First Beat - Text

[offthetrack]

I know that our first meeting didn't go quite as expected. I just want to make clear that I really do want to help you - and not just for my own sake.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry. I kind of know what it's like being in your position. It sucks. But I guess you know that already.

So why don't we start over again?

I already know your room number. It's only fair that you know mine. I'm in room 24B. Feel free to come by if you want.

Comments

[ruineaxt]

[The comment is just enough to take him off guard-- because hey, the guy was right. He did buy him a drink. After a moment he gives a short, rough laugh, shaking his head.]

Well damn. Guess I do owe you something. [A hand comes up to lift the scruffy mass of hair at the back of his neck, freeing it from the collar of his coat if only for a moment. the fingers can't quite get through a tangle, though, so he quickly gives up on that.]

Alright. What is it you're wanting to know? [Whatever regret was keeping him there was the obvious answer. But some things were too closely guarded even for someone who sprung the cash to get him a drink.]

Sign? Blood type?

[offthetrack]

Uh...let's start with blood type?

[ruineaxt]

[A pause.

...Seriously? His brows go up. Either the guy is playing along pretty well now, or... who knew what the other option even was. He lifts a hand to gesture towards Otonashi.]

A. Don't tell me you actually believe in that crap.

[...Sure, he was pretty stubborn and reserved and whatever the fuck else those stupid charts said he should be, but he had never really been into the belief.]

Haha I totally forgot blood type personalities were A Thing

[offthetrack]

What no! I-it's always good to know someone's blood type! What if there were some kind of accident and you needed a blood transfusion?

Bahaha, They are a thing that cracks me up.

[ruineaxt]

[....]

I'm already dead. It'll be alright.

[offthetrack]

But what if it's not? You can't say that for sure.

[ruineaxt]

You really think I'm gonna get deader?

[He shakes his head. If that were possible... No, it wouldn't be. Not worth considering.]

Fine. If it's not: can you even do a blood transfusion? Or make sure the stuff you'd be putting in me's not infected with something?

[offthetrack]

[He furrows his brow as he gathers his thoughts.]
Well...no I can't do a blood transfusion...but I could stabilize you until help came...

But. I guess you can't get any more dead now. So you'd probably come back to here. That's how it worked where I came from anyway

[ruineaxt]

[...That's an interesting bit of information, and it grabs his attention.]

...You mean your own bullshit-afterlife? People die there and-- what, wake right back up?

[offthetrack]

Well "dying"still hurt like hell and you'd black out. But you'd regain consciousness after a while. So maybe it works the same way here...I don't think he'd let people leave if they hasn't learned anything...

[ruineaxt]

He?

[Shinjiro's brows lift. Playing nice can certainly have it's advantages.]

But don't worry, I don't plan on hangin' myself with me sheets or anything like that.

[offthetrack]

[even though Shinjiro is probably being his sarcastic, Otonashi is relieved to knowhe's not suicidal.]
Ah...good. I'm glad you're not planning on....trying t-that...
[and...let's just steer clear from that topic.]
"He" is the Captain of the ship.

[ruineaxt]

Ain't like it'd do me a lot of good, anyway. [But yes-- Death is too close to the fact that they're there, and what they're there for. Shifting topics helps sidestep that.]

He's the one who contracted you for this, then. You met the guy?

[offthetrack]

I've only meet him once...back where I came from.

[ruineaxt]

Did he run that place too? Or just offer you this job?