Take Initiative.

[trustharder]

It seems things have been resolved - peacefully, if more than a little awkwardly for most parties involved. However, there's still work to do here, isn't there? Ryuunosuke shrugs after a long moment; tips his head up a bit. "Hey, Glory? Let everyone up." And apparently that's all it takes, though what that actually does isn't something that happens all at once - rather, panels slide out from the wall, forming a staircase up to that balcony they've been standing on. Mettaton doesn't really wait for the others to join them; he just leaves back through that section of wall they entered from, calling something back over his shoulder. "We've got another room to work from back here, darlings, this shouldn't take too long to work out." >Follow?

Comments

[psychoh]

... You're not? [he asks, in a tone that implies that he never even considered that wouldn't be the case always.] Wh-What are you gonna do, then?

[bloodisthicker]

...well, admittedly, in a lot of cases the politicians do indeed deserve it.

[cherryblooded]

Is this the part where you tell me you're actually bidding for total world domination, because I have had enough revelations for a while and I'd appreciate it if you put it off until later.

[bloodisthicker]

...not really. People who are very spiritual can project their consciousnesses into the Spirit World, but that's... actually a real place.

[bloodisthicker]

[...the fact that Colress is cute as fuck is swaying things a bit tbh, but]

...I'm... not sure I'd say I'm in the same boat, but I'm definitely having difficulty with it. I really don't want to do something like telling you that I love you romantically today and then realize in a week or so that no, I need to tell you that I just consider you a very good friend and you're the first person I've trusted in ages so a few wires got crossed but I've sorted things out now.

[pokexplorer]

[...Arceus, he said the word.]

No, I believe that is a very reasonable line of thought. Now that this has been addressed, a time of observation for the both of us seems beneficial. There is nothing worse than an answer that isn't definite.

[Colress is surprised he managed to get a coherent response together, but he really does mean what he said. He needs to deeply consider the use of that word, himself. Even hearing it used feels completely overwhelming- while he seemed calm in his response, his expression is one of mixed emotion.]

Perhaps once everything is said and done, once we have been able to step away from this place, a definite answer will present itself. But...indeed, no matter what, our friendship will remain. That is just as important.

[devastation]

I think you're doing just fine, Norman-san.

[At least he's making an attempt at talking to people and not just... standing in the corner until they get the portal working again?]

[bloodisthicker]

Oh, no, it's nothing that extreme. I really just painted a much rosier picture of my political career than I really should have.

[cherryblooded]

Oh, is that all? Minor details. You can tell me all about it someday, if you feel like it, but I doubt my opinion of you will change all that much.

[bloodisthicker]

...right. Right, of course. I'm sure we'll just... need a few weeks to get everything sorted out and for things to get back to normal.

[...]

...as normal as they can, anyway. But... yes, definitely. Even if that's not precisely the way I care about you, you're definitely extremely important to me.

[goodforsomething]

[Stan, in turn, seems a little taken aback by the question. He meant to offer help, not abandonment in a slightly more appealing locale.]

...keep in touch? Drop by sometimes? I'm not checkin' myself in too if that's what you're askin'.

[bloodisthicker]

Oh.

...

You know, I figured that might be the case.

[cherryblooded]

I'm hardly the best person to judge, even if I wasn't 'way too nice', apparently.

[...someday he's going to have to talk about the mobster thing with the dead but this is probably not the time.]

[uro_cyon]

...I almost want to see your world, but I think I've had enough of fantasy for a while. [ Even if it wasn't really fantasy because it was real, but still.]

[pokexplorer]

[...How long is going to take for them to not fear Thursday nights, he wonders.

But back to the main point...]

Likewise, absolutely. And that is something I know will never change.

[He offers a slight smile as he straightens himself out a little bit.]

We can revisit this when the time is right. But for now...what do you say we visit with the others? We all have quite a bit of catching up to do, after all.

[bloodisthicker]

Oh, of course. Just because I wanted to see you most doesn't mean I don't want to see everyone else.

[pokexplorer]

Haha, well, I don't want to hog all the reunion time. We will have plenty of time to see each other afterword.

[He goes ahead and corrals his still-excited Pokemon back into their Pokeballs for the time being, then shoves his hands into his pockets.]

Shall we meet back up around here once things begin to wind down? We ought to discuss preparations then.

[bloodisthicker]

I couldn't exactly give you a tour of it, unfortunately, so perhaps that's for the best.

[bloodisthicker]

...no, I... wouldn't really expect you to.

[...even without the history LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AT ALL OF THIS.]

[cherryblooded]

Anyway, that might put a damper on the day. Now is a time for celebrating, dear friend.

[Tarrlok's definitely a friend, why the hell not.]

[bloodisthicker]

Oh, of course. Granted... it really doesn't seem that big in here, so I'm sure if we see each other wherever, we can meet up then.

[pokexplorer]

Whatever works, yes?

I suppose I'll see you in a bit, then! [...but before he goes,] I know we'll have more to say later, but...this was good. Thank you.

["Good". The ultimate understatement. But it is just so much to take in: all the revelations leading up to their escaping the simulation, the fact that everyone made it out alive, that they're heading to Unova after this, feelings... "Good" is simply the first thing that comes to mind, understatement aside.

Well, things will settle in good time. And they really do have plenty of it now.]

[amygdalae]

[A small laugh.]

There are worse things.

[As they both know, after everything.]

[bloodisthicker]

...yes, it was very good. Have a good time, alright?

[...but seriously, though. This is extremely good, everything's turning out well, he's not dead...

...

Does he deserve this...? Really? That's kind of a dark thought to leave off on, but it's a thought he can't help thinking.]

[bloodisthicker]

...you know, it's true. At least you are entirely assured of the company you're keeping.

[...because he's just classy enough not to shittalk Ryuunosuke and Mettaton right here.]