[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[suddenlybees]

[ Golf is barely a sport, Itaru, come on. ]

Not a fan, huh? So, what sorta thing do you occupy your time with when there's no wifi? I bet we can find something here~

[rateup]

[ it's still the same thing! you run around chasing balls all over a large property, rain or shine, with people watching you intently! though he will admit that playing golf and the sort with a gaming remote is much better than the real deal. ]

I usually just take a nap until the wifi comes back up...

[ he seriously has no other hobbies apart from gaming, but - ]

Oh, and practicing scripts, I guess. I'm a theater actor back home.

[suddenlybees]

Oh! You're a seasoned liar~ How interesting!

[ That's all an actor is, after all, and it takes one to know one. ]

How's your... mm... hm... What's the theater term for making shit up as you go along?

[rateup]

...I don't think that's really that deep, kiddo.

[ even though kano's got it right in one. still, he's just as good at not letting his feelings show, and thus the comment slides right off his back. ]

You mean adlibbing? Pretty well, I guess. I haven't mastered it completely yet, but it's handy in a pinch if the scene requires it. Or if you've forgotten some of your lines, for example.

[suddenlybees]

Yeah, that's it! That's good, you're gonna want to hold onto that skill! You're not going to have any lines where you end up, after all, but you won't be let off the hook just because~

[ There were definitely some guys out there last month looking like stage frightened actors... ]

Looks like you won't have any problems whether you get your mind addled or not, though. I got my fingers crossed for you~

[rateup]

[ -- record scratch. ]

My mind's gonna get what?

[suddenlybees]

You're gonna get mind fucked.

[ Yeah. ]

[rateup]

My mind's already blown upon coming here. What's the difference?

[suddenlybees]

It's something like... Okay, so, like, you're an actor, right? You ever get so into your role, that you believe it one hundred percent that you're your character and everything playing out is real? That's what acting's like, right?

[ Something something the magic of theater. ]

[rateup]

[ he nods slowly. ]

Yeah... The more involved you are in a role, the better your performance will be. It's called method acting.

[ a pause, as he thinks it over. ]

Did something like that that happen to you last month, then?

[suddenlybees]

Something like that~

[ Exactly like that, but what is a straight answer? That's pretty much a given, though, so Kano won't expand on his own experiences. ]

Whatever side you're on, do your best method acting, 'kay? Pretending's a lot more fun than not knowing what's going on, see?

[rateup]

You don't have to tell me twice - I'll always give it my all in my performances. Still, thanks for the info. Least now I know what to expect.

[ even though it's vague as hell. itaru would like to grill him for more details because there's only so much an actor can make do without a script and a setting beforehand, but considering kano's apparent penchant for lying, he decided against it.

besides, playing games blind is more fun that way, you know? ]

Oh, think this is my stop. [ yes, he still thinks the airport will have wifi. ] I'll see you around, uh...

[suddenlybees]

[ It's up in the air whether any of this will help or not, but that's no longer Kano's problem once he's let Itaru go. ]

Oh, right, introductions! You can call me Gel-P! [ He can pretend it's a stage name or something. ] What's your name?

[rateup]

[ itaru just gives him a blank look as the train pulls up to a stop. ]

No, for real.

[ it really does take one to know one. and itaru was roommates with an even worse liar back home, so he already can sort of tell. ]

[suddenlybees]

For real, for real~ A preferred name means more than a given name, right?

[ It's not like "Kano" is his given name either. He should be able to choose what ridiculous made up name he wants, and Itaru can do the same. ]

[rateup]

[ he sighs. well, he's got a point there, and itaru's not one to prod if the other party doesn't feel like it... so. ]

Right. Well, you can call me Itaru.

[ the train doors slide open towards yet another wifi-less landscape, and itaru gives the other boy a short wave before heading off. ]

Later, Gel-P.

[suddenlybees]

[ May Itaru one day find wifi and never leave his room all month afterwards. ]

See ya, Itaru! Bye-bye~