this is a [test] of the emergency broadcast system

[titansno]

TEST DRIVE MEME

> The Park. Man, what a nice day out. Why not enjoy it? I'm sure -- shit, yep, there's some echo monsters.
> The Mall. Exactly what it says on the tin! Dodge the hordes of teenage mallrats or take part, whichever suits your tastes.
> Rainy Day. Agh, it's fucking awful out. And is it raining those vermilion things?? Now you've got an Echo to contend with on top of everything else. Find some shelter, quick!
> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, HOW FUN
> The most horribly kitschy Arts and Crafts Fair you can imagine.
> Wild Card! Make up your own.

Comments

[substitutable]

Really? [Better? Than this? Oh my god.] That's so awesome -- I wish I had a talent like this, you know? This is really cool. And it's really nice of you too.

I guess people do get really grumpy. I mean, everyone gets all stressed out over finals and there was that earthquake the other week and people just want to get out of school for the holidays most of the time. I hope this'll cheer them up too.

[drawitagain]

I'm glad you think so. Of course, knowing my luck, it'll rain this evening...

[He looks at Shintaro with a very gentle, very sincere smile. Thank you, stranger. Your words me so much to him.]

I'm sure you have other talents that are just as good as mine! What are you doing with all that cardboard, anyway?

[substitutable]

Oh... this? [He gestures to it.]

My class is having some sort of event next semester and these are for the props. Since I don't have to do much over the week, I volunteered to get these done at home.

And if it helps, the weather forecast, at least, said it'll be clear.

[drawitagain]

You know...if you need any help painting any of them...

[Gringrin.]

I can't just not repay you for standing guard! [Pictured: Haruka laughing to hard at something that isn't even funny.]

[substitutable]

[He knows what you're suggesting. He grins.]

You know, I just might.

I'm Shin. And you?

[drawitagain]

Haruka!

[Reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone that looks like it's straight out of 2005.]

Why don't we exchange phone numbers? [HE'S SO EXCITED. HE'S ONLY DONE THIS ONCE BEFORE AND IT WAS WITH TAKANE AND SHE LIVES NEXT DOOR.]

That way you can let me know what you need and when!

[substitutable]

[If it's a Nokia that's the only weapon he'll need to fight off any evils.]

That sounds like a plan. Can you take texts or should I call you?

[He's pulling his own phone out as he says so. It's a smart phone, but no blue-haired cybergirls are inside]

[drawitagain]

Texts are fine! I know my phone is ancient, but it's not that ancient...

I'm a little jealous of yours, though. My parents won't let me get one...They don't want me to download games onto it.

[substitutable]

Nah, I was just curious about the plan. I didn't want to send you a text and accidentally add to the phone bill, you know?

[He finishes adding Haruka's name and number to his, and looks up.] I think you can still download some games onto one like yours... do you want to take a look?

[drawitagain]

Ehehe...Well...I'd get in trouble.

For some reason, they think games and tv are too exciting for me. They're really over-protective like that. I know they mean well but...Sometimes I get bored! [A laugh.]

[substitutable]

Oh. I can see that, yeah. It makes some sense, I think. Lots of games and shows get people really excited.

[He thinks. Hmmmmmm :|A]

There are games that are pretty chill though. Like Creatures Crossing? Nothing is chiller than that one.

[drawitagain]

You can try explaining it to my parents. They'd never let me own a game console to play it on, anyway.

[A gentle sigh.]

I wish they'd let me do more stuff now that I'm older. I haven't been hospitalized for almost four years...

[substitutable]

... Rough, huh? But that sounds nice. They care about you a lot, huh?

[He laughs a little, but it's not unfriendly, and he moves himself back a little so Haruka doesn't run out of room to keep working.]

I know a bit about video games though, so if I ever get the chance I can give it a try if you want.

[drawitagain]

Yeah. I guess I'm grateful to have such loving parents. Sometimes I need to remind myself not to take them for granted! I shouldn't complain...

[Quickly, he lightens the mood by moving on.]

That sounds fun! I've never played them much, but I'd love to try...Even if I have to pretend I didn't, for my parents' sake.

[substitutable]

[Oh new buddy. There there. Shintaro raises a hand to pat him lightly on the shoulder to avoid doing any unintended damage. He doesn't look that fragile, but you never know.]

We all get bored, don't we?

I don't want you having to go behind your parents' back, but I can definitely show you some stuff when we're working on my props.