( for most people, it's probably something easy to ignore—the way soft sobs and hiccups spill out from the sewing room after hours, like a ghost haunting the halls. ignoring it is easy, but this isn't the ignoring it prompt. if one enters the room, they'll find a girl with syrup hair and blue eyes crying to herself to the side of the room. the rest of the room is... well, it's in a little bit of a state, but surely the girl is more important, right? and at the sound of someone entering, she'll look right up at them with those big blue eyes of hers, tears gathering in the corners. )
...
( what would you like to do? )
Wildcard
Anywhere, any time | Open
( the above is the obligatory mood swing prompt because i think it's funny, but feel free to hit me with anything, or reach me at kagehira for something else. )
[ Nanami's been bustling around putting up flyers - there's still quite a few in her hands - when she hears the sobbing coming from down the hall. She creeps into the room to try to see what's going on.
You'd think, after Bonnie, that maybe she'd learned her lesson about barging in on people's business - but she can't help but worry anyway. ]
Excuse me... ah, is there anything I can help with? [ "Are you okay" seems like a moot question. ]
[Well, this is an awkward sight to be walking in on.
And as someone who actually frequents the sewing room because she's actively learning how to sew better herself, she can't help but stare in return, curious for a moment but not without worry in her eyes.]
Did something happen...? Would you like for me to leave?
[ It would be possible for her to simply ignore the sound of someone in a state of such distress, especially upon noticing that it's someone she knows. While they might not know each other well, Maple is a kind girl whom Nanami is quite fond of. ]
Maple-san?
[ Nanami will approach, the concern written on her face. The state of the room is noted, but she pays no mind to it because the girl in front of her is far more important. ]
[ Part of her had actually expected to spot a ghost in the sewing room, as if it were one of the legends of the school that had taken up residency around the club. Instead, it looks like there's just a new person that she hadn't seen before! How curious, that this late in the year there's still someone she doesn't know.
The girl seems sad, and so without thinking too much about it, she happily steps in and closes the door behind herself. ]
Hello! Hello?
[ Not really waiting for a response, she's surprised (?) when the girl turns back to her, still in tears. ]
Oh! Am I interrupting something? You didn't prick your finger, did you?
wildcard! if only alice didn't know the mood swing mechanics
[ As time passes, it's becoming increasingly plain that vending machine fare shouldn't be one's main source of sustenance. Alice has learned to check every purchase thoroughly for any beetle traces, but one hundred rock gacha pulls have left a sizable dent in his merit point balance, and no one wants to worry about rationing points and avoiding beetles at the same time! Though he's fortunate that others have generously shared their cooked meals with him — Helena Adams, in particular, for a while — it isn't fair to rely on that without anything to offer in return.
The kitchen's secrets are for anyone to discover, and he intends to do just that! Enough observation is sure to lead him to the answers he seeks. After all, the refrigerator doesn't magically fill itself with ingredients, does it? All items are clearly placed inside by their owners, so they must come from elsewhere!
Hovering in the common room just outside the dormitory kitchen, he won't get underfoot, and from a spot by the wall there, he watches anyone passing through, as casually as possible. The resulting scene may be less casual than Alice envisions — it's closer to someone up to something waiting to intercept his target. He's hardly camouflaged, either, and holding one hand against his head to cover up his hair's roots beginning to grow in on the shorter side ruins any hope of fading into the background with peak stealth, too. ]
( simple though they may be, bonnie's words seem to help—the continued stream of tears appears to slow as maple pauses, though a closer look might show that there's no red in her eyes despite the fact that she's been crying. either way, there's some apprehension apparent in her expression, as if she isn't entirely sure what to make of bonnie. it takes her a moment to properly shake her head no. )
Thank you... I didn't hurt myself.
( though saying that she's alright might be a bit of a stretch. for now?
( for all of that worry in her eyes, it doesn't seem to do much good. maple's lip begins to wibble, holding back a sob as she rubs at her eyes with her hands to try and wipe away the tears. she shakes her head because, well, no, it isn't what she wants. what ends up coming out of her mouth is more along the lines of: )
You don't want to be here because of me... You hate me...
( it's enough to give her pause, at least, hesitating as if it's a possibility she hadn't considered up until this point. she looks up to meet the other girl's eyes, pushing the tears away from a cheek with the heel of her palm, and even though she's a bit sniffly, it doesn't seem as though she's taking the offer poorly. )
( maple lifting round, glassy eyes to meet chiaki's, but for some reason, she seems to pause... a moment passes as she seems to decide what to say, and when those big eyes of hers blink, they open up to show that they're now the warm, golden colour of honey. give her a moment, and a smile spreads across her face to match. )
Ehehe... Ahaha...
( > Maple started laughing. )
You came to check on me, Chiaki? Heehee, I'm so glad...
[Yet, she doesn't add. Rika smiles a little awkwardly, not sure of what to do in this situation.]
I just thought it would be rude of me to bother a girl when she's crying alone. But--
[She takes a few steps closer before she's at arms length.]
If you don't mind me staying, I can stay. [To which she brings her hand towards Maple's head, to pat it.] Pat, pat. Don't cry, don't cry. Do you want to talk about it?
fortunately she's one of two sdr2 characters that understands how empathy and friendship work
[ Nanami does wonder about the change in eye color, as she's certain that Maple's eyes should be green, but she thinks better of questioning it at the present time when so much of her demeanor seems decidedly off. Even without knowing her well, Nanami can understand her to be a kind and mild-mannered person who cares for others. ]
Mm. I heard you crying, so I was worried... Are you alright now?
if only... but it's okay i'm sure his time will come
( it's not as if maple calls him out the very first time she sees him. it's a little strange, maybe? but it isn't as if he's intruding on anything. she spares a glance and continues on her way to prepare some water for tea, leaves the room with faint smile to alice, and that's that. it's more... that he's still there when she comes back. that part is a little bit strange. she spares him another peek on her way back into the kitchen and pauses this time, big green eyes looking up at his face for a long moment.
[ She takes another step into the room, carefully stuffing her flyers back into her bag. ] Mmm... maybe... lots of people here go through strange things, and I don't always know how to understand them...
[ A hesitant smile. ] But... if you want to tell me... I'd like to try, miss.
[ The words are simple enough, with the reaction making Bonnie think the same of Maple. Sometimes a little kindness goes a long way with someone who just needs to hear a platitude or two. It's noted that she hasn't really been crying, but is certainly feeling down.
So, she skips right over, smile plastered on her face. ]
I'm glad to hear that! Oh, but if you're still not feeling your best, I'd love to help you. I'm a very good listener!
[ Maple appears to be in a good mood, perfectly content as she goes about her business, in and out of the kitchen, but catching sight of her puts Alice on edge. It isn't Maple herself — rather, he expects Midori to pop up somewhere without warning, and he readies himself to remain alert. Maple seems fine, at any rate, and much calmer than he remembers her prior to the aftermath of her rampage. Functioning normally, day after day, she must be fully charged at all times...
Lost in thought, Alice jumps upon being addressed, free hand darting up to land pressed against his chest. For any onlooker, it might be strange to see a man of his stature and build look so startled by a girl considerably smaller than him, especially when she hasn't done anything besides smiling at him and asking him a polite question. He stares at Maple, meeting her eyes. They aren't changing color, at least. ]
Ah... Maple...
[ He can't help but wonder what Midori did to her, back then in that operating room. Did he repair her, truly? ]
That is, no, I'm not waiting for anyone. I'm simply...
[ There's no harm in the truth. Maple probably thinks that he's on the lookout for Midori, which is also true, but he can't do that every second of every day without drawing attention to himself. Alice lowers his other hand from his head, waving it in the direction of the kitchen. ]
I'm undertaking an investigation. The refrigerator's contents can't have been purchased from the vending machines, you see... [ He pauses, a second's hesitation. ] What of you? You came back...
( her eyes slowly return to the kitchen behind her, lingering for a moment as she processes the words into understanding, and her gaze returns to alice once she reaches her apparent conclusion. )
You want to know where the food comes from?
( it seems reasonable; if it doesn't come from the vending machine, then where? or so she supposes he might be thinking. still, it's not something she feels she can be particularly helpful with. shaking her head with a frown, her brows push together in unspoken apology as she explains. )
I only tend to make tea in the kitchen here. If it's snacks, I usually prepare them in the school so that I can share them with the clubs who are meeting that day, so I don't know who looks after the food. Would you like me to keep an eye on it?
[ He can't conceal his astonishment, hearing her offer. It is an offer, right? She isn't testing him, and if he gives her the wrong answer, she'll begin to cry or grow angry?
Just as astonishing is the realization that since preparing tea and snacks involves using ingredients that have to be procured from somewhere, too, Maple knows how to access such items freely, which is close enough to solving the refrigerator mystery and securing the same permission! ]
Well, I won't ask you to go to that much trouble, but if you happen to observe something useful, I wouldn't turn down your findings. So you make use of any tea available in the kitchen? And there are even supplies at everyone's disposal in the school?
[ Come to think of it, another astonishing thing is the fact that Maple's usual state seems to be this, as if she wasn't built for a different purpose... Is she having fun here? ]
( what a strange reaction to an offer, to look so shocked. as if maple is as cruel as the majority game's participants. she loses nothing from keeping an eye out though, and simply watches him with her big green eyes as she tries to solve the puzzle of why he... seems so puzzled by this concept. )
Of course. If we can't leave the school, then what else are we to do?
( is she just supposed to not make tea? no, of course not. hiyori had said that she should feel perfectly safe in taking from the shared kitchens, and so that's how she has carried on. )
I also use the fabrics in the sewing room, and the stationary in the art room. They're there for students, after all.
[ Has he been a fool...? Are all of those things really available to just anyone, with no expectation that they need to provide something in exchange for everything they use? Merit points are depleted too easily, and no one has a bank account here. Yet Maple is undeniable proof that all the supplies are unclaimed, their use free of charge! Moreover, they seem to be safe for humans. ]
You're right... They're there for students, and we have become students in this place.
[ Alice nods firmly. He'll try it — there's no reason to hold back now! The library must have a section that contains recipe books. The sewing room could be useful as well, albeit only for people who have the skill to sew or knit — by the sound of it, Maple is a multi-talented Obstructor indeed. ]
( maple returns his nod with one of her own, and pressing the tips of her fingers together, offers a smile. )
Oh, yes. It's smaller than before, but there are so many people.
( people—the one thing that had made the facility, so vast, feel so small and confined. of course there was plenty of room to wander, but don't forget: maple is a lonely girl, after all. the opportunity to meet so many different people, to hear so many new perspectives and make so many friends, there's simply no way that she wouldn't enjoy the experience.
though, it would be rude for her to talk only about herself, wouldn't it? lacing her fingers together to clasp her hands tightly, she's expectant now: )
What about you, Alice? Are you enjoying your time here?
[ People? That's what makes Maple happy, meeting others? She did mention taking care of snacks for the school clubs, Alice supposes — it sounds like she really was lonely before, in that room of hers. His heart aches to hear it, somehow, even knowing that Maple is technically a machine, and a weapon. Conversing with her like this, without her cycling through emotions, it could be easy to forget that she isn't an ordinary girl who just likes to wear somewhat unusual hair accessories.
It's certainly less stressful than scrambling to soothe her while some people insist on clumsy methods... ]
It's... not a bad place.
[ It really isn't; enjoyable moments aren't that rare, despite the situation, and various incidents. The positive aspects should be acknowledged, and Alice decides that he'd rather focus on that for Maple's ears than on anything unwelcome. He smiles at her in turn. ]
I'm truly glad that you like it, Maple. All your new friends must keep you quite busy... No doubt the tea and snacks are popular!
( maple nods along, happy to agree with alice's observations. it's a lovely place, she thinks; certainly, it's no worse than ASUNARO had been. she has hiyori, she has an environment to explore, and most importantly, she has friends with whom she can spend her days. death continues, but as sad as it maybe, it's a constant, is it not? humans live, and humans die. her only regret is that among the recent victims, one of them seems to have been someone ranger had held dear.
but all of that is so heavy. alice is being kind, complimenting her as he is, and so it's natural for her to continue smiling. )
Oh, yes! Just the other day, Hiyori and I were sharing tea with Add.
( she claps her hands together, tilting them to the side just so to show that she's delighted by this news. that's not even the best of it; tea and a conversation, that's enough to bring a smile to her face in its own right, but during this particular conversation she had the opportunity to learn something special. )
Heehee, did you know? He has quite the sweet tooth, just like Hiyori does.
[ That is surprising news! It's troubling to hear that Midori was present, particularly after the recent disastrous meeting led to a falling out between Komaeda and Add (would Midori approach anyone without scheming something?), but Add seems standoffish and guarded enough that he probably wouldn't agree to tea with most people, sweet tooth or no. If Maple is speaking of it so happily, they must get along amazingly well.
Loath to spoil her good cheer with any misstep, Alice tries to keep his own smile from faltering. If nothing else, Midori hasn't actually done anything suspicious, merely sitting around with his bottomless teacup, and Maple isn't suffering here. That peace is worth preserving. ]
I've been one of his roommates for a while now, but I didn't know that at all...
[ And Add hasn't returned to Star 4 lately, so it seems that the perfect room, as Komaeda described it, is well and truly no more. ]
It sounds like he already appreciates your company, even showing you an unexpected side of his personality!
So you think so too? Ehehe, I'd like to become good friends with Add, he's so kind.
( perhaps it's true that he'd like to come off as a no-nonsense type, or so it would seem, but actions speak louder than words; from the very beginning, add has shown nothing but concern for ranger, and generosity towards maple. he and hiyori had so much in common as well, that it's difficult for maple not to have a high opinion of him. already, she thinks she'd like to become closer, but perhaps there's a way for alice to help her with that. her smile is bright, green eyes sparkling as she looks up at him. )
But I'm sure as his roommate, there must be things you've learned about him too, isn't that right? Maybe we can share stories.
[ The more they chat, the easier it is to relax, and to keep up the conversation. It helps that Maple doesn't view him as a murderer, as far as he knows, nor anything else unflattering, and her innocent excitement is genuinely endearing. He's having fun himself, he finds.
But how to share something that matches what Maple has discovered on her own? It needs to evoke the same delight! One hand's fingers curled against his chin, Alice gives it a few taps, thoughtful.
It wouldn't be a good idea to bring up the anatomical model, he imagines — unless it's evidence that Add yearns for companionship? As for Add's other belongings, and Massacre, presumably Maple knows of his affinity for robots and the like, so that isn't news. His abilities are complicated, as well as associated with rather off-putting memories now, what with that unfortunate detour during the school trip...
Hmm! ]
Indeed... Now that you mention it, Maple, I have learned valuable information about Addward of Star 4!
[ Since Add doesn't hide this particular piece of information from his roommates, and Maple thinks so highly of him, discussing it openly shouldn't be a problem! ]
For example... he owns a plushie that faithfully sits beside his pillow, so it's undoubtedly a treasured possession!
A plushie... He is rather young, isn't he? Even if he's mature for his age, I'm sure you're right — it must be important.
( the definition of the word mature is used a little flexibly here, but he's remarkably intelligent for such a small little guy, and maple has to pay her respects to that somehow after the conversation between him and hiyori. it's a good topic choice though, and it's easy to tell that she's interest in it from the way she nods along, humming thoughtfully before she follows up with another question. )
What kind of plushie is it?
( if it's a rabbit, or a bear... maybe she can keep that in mind for him. she's certain that if she sets her mind to it, she can find some way to incorporate it into things... already, she's flipping through the different types of things she could prepare, depending on what type of plushie it is. actually...
[ Maple's reaction confirms that the plushie was quite possibly the most valuable piece of Star 4 information to divulge. She really seems charmed by the notion that Add owns a cherished squishy companion that he might cuddle reverently from time to time when there's no one around to witness it... Pleased, Alice brightens in kind, if not with Maple's sweet sparkling.
Now to answer her questions—
What kind of plushie is it? It resembles a cow, perhaps...? ]
Of course! A mere verbal description isn't sufficient. Nevertheless, it's black in color, and it has two large horns, two rounded ears, and a snout...
[ Extending his right arm, as if to escort Maple from the common room to Star 4, Alice motions for her to follow him. ]
This way — soon you shall see it with your own eyes...
[ In fact, once they reach the room, and Alice holds the door open for Maple, standing out of the way to let her enter, she'll have a good view of Star 4 in its entirety, from the odd plant to the beds. Perched on one of the single beds, watching over the pillow, there it is: Add's plushie, long horns framing a stitched pentagram on its forehead. ]
( a dragon? is it a dragon? its description sounds like it might be one — oh, it's kind of like a game, isn't it? she runs the possibilities through her mind as they make their way to the room, an absent finger tapping against her lips as she thinks them through, though she switches to clasping her hands in front of her as she's led to the bedroom they share. at first, she peers in through the doorway, as if to look for it from there — but at alice's gentlemanly door-holding, she offers a smile and steps inside. )
Oh, it's so cute!
( closing the distance between herself and the bed, maple crouches down and holds her knees to keep herself steady as she gets a closer look at the plushie. in fact, she even reaches out to gently pet its head, as if it were a rabbit or some other type of small creature. they have to be gentle with add's friend, after all. )
Heehee, do you suppose it's keeping guard?
( the little guy looks so tough after all, with the horns and the pentagram. surely they're there to defend add's precious things while he's away. )
[ This secret first meeting between Maple and the dutiful plushie is truly cute to behold. She greets the pillow guardian with both polite respect and friendly warmth, touching the toy so carefully... If it could respond, Alice doesn't doubt that it would appreciate receiving due recognition.
Crossing the room, he joins Maple beside Add's bed for a closer look of his own — he's never done so before, and her questions have piqued his curiosity. To describe the plushie as fully cow-shaped is inaccurate... ]
Add is quite a mysterious fellow, so it wouldn't surprise me if his plushie is supposed to deter any intruders from coming too close. It never leaves its post...
[ Alice bends his knees to peer at the pentagram. Isn't that an occult symbol? The plushie could have some kind of ward woven into it! ]
Since we're allowed to enter the room and approach, it seems we have its approval, and therefore Add's! However, I don't recognize this animal...
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no subject
3/13
You'd think, after Bonnie, that maybe she'd learned her lesson about barging in on people's business - but she can't help but worry anyway. ]
Excuse me... ah, is there anything I can help with? [ "Are you okay" seems like a moot question. ]
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And as someone who actually frequents the sewing room because she's actively learning how to sew better herself, she can't help but stare in return, curious for a moment but not without worry in her eyes.]
Did something happen...? Would you like for me to leave?
not her minigame mode
Maple-san?
[ Nanami will approach, the concern written on her face. The state of the room is noted, but she pays no mind to it because the girl in front of her is far more important. ]
What happened...?
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The girl seems sad, and so without thinking too much about it, she happily steps in and closes the door behind herself. ]
Hello! Hello?
[ Not really waiting for a response, she's surprised (?) when the girl turns back to her, still in tears. ]
Oh! Am I interrupting something? You didn't prick your finger, did you?
wildcard! if only alice didn't know the mood swing mechanics
The kitchen's secrets are for anyone to discover, and he intends to do just that! Enough observation is sure to lead him to the answers he seeks. After all, the refrigerator doesn't magically fill itself with ingredients, does it? All items are clearly placed inside by their owners, so they must come from elsewhere!
Hovering in the common room just outside the dormitory kitchen, he won't get underfoot, and from a spot by the wall there, he watches anyone passing through, as casually as possible. The resulting scene may be less casual than Alice envisions — it's closer to someone up to something waiting to intercept his target. He's hardly camouflaged, either, and holding one hand against his head to cover up his hair's roots beginning to grow in on the shorter side ruins any hope of fading into the background with peak stealth, too. ]
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( simple though they may be, bonnie's words seem to help—the continued stream of tears appears to slow as maple pauses, though a closer look might show that there's no red in her eyes despite the fact that she's been crying. either way, there's some apprehension apparent in her expression, as if she isn't entirely sure what to make of bonnie. it takes her a moment to properly shake her head no. )
Thank you... I didn't hurt myself.
( though saying that she's alright might be a bit of a stretch. for now?
> Maple's sadness lessened. )
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( for all of that worry in her eyes, it doesn't seem to do much good. maple's lip begins to wibble, holding back a sob as she rubs at her eyes with her hands to try and wipe away the tears. she shakes her head because, well, no, it isn't what she wants. what ends up coming out of her mouth is more along the lines of: )
You don't want to be here because of me... You hate me...
( > Maple's sadness increased. )
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( it's enough to give her pause, at least, hesitating as if it's a possibility she hadn't considered up until this point. she looks up to meet the other girl's eyes, pushing the tears away from a cheek with the heel of her palm, and even though she's a bit sniffly, it doesn't seem as though she's taking the offer poorly. )
No one would understand... It's lonely...
her time is now...
Ehehe... Ahaha...
( > Maple started laughing. )
You came to check on me, Chiaki? Heehee, I'm so glad...
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[Yet, she doesn't add. Rika smiles a little awkwardly, not sure of what to do in this situation.]
I just thought it would be rude of me to bother a girl when she's crying alone. But--
[She takes a few steps closer before she's at arms length.]
If you don't mind me staying, I can stay. [To which she brings her hand towards Maple's head, to pat it.] Pat, pat. Don't cry, don't cry. Do you want to talk about it?
fortunately she's one of two sdr2 characters that understands how empathy and friendship work
Mm. I heard you crying, so I was worried... Are you alright now?
if only... but it's okay i'm sure his time will come
...
...
... )
Are you waiting for someone, Alice?
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[ A hesitant smile. ] But... if you want to tell me... I'd like to try, miss.
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So, she skips right over, smile plastered on her face. ]
I'm glad to hear that! Oh, but if you're still not feeling your best, I'd love to help you. I'm a very good listener!
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Lost in thought, Alice jumps upon being addressed, free hand darting up to land pressed against his chest. For any onlooker, it might be strange to see a man of his stature and build look so startled by a girl considerably smaller than him, especially when she hasn't done anything besides smiling at him and asking him a polite question. He stares at Maple, meeting her eyes. They aren't changing color, at least. ]
Ah... Maple...
[ He can't help but wonder what Midori did to her, back then in that operating room. Did he repair her, truly? ]
That is, no, I'm not waiting for anyone. I'm simply...
[ There's no harm in the truth. Maple probably thinks that he's on the lookout for Midori, which is also true, but he can't do that every second of every day without drawing attention to himself. Alice lowers his other hand from his head, waving it in the direction of the kitchen. ]
I'm undertaking an investigation. The refrigerator's contents can't have been purchased from the vending machines, you see... [ He pauses, a second's hesitation. ] What of you? You came back...
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You want to know where the food comes from?
( it seems reasonable; if it doesn't come from the vending machine, then where? or so she supposes he might be thinking. still, it's not something she feels she can be particularly helpful with. shaking her head with a frown, her brows push together in unspoken apology as she explains. )
I only tend to make tea in the kitchen here. If it's snacks, I usually prepare them in the school so that I can share them with the clubs who are meeting that day, so I don't know who looks after the food. Would you like me to keep an eye on it?
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[ He can't conceal his astonishment, hearing her offer. It is an offer, right? She isn't testing him, and if he gives her the wrong answer, she'll begin to cry or grow angry?
Just as astonishing is the realization that since preparing tea and snacks involves using ingredients that have to be procured from somewhere, too, Maple knows how to access such items freely, which is close enough to solving the refrigerator mystery and securing the same permission! ]
Well, I won't ask you to go to that much trouble, but if you happen to observe something useful, I wouldn't turn down your findings. So you make use of any tea available in the kitchen? And there are even supplies at everyone's disposal in the school?
[ Come to think of it, another astonishing thing is the fact that Maple's usual state seems to be this, as if she wasn't built for a different purpose... Is she having fun here? ]
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Of course. If we can't leave the school, then what else are we to do?
( is she just supposed to not make tea? no, of course not. hiyori had said that she should feel perfectly safe in taking from the shared kitchens, and so that's how she has carried on. )
I also use the fabrics in the sewing room, and the stationary in the art room. They're there for students, after all.
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You're right... They're there for students, and we have become students in this place.
[ Alice nods firmly. He'll try it — there's no reason to hold back now! The library must have a section that contains recipe books. The sewing room could be useful as well, albeit only for people who have the skill to sew or knit — by the sound of it, Maple is a multi-talented Obstructor indeed. ]
Then... you're enjoying yourself here, I take it?
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Oh, yes. It's smaller than before, but there are so many people.
( people—the one thing that had made the facility, so vast, feel so small and confined. of course there was plenty of room to wander, but don't forget: maple is a lonely girl, after all. the opportunity to meet so many different people, to hear so many new perspectives and make so many friends, there's simply no way that she wouldn't enjoy the experience.
though, it would be rude for her to talk only about herself, wouldn't it? lacing her fingers together to clasp her hands tightly, she's expectant now: )
What about you, Alice? Are you enjoying your time here?
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It's certainly less stressful than scrambling to soothe her while some people insist on clumsy methods... ]
It's... not a bad place.
[ It really isn't; enjoyable moments aren't that rare, despite the situation, and various incidents. The positive aspects should be acknowledged, and Alice decides that he'd rather focus on that for Maple's ears than on anything unwelcome. He smiles at her in turn. ]
I'm truly glad that you like it, Maple. All your new friends must keep you quite busy... No doubt the tea and snacks are popular!
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but all of that is so heavy. alice is being kind, complimenting her as he is, and so it's natural for her to continue smiling. )
Oh, yes! Just the other day, Hiyori and I were sharing tea with Add.
( she claps her hands together, tilting them to the side just so to show that she's delighted by this news. that's not even the best of it; tea and a conversation, that's enough to bring a smile to her face in its own right, but during this particular conversation she had the opportunity to learn something special. )
Heehee, did you know? He has quite the sweet tooth, just like Hiyori does.
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Loath to spoil her good cheer with any misstep, Alice tries to keep his own smile from faltering. If nothing else, Midori hasn't actually done anything suspicious, merely sitting around with his bottomless teacup, and Maple isn't suffering here. That peace is worth preserving. ]
I've been one of his roommates for a while now, but I didn't know that at all...
[ And Add hasn't returned to Star 4 lately, so it seems that the perfect room, as Komaeda described it, is well and truly no more. ]
It sounds like he already appreciates your company, even showing you an unexpected side of his personality!
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( perhaps it's true that he'd like to come off as a no-nonsense type, or so it would seem, but actions speak louder than words; from the very beginning, add has shown nothing but concern for ranger, and generosity towards maple. he and hiyori had so much in common as well, that it's difficult for maple not to have a high opinion of him. already, she thinks she'd like to become closer, but perhaps there's a way for alice to help her with that. her smile is bright, green eyes sparkling as she looks up at him. )
But I'm sure as his roommate, there must be things you've learned about him too, isn't that right? Maybe we can share stories.
( gossip with her, alice!! )
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But how to share something that matches what Maple has discovered on her own? It needs to evoke the same delight! One hand's fingers curled against his chin, Alice gives it a few taps, thoughtful.
It wouldn't be a good idea to bring up the anatomical model, he imagines — unless it's evidence that Add yearns for companionship? As for Add's other belongings, and Massacre, presumably Maple knows of his affinity for robots and the like, so that isn't news. His abilities are complicated, as well as associated with rather off-putting memories now, what with that unfortunate detour during the school trip...
Hmm! ]
Indeed... Now that you mention it, Maple, I have learned valuable information about Addward of Star 4!
[ Since Add doesn't hide this particular piece of information from his roommates, and Maple thinks so highly of him, discussing it openly shouldn't be a problem! ]
For example... he owns a plushie that faithfully sits beside his pillow, so it's undoubtedly a treasured possession!
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( the definition of the word mature is used a little flexibly here, but he's remarkably intelligent for such a small little guy, and maple has to pay her respects to that somehow after the conversation between him and hiyori. it's a good topic choice though, and it's easy to tell that she's interest in it from the way she nods along, humming thoughtfully before she follows up with another question. )
What kind of plushie is it?
( if it's a rabbit, or a bear... maybe she can keep that in mind for him. she's certain that if she sets her mind to it, she can find some way to incorporate it into things... already, she's flipping through the different types of things she could prepare, depending on what type of plushie it is. actually...
...
her eyes light up, bright and expectant. )
... Can you show me?
( let her in the room, alice!! )
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Now to answer her questions—
What kind of plushie is it? It resembles a cow, perhaps...? ]
Of course! A mere verbal description isn't sufficient. Nevertheless, it's black in color, and it has two large horns, two rounded ears, and a snout...
[ Extending his right arm, as if to escort Maple from the common room to Star 4, Alice motions for her to follow him. ]
This way — soon you shall see it with your own eyes...
[ In fact, once they reach the room, and Alice holds the door open for Maple, standing out of the way to let her enter, she'll have a good view of Star 4 in its entirety, from the odd plant to the beds. Perched on one of the single beds, watching over the pillow, there it is: Add's plushie, long horns framing a stitched pentagram on its forehead. ]
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Oh, it's so cute!
( closing the distance between herself and the bed, maple crouches down and holds her knees to keep herself steady as she gets a closer look at the plushie. in fact, she even reaches out to gently pet its head, as if it were a rabbit or some other type of small creature. they have to be gentle with add's friend, after all. )
Heehee, do you suppose it's keeping guard?
( the little guy looks so tough after all, with the horns and the pentagram. surely they're there to defend add's precious things while he's away. )
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Crossing the room, he joins Maple beside Add's bed for a closer look of his own — he's never done so before, and her questions have piqued his curiosity. To describe the plushie as fully cow-shaped is inaccurate... ]
Add is quite a mysterious fellow, so it wouldn't surprise me if his plushie is supposed to deter any intruders from coming too close. It never leaves its post...
[ Alice bends his knees to peer at the pentagram. Isn't that an occult symbol? The plushie could have some kind of ward woven into it! ]
Since we're allowed to enter the room and approach, it seems we have its approval, and therefore Add's! However, I don't recognize this animal...