the final afterparty

[incompletely]

[

That sure happened, but everyone, by some miracle, made it out alive. No one else died, nothing blew up, no arson was committed, we're all still here. And being here, being present despite everything that just happened, is really important. This is for everyone, McGillis and Yuri included (and Jack, if he wants to party from the dungeon), because they all need it. Even with the new revelations, nobody should be left behind.

The party takes place in the bar again, and it probably looks a little...odd? Because there's all the alcohol in the back, and then...there's a bunch of donuts on one of the tables. Two whole baskets of donuts from the bakery, provided by Tenn. Next to the baskets is tea provided by Koto. Have at it, everyone. ]

Comments

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto shakes his head. He'd wondered, but he hadn't pried since he has his own issues with his name. ... Depending on the story here, he's unsure whether he'll break down and share what his own issues are or not. ]

No, you didn't. So, why did you change your name?

[incompletely]

[ ...here we go. Get ready for Tenn Lore, Makoto. ]

I left the Nanase family when I was thirteen. I am legally adopted by a man named Kujo Takamasa.

[ He'll start there. ]

He promised to help my family financially, which included Riku's hospital bills, if I agreed to go with him. He wanted to take me in because of my talent, and that's probably the biggest reason why he's still keeping me around. He thinks that I'm the person who will surpass the legendary idol known as Zero.

[ ... ]

A while ago, Zero disappeared without a trace. I think Kujo-san can't let go of the past.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto is Ready. He sips at his coffee, attention completely focused on Tenn as he explains. All of these details are burned into his memory as best he can. After he's done, Makoto feels the need to ask the important questions here: ]

I can see why, you're really talented. ... But does he treat you well?

[incompletely]

[ ... ]

I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and my family is being financially supported. He's also helping me further my career as an idol. That's all I can really ask for.

[edamamepon]

[ Way to not answer the question... Tenn... He's trying real hard to keep tha worry off his face. ]

I understand where you're coming from, but you can ask for more than that.
... Do you still get to see your parents at least?

[incompletely]

... He is my parent.

[ Yeah. Yeah. ]

And as much as I say Riku's my brother here, I can't afford to do that back at home.

[edamamepon]

Of course he is, I didn't mean he wasn't. But he also isn't your only family.

[ Makoto doesn't push that point farther though, voice going soft like he knows he needs to tread carefully here. ]

So... this is all part of those circumstances you talked about before, isn't it?

[incompletely]

...I know.

[ And he misses Mom and Dad so, so much. At Makoto's question, Tenn nods. ]

I know Riku and I were close here, but before that...we drifted. I didn't want to, but it was necessary. And it'll be hard to close that gap again...but Kujo-san takes care of me. I care about him, too.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto nods slowly.
He can't help the stray thought of whether the Director really cares about him either. ]

I'm still glad you got the chance to do that here, despite everything else. It means that you can close that gap, no matter how hard things are. [ Makoto pauses just to sip, to sort his thoughts. It still comes out more genuine than he means but this is Tenn, and he's... tired. ]

... Life is complicated, you never really know where things will take you. And I know you've had to make difficult choices, Tenn. But I'm your friend and maybe it isn't the same coming from me-- but I am really proud of you. No matter what happens.

[incompletely]

...What do you mean it isn't the same?

[ Tenn gives him a little grin. ]

It does mean a lot. Thanks. [ ... ] The feeling's mutual.

[edamamepon]

I'm not your parent. Not that old yet.

[ Makoto blinks at the yet tacked so carelessly onto the end of that sentence. Not that he wanted to die, but the knee jerk optimism still catches him off guard. ]

Hey... I've decided I'll go with you. If we get the chance and you'll still have me.

But... [ Makoto stops, shakes his head. ] never mind.

2016, right? Think there's another version of me running around?

[incompletely]

Am I not allowed to take a compliment from a friend?

[ Makoto, please.

The next part, however. He's glad Makoto's accepted his offer, but -- ]

Maybe? I have no idea. ... You have more to say about it, don't you?

[ You trailed off there, buddy. ]

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto wrestles with himself a moment. But he... can't accept Tenn's offer without the full weight of his past bearing down on him, manifesting a thick layer of guilt.

At the same time, he isn't sure he could handle losing Tenn too. Slowly, he nods but doesn't meet Tenn's gaze. ]

I do, it's. About before this place. I don't know if our Japans are even the same, you know? So maybe it... [ His gut twists. He forces a polite smile. ]

Can I tell you later? I... promise I will, okay? Let's get through this place together first.

[incompletely]

[ He trusts Makoto with his life, but something about the way he hesitates is troubling. ]

Okay. I can wait.

[ He's not sure if he's going to like what Makoto has to say, but the least he can do is hear him out after everything they've been though. ]

Until then, do you want something to eat with your coffee?