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

[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.

[soundfrequency]

[Neku is still hanging close to Joshua as they walk, just keeping an eye on him. Hopefully that break was enough to get them there, or at least closer.]

[neverplaysfair]

[ Lo and behold, is that a community house 5 we see? Indeed it is! ]

[soundfrequency]

[Huzzah! Neku is ready to get home and go to sleep too.]

[neverplaysfair]

[ And Joshua makes his way towards the front door. ]

Second floor.

[soundfrequency]

All right.

[Still right there with him. And once Joshua does get to the stairs Neku will automatically take his arm to give him support.]