Homecoming

"R-raise your arms," Sab said, snapped out of her embarrassment by Aroma hacking up a lung. She patted her back to try and help her out.

'Can we stop talking about this? I think it is killing Aroma," Noct said.

"I suppose you're right."

*As it buzzes twice more in her hand, Euryale decides that the only way to ignore it is to shut her phone off entirely. She then puts it back up on the end table.*
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*The person is still behind them as the main building comes into view.*
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*Aroma waves her hands when she stops coughing.*

"Sorry, sorry...so, um, I'm really glad that you could all make it. Anything new? I know Gabe's got that track meet tomorrow, but other than that, it seems like it's been a while since we've been able to talk for more than a couple minutes."

Taiyo cuddles up to Euryale, kissing a bitemark on her shoulder.

Taiyo: "I love you, Euryale."

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The two continue, not paying attention to who or what is behind them.

"Yea," Sab said, "It's been too long."

"Well, nothing is really up with me," Mortal said, "Only interesting thing as of late has been meeting some of the survivors from that accident. Does that have a cool name yet, like the Cursed Forest Incident or something?"+

<A lot of math and science classes.>

*Cameron takes another sip*

<You'd be a good teacher.>

*As they enter into the main building, they find that the cafeteria is indeed closed, as evidenced by the grate over the entryway & the "closed" sign. Not long afterwards, a blond girl in a white coat & earmuffs enters, heading down the stairs after them..*
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"I wouldn't know, I don't think I've met anybody from that."
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*Euryale curls some of Taiyo's hair around her finger.*

"I love you too, Taiyo."

Euryale feels Taiyo's hand on her stomach as she falls asleep, purring.

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Azuma: "Well, shit. Wanna order in?"

Mimiru: "Why not?"

The two turn and begin to leave.

"I'm just getting tired of saying, 'those guys', or 'the survivors' and hoping everyone knows what I'm talking about," Mortal said.

"If only everyone could be so caught up in the little things," Noct said.

"Why?" Sab asked.

"It implies that there are not bigger things to worry about," Gabe said, "Speaking of, you might get a chance to meet them at the track meet. I invited a bunch of them to come."

"Eh, not really," Astarte said. "I'd be kind of... intimidated, having to address a classroom full of people. And I'm scatter brained at the best of times. I can see you being a good engineer, though."

*Cameron blushes*

<Thanks. Well, there's a million other career choices.>

*Once again, about halfway down the path, they hear footsteps plodding along behind them.*
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"Are you sure they're going to go? I don't know if I'd be in the mood for it after something like that. I think I'd just curl up in my room & dread going outside ever again."

"I guess," Astarte said, checking the time on her phone.

Gabe looked a bit crestfallen, "I hope so... They said they would. I can see why they might not, but they actually seemed to be coping quite well."

Azuma looked over his shoulder expecting to see the blonde from earlier.

*Cameron looks down at the bar*

*He can't see anything, because it's too dark. The footsteps stop.*
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"Well, I hope they're doing all right. I'd like to meet them."
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9:20.

He shrugs and looks forward.

Mimiru: "What are you doing?"

Azuma: "Figured it the blonde from earlier. Although in that attire you'd think she'd be somewhat visible. Oh well."

"Yea," Gabe said before slipping into silently eating her food like everyone else was.

*The footsteps resume as they begin walking again.*
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*Once everyone is finished, Aroma gets up & starts collecting the dishes to put them in the sink.*

We're in a tremendous cliche.

The two continue on their way back to the dorm.

"It was delicious, thanks," Noct said.

"Agreed, but, all joking aside, I kind of want some cake now," Mortal said.

*The footsteps walk away once they get within sight of it.*
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"You're very welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Oh, yeah, I'd still love to try some."

In their dorm, Azuma calls for delivery. Chinese because it's always nice to have three days worth of leftovers.

"I'll make one later," Noct said, "I don't even have any of the ingriedients I need."

"A willing partner?" Mortal asked.

"Har har," Noct rolled her eyes, "Anyway, Friday sounds good. I should have everything by then."

*Cameron looks at Astarte, but doesn't say anything*