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( OPEN ) red light, green light

Who: Haruka Nanase (

freed), Makoto Tachibana (

cordated), and YOU!
When: IC 1/9 —1/11
Where: Nearly every district! Not limited to: CERES Food Stop, CERES Game Center, a bunch of nondescript street corners, and jail.
What: Bending the rules, breaking the rules, and ~~cheating~~ beating the system?! Or trying to, at least.
Rating/Warning: PG.

1. CANDY SHOP.MP3 (ceres food stop.)

[ upon entering the shop, a one-sided conversation ensues as the only shop attendant speaks in stifled tones to ... what seems to be himself, if his gaze wasn't stubbornly trained to a certain spot behind the counter: ]

both

[ but once the door opens with a protracted tinkle of a bell, he turns. eyes drawn in assiduous focus, he dolefully grins as he angles his attention to the customer venturing out to browse the wares. ]

[ at this point, he's interrupted by a rather plaintive mewling (miaow, miaow) warbled from somewhere around his feet. visibly paling, makoto coughs a few times and resumes speaking. ]

haha

[ one hand sweeping over the display case, he makes a point to tap the sweets display case several times in quick succession. ]

2. TMW YOU CAN'T WIN HELLO KITTY FROM THE CLAW MACHINE (ceres game center.)

[ or you might find makoto situated in one of the various arcades in the conglomerate sprawl of game centers, studiously trying his luck (and a substantial amount of his daily paycheck) on one of the claw machines. mouth puzzled open on a sigh, he's even got his head tilted a few degrees to the side in a futile effort to win the only cat plush in the glass chamber, only to come up with empty hands on his last try, not any closer to his goal than he was on his initial run. ]

[ retreating from the machine, he holds out his only inadvertently-won prize (a rather squashed-looking stuffed animal of indeterminate origin) to the bystander standing in the line right behind him. ]

[ a beat or two passes, and then: ]

3. KIND OF LIKE A SLASHER FLICK EXCEPT NOT (random street corner ... seedy alleyway, perhaps ...)

[ so: you're in a derelict alleyway sometime in the evening. nightlife solidifies with all the risqué robot models strutting over the various walkways when you get the distinct sense you're being followed.

it's just an inkling of a doubt, but it's enough to take caution, all up until the point someone's hand clamps tightly on your shoulder. assuming your heart didn't stop and leave us one man down in this scenario, you are now very near to one tall and mildly anxious looking boy with green eyes and brown hair, as well as a shorter boy with black hair and blue eyes. it is the latter of these two who speaks to you.]

[a flyer is held up to you with THIS FACE]

[a second flyer with THIS FACE in his other hand appears!

upon closer inspection (as if you need it to be closer than RIGHT IN YOUR face but you know…) one will notice descriptions under the pictures as follows:

RIN MATSUOKA:

— answers to rin-rin
— likes romcoms
— really pointy teeth

KISUMI SHIGINO:

— tends to sparkle
— liberal use of emojis when texting/speaking/breathing
— pink

if you're quiet/silent/have been startled into death for too long, well, eventually the blue-eyed one here will simply….

…blink expectantly as if to say well?…without actually saying it at all. ]

4. IN THE SLAMMER (ceres government center.)

[ the first day in central holding, makoto learns two valuable things about going to prison:

a) it's actually called jail, not prison, for a short-term stay behind bars. more specifically: an overnight stay for a benign misdemeanor, or so they inform him.
b) the "one phone call" bit is a complete hoax. if anything, calls are encouraged. not that knowing that helps him in particular, but it's good to know, nonetheless.

notwithstanding the fact he couldn't ask haru to bail him out, considering they were held up in the same communal cell with at least three other people with them, makoto's absolutely terrified. over the course of two hours, he's kept his eyes peeled staring at the clock and trying to will himself to remain silent and moderately low-key. and makoto fails spectacularly, for the most part, his voice rising entire octaves as he babbles on and on to a relatively levelheaded boy sitting beside him. ]

bad

when everyone we know publicly disowns us

streets

[ when he doesn't get the validation he desperately needs (you know, something beyond placid one-word remarks), he turns to the closest onlooker, doing his absolute best not to stutter. ]

( NOTE: this is a partial joint post with

freed for part 3 + 4! it'll go: you > one of us > you unless you'd prefer no tag order or you'd like us to tag you separately. )

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[ He groans a bit at the thought of having to explain what he's working on, especially when it's complete yet. For all these years that he's been inventing, he always kept his plans a secret until they were ready. It was a Hamada brothers code, more or less. But since it's to help people, he'll talk. ]

I'm working on something that can scan the colony through their body heat.

[ Pauses to see what Haru's (or Makoto's) reaction might be. Would people call him crazy? He's grown up being around people who were into the same things he was, but in this place, things are a little bit different. ]

Input certain data to it, and it should be able to pinpoint the location of people who match the information.

[ That's about it. He's been waving his arms around as he talked about his scanner, but now that he's done, he puts his hands in his pockets. ]

[from waving arms to pocketed hands, haru more or less remains the same -- still but not frozen, attentive but not quite creepy with it (yet), and silent. there are none of the typical 'ahs' or 'hms' that people are in the long-learned habit of making to represent acknowledgment of something being said to them. almost unconsciously haru has turned himself just enough that makoto stands a little less behind him and more just to his side, as if to afford better view to whatever gestures and explanations might be given to them. but it's haru who ends up replying again in the end, though not without a glance in makoto's direction -- something nonverbal communicated in less than a few seconds.]

Interesting.

[not unbelievable by contrast of other things around and even in their own sense of home and time, haru would perhaps be more inclined to believe such a technology as a matter of why not? without further ado he ends up passing the flyers off to makoto and from his back pocket drawing out a tiny notepad -- blank pages rather than lined. here he jots down the asked for information for one rin matsuoka and tears the page off to hand it over.

he maybe should also get this person's name but honestly sometimes haru gets tunnel vision and right now that tunnel vision is very red with shark teeth and intermittent incurring sparkles on the side.

not prone to worry, yet he is worried in his own way. which says a lot probably -- though you'd have to know him rather well to see it.]

[ Hm... He gives the note a lookover before neatly folding it and tucking it in the breast pocket of his blazer. He really has to finish this machine right away if he wants to help. More sleepless nights for Tadashi Hamada! But that doesn't bother him in the slightest. Getting good grades for his inventions is great, but what makes him feel like he's done a good job are the results of his inventions. He hopes to be able to help these two find their friends. ]

I understand that this is urgent, but if you could give me a day or two— [ Hopefully, they will understand. ] It's not done yet, but I'll be sure to get it done ASAP. Your friends will be the first ones I'll try to locate.

[ He nods a couple of times, affirming his own statement. Then he realises that suddenly asking for vital information about people whom he's never met might be kind of shady. Good job, Tadashi??? You better make sure they don't find you suspicious, and fast. He takes off his hat and just holds it close to his chest, and he offers his free hand for a shake. ]

I'm Tadashi Hamada, a former robotics student. I've only been here for a couple of weeks, but I've gotten used to how things work around here.

[ Look at that friendly smile, and those giant Dumbo ears, and that nerdy face overall. He's really just trying to help, and hopes that his attempt at doing so isn't an inconvenience to anybody. ]

[ this guy is so kind??????? ??? ?

if makoto was the leery sort, he'd be hard-pressed to find a reason to convey personal information relating to their friends to a complete stranger, but given they've been searching for days on end now. they've got nothing to lose casting their lots in with someone who could very well hand them the lead they've been routing out in vain for. if logistics are what he's asking for, he's got no problem relying on the philanthropy of good samaritans. it takes a while longer for the plain bewilderment to run its course. makoto's gratitude only momentarily scatters as he peaceably retracts the notebook and pen from haru's clinch. momentarily meeting his best friend's gaze, he jots down the same information for kisumi shigino prior to handing it over to tadashi. ]

Thank you so much for your help! I'm really at a loss for words. Do you need the flyers for reference? It's got our contact information in case you need to get in touch. Take as much time as you need. I've heard a lot of people have gone missing lately, so finding them will be your priority, of course —

[ makoto's blubbering now, and it's probably kind of sappy, incoherent, and overtly emotional, but given the circumstances, tadashi's getting off lightly. the outstretched hand throws him through a cursory loop, but he grasps it immediately afterwards, mouth stretched into an ear-splitting grin. ]

I'm Makoto, by the way! Makoto Tachibana. And my friend over here is Haruka Nanase. It's nice to make your acquaintance, Tadashi-san. We haven't been here that long either, but if there's anything you need — anything at all — don't hesitate to let us know. We'll do our best to help you out.

[ Tadashi's smile grows wider when he's shown gratitude. He's not like his younger brother whose ego grows at the face of attention, though. More like his heart warms up because of the respect he's given. There's not a lot of people around who know how to be kind and respectful anymore. ]

It's nice to meet you both.

[ And he feels lucky that the people whom he's met here have been very helpful to him. Save for Priest... that guy was weird. ]

The flyers would help for any verification, although the two of you should be in my CereVice's contacts list already. [ He laughs sheepishly as he puts his hat back on. ] It's strange how it automatically updates people's contact information, but I guess that's how it is when you're data.

[ That was more of a joke (???) to lighten the mood, but he might be the only one who finds it amusing. Although now that he's in the topic of codes... ]

That isn't to say that your friends aren't here anymore, though. The system is quick, but glitchy. Hopefully, what I'll be making will take care of any holes the system misses.

[ Honestly, he could keep on talking, but between his background of his younger brother shutting him up from rambling too much, and how quiet Haru seems, it might be best to just stop talking for a while. ]

[ yeah, bijou's characters are something, alright.

but given that makoto isn't on familiar terms with anyone who'd willingly inflict sekuhara on someone else, he's more inclined to give tadashi the benefit of the doubt and implicitly trust that he's got everyone's best interests at heart. life isn't long enough to necessitate distrusting every person he happens to encounter, and it's nice to meet someone who isn't threatening to sic the supernatural on him for once. ]

Well, just for verification, then. I wouldn't want you to feel weird about contacting us.

[ it's too bad for tadashi that makoto really isn't in the mood to burst into laughter over his existential hangs-ups and how their collective worlds have apparently been one huge matrix plot twist all along, but he manages a halfhearted grin as he straightens, passing the notebook and writing utensil back to haru. ]

I have to admit that I don't really know too much about the system beyond what CERES told me when I first arrived here. I hate to ask, but do you think they're aware of your plans? I'm sure anyone would agree your ideas could only improve what they already have going, but I'd hate for you to get in trouble because of this.

[ He's not much of a genius as his brother is, but he's well aware of his surroundings. Upon arrival - after that ball - he dismantled his CereVice to see if it was bugged. Then he checked his apartment for any hidden cameras. He found nothing, and when he's outside, the only ones he knows that are following him are the street robots. Nothing strange there. Still, that doesn't mean he can't discount the fact that they're all being watched.

He's seen too many movies and read so many comic books to not be suspicious. In a highly advanced colony like this, you can bet that there's always something or someone out there looking at you. Still, that doesn't scare him enough to restrict his movements. And he explains calmly, ]

I'm sure CERES is aware. [ A beat, and he tries to see if there's a sudden change in the atmosphere. That was pretty courageous of him to say out loud. ] But if nobody makes a move like this, then we'll all be left in the dark.

I don't think searching for people is against their protocol. If it were, they wouldn't have given us means of communicating with each other. I'm not worried.

[ Tadashi Hamada's famous last words. ]

[after having accepted the return of notebook and pen, haru listens to the exchange rather than interjecting, noting as makoto goes over the part where being concerned for others who might be able to help them, and likewise noting tadashi hamada and his reaction. famous last words indeed. except haru isn't anything so direly oriented. he has a hard time swallowing the information they've been given long-since arriving to begin with: remnant data, lasts of their worlds, etc, etc, etc. and if rin and kisumi had been here, then why the sudden absence? it's hard to know what to believe, much less understand. by contrast, at least tackling a missing-persons facet of their new life is doable. he doesn't have to Understand to know what he wants in this case.

just as tadashi finishes speaking, haru finishes his quick clean folding of the flyers before also offering those up. like makoto said, just for verification. this time when he extends his hand, he actually says something,]

Thank you.

[what haru means is: this means a lot. what haru means is: i really appreciate this -- we really appreciate this. because at this point any help is a form of hope, and despite living his life in moderations spanning every corner, the friends haru has are the sorts he'll care about for the rest of his life. whether they're here or not, well.

that's not up to him maybe.

but to seek out every viable route of assistance is all they can do.

tadashi hamada is very kind and actually reminds haru of makoto, though he supposes the two might not see it themselves. a little calmer -- or a lot. friendly. he gives the impression of someone of responsibility, which makes haru wonder about his family; is he here alone? if haru was a different sort of person, he might even ask these questions outright; but he's not. so he just wonders -- the omnipresent, quiet sort of attentiveness in the wake of his gratitude. makoto can (and will, if haru insists on his own silence the way he's prone to) fill in the gaps.]

[ No matter how grateful Haru is, Tadashi can't really sense it. At the same time, he doesn't need to be thanked for what he's doing. It's just one person helping the other, and it's what everyone should be doing. It's more like somebody's duty or obligation, rather than a favour. At least, that's how Tadashi sees things. Of course, he's been called "far too nice for his own good" before, not just by his younger brother, but by his school peers as well. It's no big deal for him, though. If they want to do things expecting something in return, that's their own agenda. He'd like his younger brother to have the same mindset as him, though, but... whatever happens, he'll never find out. This isn't to say that Tadashi appreciates the courtesy though, because he does.

His smile hasn't wavered, and it's still up when he takes the rolled up flyers. It occurs to him that he should have probably done something like this when he arrived; ask people if they've seen his brother, his aunt, his friends, but when he was told by the people that all he had to do was check his contacts list, he grew complacent. Upon arriving, he believed that this place was some sort of purgatory, so obviously, his living friends and family shouldn't be here. In fact, he was relieved when he was told that nobody here has seen his younger brother. He starts doubting his initial thoughts of the place, though...

But now isn't the time to show he's worried. Not in front of people who are depending on him. ]

It's not a problem, [ And with that, he pushes his worries to the back of his mind. He obviously needs to think about it again, but he'll do it later in the space of his apartment. But with one worry aside arises another, so he asks-- ]

It's getting late, by the way. Will you two be all right?

[ Not that Tadashi looks like he could protect these two in case something bad comes up. He'd try, though. Big bro instincts. And also, he's reckless and courageous (???) that he'd do what it takes to ensure another person's safety. ]

[ everything's clearer now, somehow.

even the silence that fissure-snaps around tadashi's reassurances seems lucid, as if makoto had been waiting with bated breath for so long he'd gone partially mute in the process. quiet so sharp it'd induce stillness because even in his shock he's still scrambling to say something moderately coherent. and it's not that he's swallowed his avowals or he's trying to bid farewell to the pressure that keeps conversations primed at break-neck speed, but he's much too honest to ever convincingly disguise the surprise. rin and kisumi's absences are no less fictional, but just like this, he's relieved.

directly past that, he can't forego the fear that comes with good-intentioned misunderstanding — if they really want to find their friends in the first place, given the insinuation that their lives are just code shoved into the internal hard drive of a computer that's long since reached its expiration date. so maybe it is more of escapism via selfish wish-fulfillment, but between a rock and a hard place, makoto would rather side with someone who has everyone's best interests at heart.

everything in him settles, slow and sibilant and just that side of grateful as he bows his head in a clumsy nod, one hand palmed on tadashi's shoulder like an open entreaty. ]

We'll be okay. Actually, we're planning to stay out a little longer. There's a few places we haven't searched yet. I figure you must be looking for other people too, right? Don't overwork yourself.

[ his breath spins out as he rescind his grasp, eyes bright with concern. ]

Still — will you be okay? Would you like us to accompany you to your next destination, at least? It is pretty dark out, and you're by yourself ...

[ He appreciates the concern; it's been so long since somebody's actually checked up on him or served as a parental figure, so of course, he misses it. Of course, Makoto isn't his mom, or his dad, or his aunt, but the gesture remains the same. But the fact remains that he's kicked the calendar, and there shouldn't be anyone worrying for him anymore.

Besides from the look of things, Makoto and Haru look like teenagers, even though they might be towering. Tadashi might be kind and understanding, but he has some pride. He'd rather look out after people—especially those who are younger than he is—than the other way around. ]

Me? [ He looks away shyly, laughing amiably as he does. ] I'll be fine.

[ And with a mysterious smile, he pulls down the peak of his cap to cover his eyes. He's really fine, and these two should have nothing to worry about. Apart from his issues with his existence and pride, he's used to walking out in the streets late at night. It's what he does as an older brother; it's a rather unusual activity for an older brother, but when your younger brother is always in dark alleyways or shady places, you gotta do what you gotta do. ]

This is just the normal city life where I'm from. [ That was slightly exaggerated, but it should at least make him seem less suspicious over rejecting their company. ]

[ well, he's not wrong. despite makoto's decidedly maternal attitude and predilection for playing mother hen with literally everyone he meets and then some, he's still just a high school student, same as haru. and in contrast, judging from this guy's general demeanor, inhumanly kind attitude, and sense of commendable maturity, he has to be at least a college student. makoto's best guess: an honor-roll TA, or maybe one of those prodigies at MIT that pop up in the news from time to time. it'd fit the general profile of tadashi he's compiled thus far nicely enough.

of course, makoto's never (inadvertently) met anyone who shuffled off the mortal coil, either, which would likely make for a terrible, terrible conversational topic if/when they cross that bridge. ]

You're sure? Well, alright. I hope our paths cross again soon.

[ he's just about ready to give up the ghost and let haru get any parting words in before they make their exit when a thought occurs to him. he straightens, mouth opening on a hesitant inquiry. ]

... Um, before we go, is it okay if I direct people who are also looking for missing people your way? From what I've heard on the networks, it's a regular occurrence. I'll do my best to look for them as well along the way, but it seems like conducting search parties here in Tellus only goes so far.

Yeah, that's totally fine.

[ He nods again, showing his face once more. It's nice to feel helpful and productive, even if all you're doing is something small. It's not that he's been slacking off, but all this means that he has to work harder—which isn't a bad thing in slightest!

If people find good use for his inventions, he should keep making more. In a place where technology is so advanced, he could likely go beyond what he's used to making and do something else. ]

They should be able to see my name on their contacts list, even if they don't know me.

[ Now, that one is a good feature by CERES. It's good, but also slightly creepy... still, it seems to be more helpful than harmful, so he makes good use of it. ]

[ as haru seems antsy to continue their search into another district, makoto relents to letting their companion off the hook, free to help others with absolutely no regard for his own safety and wellbeing. don't run blindly into burning buildings anytime soon, tadashi. makoto will mourn your death for literal years. it's not an understatement.

anyways, finding each other in the contacts list isn't more horrifying than the alleged death of their family and literally everyone they've ever known in their life, so makoto lets bygones be bygones and peaceably waves, his other free hand already snared around haru's palm to drag back from the alleyway and onto the sidewalk. ]

Okay, I'll definitely remember to steer people who need help finding people your way, Hamada-san. Have a nice day and stay safe out here!

[ and in notably better spirits, makoto leaves with his friend in tow, rejoining the surge of pedestrians and into the lions' den — or rather, to check out the research district for themselves.

you know, to keep continuity and get them both arrested for trespassing. what a life. ]

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( OPEN ) red light, green light

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kdjkf i'm deeply sorry for the wait, i'll wrap this up now ;__; !!