A MADE UP KIND OF LIFE...

...he was in for some adventure, yes...?

Before Johannes could get a move on, the herbalist quickly stopped the other on track.

"-A-Ah, i believe whatever you have in your satchel should suffice, Johannes-san..."

Reaching for the other's fanny pack, Atohi gave a smile.

If this could go by quicker, by any means...

"...Please, allow me..."

#johannes bullshits wildly #johannes no #atohi #endgame

Johannes' mood shifted quickly as he noticed the other reaching for his fanny pack, recoiling almost as though stung - making enough distance that Atohi couldn't go for it. He quickly raised his hands, trying to shrug off that hint of panicked frenzy. No, not yet; he hadn't dumped the evidence yet, that had to happen, he wasn't going to ruin this--

"Nonono, uh, um..."

"I like - completely dumped it out. I was really frazzled after the last deaths, so I kinda... tried to do a makeover on myself to calm down. It was really messy, so I got frustrated and left it all on my vanity. I really don't have anything in here..."

Johannes was talking entirely out of his ass on that one, to be honest, but he he hadn't even told Makoto yet - Atohi might blab beore he was ready.

If Atohi went for the pack again, he was perfectly willing to guard it with his hands.

"Cross my heart! I can get some stuff in like, a minute or two! Like, no need to worry!"

It seemed there was only one option left...

"Ah, then would you prefer..."

letting out a sigh, the pinched the bridge of his nose, before putting on a smile for Johannes. It was for the benefit of Mr. Johannes-san, yes? It did not matter if it was masculine or not...

"...'doing the makeup'? It would seem enjoyable for y-both of us."

...

#atohi #endgame #[johannes voice] i totally didn't shove all the evidence where my makeup goes

He knew it! Not that it was too surprising, but... awesome! A little prompting was all it took, then!

"Haha, hey! No need to be shy!"

It was probably a good thing Atohi didn't mention the masculinity nervousness, or he'd get a big old pep talk on how makeup was for everyone, for all different reasons.

"I'd love to give you a makeover, Atohi! Can make you look just as awesome as you did before, and bring out your inner beauty to boot!"

He grinned.

Problem was, he didn't have his makeup tools on him - he needed to ditch the things in his fanny pack and recollect makeup somewhere or another. He knew it was pretty likely he could find some in the bunks...

"I don't really have much makeup on me right now, but... I can go find some really quick!"

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

"O-Okay, yeah. Of course. I guess. T-That would make sense…"

Makoto nodded, silently cursing her own weakness. Sure, she was lost by this, bamboozled. And maybe she just needed the motivation to get her head back in the game.

But now her head was clear, moreso than before. She was even willing to give the dead kid hologram-whatevertheyare-s a chance. Naturally, Johannes dropped the two names which could easily get a rise out of Makoto.

"That… sounds like a plan. I guess it’s just something I have to accept."

"Um… have you talked to any of them? The dead kids?"

Makoto there’s one standing a few feet from you.

He kinda knew exactly the names to drop to get a rise out of her- and had. He smiled at her acceptance:

"Awesome!"

When she asked about the dead kids, though, he frowned.

"To be honest... not really, beyond Elara here."

He gently gestured in Elara's direction. Makoto, she was right there.

"I was about to, I mean, and then I kinda bumped into you."

#makoto #endgame

pianoanon

Visit Original Link

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

Makoto nodded, taking deep breaths. In a few moments more, she found her legs begin to steady. Before long, she had scrambled to her feet, rubbing her eyes as she looked around the immediate area.

"T-Thanks. Sorry… for losing my head, there. I know we’re… almost out of this, or whatever. Supposedly."

"O-Or so they say. I don’t know. Who even knows. What do we… um… do now?"

Looks like Johannes would get his wish, for now at least.

"It's fine, you know? Settle down, get your bearings, all that."

Johannes smiled at the other's apology; she didn't need to give it, but it was nice to know she was feeling... better. Ish.

"Well, we kinda just... relax, hang out, talk to people. You know? You can ask around about if anyone had any opinions about Elara's death, too! Or maybe, y'know, talk to her, if you're ready for that. Or maybe find Choko?"

#makoto #endgame

"Ah, yes... 'things we could do'..."

...

"...ah, you enjoy... 'Hanafuda'?"

Perhaps he has lost touch with communication. What would Johannes-san even enjoy while they were on this ship? What even would be within interests of a... makeup artist, yes?

"...Perhaps it would be wise for you to choose our activity, Mr. Johannes-san. What interests you? I heard..."

Absent mindedly mushing his damaged cheek, the herbalist's words continued to slip off his tongue, a rolling accent sliding into place as he spoke thoughtlessly.

"...ah, but surely you would enjoy something else. Please, what would you prefer?"

Putting on a patient smile, the herbalist attentively awaiting the others response. This could go very well, yes?

Johannes had learned Japanese to go to Hope's Peak - and even then, he'd kind of jumped on Japanese with intent to learn it to talk. He hadn't bothered too much with random words. So when he was asked if he enjoyed "flower cards", he looked a little confused.

"Erm... I don't really know what you mean, haha..."

He shrugged.

However, when he spotted the other's tic again - his eyes lit up. He casually let the topic of "hanafuda" slip by: if he was right, then...

"C'mon, Atohi! Feel free to ask whatever. I'm usually down for anything, as long as my friends are involved, you know?"

Gentle prompting was the way, right? He didn't want to embarrass Atohi.

But if Atohi still refused to say, he was so going to go for it anyway.

#atohi #endgame

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

shsl-astro-physicist

MUSIC: Phoenix Wright Trials and Tribulations soundtrack - Hazakurain

The Elara hologram’s brow furrows, apparently having an internal struggle or debate.

Finally, she turns to Johannes and nods slightly, bowing low enough to Johannes for her hair to touch the floor. Surprisingly, she apparently has indeed decided to wait until after Makoto leaves for an explanation, but not for the reason Johannes wants her to.

"It appears that my appearance has only Makoto even more distraught,” Elara observes. “There is something important we need to discuss, but I will wait for Makoto to come to terms with all of this before saying anything to her. It was not my goal in coming over here to cause pain, so I will wait for Makoto to leave and come to terms with all of this before I say anything to her. However, you and I need to talk, Johannes, and I am sure you know what about.”

"That... sounds good. Thanks, Elara."

Johannes kept up the smile he'd given to Makoto. She was only focusing on him, so he didn't think Makoto would catch on - she was barely paying Elara any mind right now, so even the sorta-obvious discussion topic was flying right over her head.

Thank the lord.

He went back to Makoto posthaste, carefully avoidant of inviting Elara to say more.

He needed to handle the situation, and veiled allusions to her death wouldn't help him avoid telling Makoto.

#elara #endgame

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

Makoto fixed her eyes on his, begging, pleading for his help. What she found, though, was hesitation, uncertainty. Why? Why was he hesitating? They were friends, right? Surely he’d understand why she needed an answer there. Letting out a long sigh, she hung her head, wiping her face one last time.

"I-I just… I know I’m g-glad we found the mastermind and all, b-but… I-I just… I-It’s Elara… I just wanted an answer… I have to know…"

She fell silent after that, slumping her shoulders in defeat. If he didn’t want to help her, then fine. If he just wanted to wait it out until they went wherever the hell the robots were taking them, then fine… Even if that Elara hologram was the real thing, who knew if she’d even know who killed her, let alone be able to give an answer Makoto could trust.

Just when she was about to give up hope, Johannes spoke. Slowly, she looked back up at him, not noticing his sideways glance.

"T-Thanks… really… I know we’re safe now, a-and we’re getting out of here or something, b-but… I can’t sleep at night until I have an answer… P-Please understand…"

#in which johannes has surprisingly deep character depth #like... nice abandonment issues there johannes #makoto #endgame

"..."

Johannes needed time to kind of think about what she was saying, but he didn't want... to make her suspicious, or throw her off. He wanted to stay her friend, even if that meant keeping up a lie for a little while longer.

He felt a feeling akin to butterflies when he realized there was little he could do to stop this relationship from falling to pieces: but he... he still wanted to try, more than anything.

"I... understand, Makoto! I'll help out as best I can, okay?"

"Ah, yes, I may bear witness to... this 'disorientation'..."

Letting out a sigh, Atohi tried to relax himself. There was nothing to stress yourself over. The worst had past, and it would be 'smooth sailing' from here on out, yes?

...

"...I do not believe we truly had 'bonding time' at Tountra, yes? If it would please you, would you enjoy 'hanging out'...?"

Pinching at his scars again, the herbalist pouted. Surely these would have healed enough to...

...

Putting on a crooked smile, Atohi tried to reassure the other of his authenticity.

Perhaps his thoughts with someone else would be lighter...

#atohi #endgame #i'll get the rest after class!

"Yeah..."

When the other male sighed, Johannes almost frowned. He casually crossed his arms, looking at the other with a smile that broadened at the offer of hanging out.

It was... maybe a little off, to just kinda meander up and offer!. And he did kinda pinch his sc-...

Oh.

... Johannes could see a potential ulterior motive, here. Not that he really cared. (Makeovers were awesome to give! And he'd never DISGUISED scars before!)

"That sounds like fun, Atohi! What were you thinking we could do?"

If it wasn't Atohi's motive, Johannes wasn't about to bring it up immediately. Might as well see if he asked first, right?

Making up with Classmates | Atohi | ATTN: Johannes

"Ah.. hmm…"

Rubbing the scars etched across his face, the herbalist gave a sigh. They had left the ice lodged they had been imprisoned in for so many days, and now they were free.

It felt like a fading dream…

And all too unfortunately it was not. The lines running down his cheek were a reminder that those bloody days happened…

And here he was. Left with a parting gift of his actions…

Atohi pouted, self conscious of his marks now, despite the reassurance of Akira. Squeezing his face now, the herbalist groaned, as if he squeezed hard enough, the marks would go away.

And the memories as well…

…

Lifting his hand, Atohi found the scars to still be there.

"…"

With his labor in vain, the herbalist let out another sigh, thoughtlessly roaming around the ship’s interior. Running into another student was not a event he was hoping for right now.

"Ah, hello again, Mr. Johannes-san."

"Oh, hello, Atohi!"

Johannes had taken to wandering after finishing off his chat with Makoto and Elara - no doubt he'd have to tell Makoto his secret later, but now - not necessarily.

So he'd taken to avoiding it. His hair was still down - casually untied, draped gently around his shoulders. He usually tied the longer hair up, but he couldn't be bothered, today. They were going home!

"How're you holding up? I know this is all kinda disorienting, haha... but hey, it'll be over soon!"

#atohi #endgame

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

"N-Not reality… Not… reality… S-Some kinda… virtual… reality…? I-I don’t understand… I don’t understand any of this…"

She rubbed her head, trying to fight back her tears. Elara’s death had shaken her to her core, causing her to question her faith in everything she knew about the place. Even with Johannes’ words, with the revelation that this was some kind of alternate reality, Makoto couldn’t completely convince herself to believe.

She had to convince herself. She had to try. There was still hope, right? They weren’t in the snow center, right…?

"I-I know we’re… I know we’re in some game… that’s gotta be it… I-I mean, we’re not in the snow center anymore, yeah, b-but… I-I won’t feel safe… I’m not about to feel safe until we’re out of this place and… a-and, just… f-free…"

She looked up at Johannes as they dabbed at her tears, blinking.

"I-I’ll try… I’ll believe, for you… j-just… c-can you promise me something? Can you… help me figure out who killed Elara…? Real or virtual, living or dead, t-that’s one thing I need to know…"

The fact she was willing was good, but... The fact was, that promise... would lead to their friendship dissolving, he thought. He didn't know why Makoto needed to, but...

...

Would it even be a good idea to admit it now? Johannes - in spite of himself - was scared of the answer he'd get from admitting it. Makoto was one of his only real friends - Eri, Kazumi, and the others notwithstanding.

If he'd known she felt that way about Elara... he might've taken it all back. Just pushed, he didn't know, that Hideaki guy instead, or something. Maybe he could've just brought Eiseng up and pushed her off, if he could find her. But... That was all in the past. Elara was gone, and... he could feel his friendship with Makoto slipping through his fingers.

He swallowed. Like Elara wasn't going to tell if he didn't. Like Elara would really wait for an explanation until Makoto left. Like he even had some kind of justification - he killed her to end the game. No other reason. The transmitting station was a worthless motive, and Johannes had taken that time to act.

He gave her a mixed look. It was hard to tell if the boy was sad, confused, or happy - but after a moment, he broadened his smile.

"Y-yeah... I'll... I'll help you find out who killed Elara."

He wasn't about to point out she could ask Elara; in actuality, he looked over at the virtual Elara with a look in his eyes that almost pleaded for her to not tell Makoto. His smile was still stuck on his face, to make sure Makoto didn't catch on - but he made sure his head was tilted enough that Makoto couldn't see that look.

He wanted... he wanted to tell her when he was ready. When they were both ready. In other words, probably never.

#makoto #elara #endgame

shslama-blog

valid point……

but it’s like a teeeeensy tiny subsection in like fine print that no one can read and no one ever reads bc(:

#i can't believe how quickly i photoshopped that #shslama #outofmakeup

"no one can read", you say

bow in fear of my handy-dandy Lens of Truth! : ) i shall use this to show everyone your tyrannous hiding of that subsection!

shslama-blog

'maybe'??

i. i o nl y oversaw the game of mutual killing i . did not actually kill an yone s o no?? not really. goodness. i hope that goes well for ya.

TECHNICALLY YOU'RE RESPONSBILE

like, section a, subsection 'fuck off mm': u sm(m)elt it u delt it

#IM CRYIngn #outofmakeup

shslama-blog

heyo cutie! ‘m doin’ pretty well, actually. an’ y’??

#what a burn #shslama #outofmakeup

p-pretty good! i think! maybe!

i mean i'm about to tell a friend i murdered their bff but i'm sure you know what that's like

shslama started following you

...

allo miss gay how are you today

#shslama #i don't actually regret this #outofmakeup

A Dull Blur | Makoto | RE: Endgame | OPEN

"I-I… yeah, I did… W-We talked… a lot…"

Makoto pressed her head against the wall, fighting off a pang of pain in her heart as she remembered their fun, sisterly talks, living and dead. She was desperately trying to avoid having to come to terms with accepting that they were dead and gone.

…Then again… didn’t Mai say something about them not being quite so dead? She didn’t remember exactly, which made it difficult for her to hold out hope. For now… all she could do was believe what she knew. And that wasn’t all that much.

"B-But… I-It was all some stupid fool’s dream of mine… W-Wanting to believe that Choko… a-and Elara… were still around somewhere, even after dying… I-I saw Elara’s dead body… I-I felt her hand, it was so cold… T-There’s no way… I-It’s not possible…"