my expen—

[NOW HE IS. Neku is about to shoot Joshua a glare but instead he pauses, his brow furrowing in surprise and confusion once he sees Joshua's face. And Joshua is acting like nothing is wrong, what the hell.]

[neverplaysfair]

Something wrong? [ Because he has no idea that he's been crying at all. ]

[soundfrequency]

...you're crying.

[neverplaysfair]

[ Joshua stares for a moment, then reaches up and wipes his cheek. When he pulls his hand away, he's almost surprised to see the wetness on his hand. ]

... Huh. Imagine that.

[soundfrequency]

So what's bothering you?

[neverplaysfair]

Nothing. [ He starts wiping the streaks away. ] Wonder why that happened.

[soundfrequency]

Nothing my ass. You just won't acknowledge it.

[neverplaysfair]

Oh, believe me, I'm just as curious as you are, Neku.

[soundfrequency]

[...sigh. Neku will believe him. Not like he expects Joshua to tell him anything anyway.]

Subconscious?

[neverplaysfair]

Certainly not conscious, that's for sure. [ He takes one last look at the wetness on his hands before wiping them on his jeans. Then he slowly pulls himself to his feet. ] Alright.

[soundfrequency]

[Neku watches Joshua warily as he stands, then quickly gets up as well.]

...can I ask you something?

[neverplaysfair]

You can ask whatever you'd like.

[soundfrequency]

Do you trust me?

[neverplaysfair]

[ There's a pause. That was a question Joshua had been hoping to not be asked. ]

Hmm, where did this come from?

[soundfrequency]

All of this today. I'm just curious.

[neverplaysfair]

[ He turns to stare at Neku for a moment, then chuckles. ]

I wonder.

[soundfrequency]

...

Never mind.

[Aaaand walking again.]

[neverplaysfair]

[ Yes, walking is good. Getting back home so he can collapse in the safety of his bed sounds very nice right about now.