So Satisfactory had an update.


Chapter 3: Breakdown


After asking Kei for the passcode, as I mentioned in a text that Lady Blanc wanted to help look through the figures, we opened the case that contained all of the forms and data Kei had gathered for me.

Without Lady Blanc's help, I surely would have been sitting here for a week trying to sort through all of these forms, even though they're pretty condensed. There's a bevy of printouts of forum posts and interview data as well.

"I see, I see…"

Lady Blanc mutters to herself as she continues to process the forms in front of her at lightning speed, circling something again with a red pen. Her eyes dart around, performing mental calculations at a speed that puts computers to shame. She's really amazing, huh.

"Oh, hold on."

Lady Blanc pauses as her phone buzzes, as she quickly checks it and then sends a reply.

"Ram and Rom asking to talk? I can go to my room for a bit."

Lady Blanc shakes her head. "No, it's… well, when you asked if I had some ulterior motive, I suppose you were right. I have someone, is what I mean. I could have gone public about it, but forgive me for being a coward about it."

"Oh, no, it's… I think especially with everything that's happened today, it's understandable. If everyone is in this much of a frenzy from just wondering if Noire and I are going out, then for you it'll be way worse."

"If I had been willing to come out earlier about it, perhaps you becoming friends with Noire would have been something no one raised an eyebrow about, though." Lady Blanc says, closing her eyes. "But, after this, I intend to come out with him. It might take some convincing, but I'm sure he'll be willing to go through with it."

"I can talk with him, if you need me to."

Lady Blanc chuckles, leaning back in her chair. "That would be most appreciated. Anyways, about moving to Lastation and resurrecting White Rabbit."

I gulp, straightening up in my seat, both wanting to hear this news but also wishing I could forget everything in regards to ever potentially moving. But, there's no running away now, it seems…

"It's more than possible. In fact, I could almost give it a eighty to ninety percent chance of success. Based on the poll data, it seems there's still a large cult following and a deep sense of nostalgia. In fact, there are rumors according to some of the forum posts Kei printed out dated to just under two weeks ago that people think your shop is definitely the successor to White Rabbit. Your public ties with Noire certainly will help, and I have no doubts that she will be a regular customer. I imagine that coming out publicly about the shop's history, as well, especially with your mentor's backing, will all cascade together. Additionally, taking a look at the properties around where Lapin House currents resides, you pay roughly the same for rent as the area around where White Rabbit was has come on rough times, so rent is fairly low compared to what you'd normally pay for, so if you're living a comfortable life with your expenses versus your income, then you're already set. If I didn't know why you were holding back, then I would be questioning why you hadn't moved already."

"I see…"

"You sound disappointed."

"I think it's that… it would have been easier if I didn't have a choice, you know?"

"True enough. But it sounds like you don't want to move."

"Er, it's… I have to actually think about what you want to do, now."

"Were it so easy." Lady Blanc says, patting me on the shoulder. "But like I said, I'll be with you every step of the way. Even if you come to regret your decision, I'll help you work through it."

"Thank you, Lady Blanc."

"Blanc."

"Right, sorry."

"I imagine you've told IF the news?"

"Mhm. She encouraged me to go. And I, I… I'm happy. I'm happy she's telling me to pursue my dream, but it's why I'm hesitating. I'm… I'm scared, Blanc."

"Of what, exactly?"

"I… before all of this, I was just friends with IF, and I had a small-time, but content life. But suddenly I've gained so much. Friendships with you, Noire, Neptune, Rom and Ram, everyone, and… will that change, if I go to Lastation? The only reason I became such good friends with IF was because we both lived in Planeptune and she became a regular. If I go, then… I'm going to lose that, right? It's scary. I wasn't afraid when I didn't have that much to lose, but now that I actually have all of this in my life, the possibility of losing it frightens me."

"I see. That's understandable."

"And um… I guess there's also the matter with Noire, too."

"Hm?"

"I, um… I like her." I mumble, looking down into my lap, feeling my cheeks immediately light aflame.

I can hear Blanc stifle a giggle. "I had a feeling. You two have had quite the chemistry since the gala. But I suppose the reason you haven't acted on it is the this same fear?"

"I think that… maybe I have liked her for some time, it's just that I hadn't realized it yet, but that's also part of it." I shake my head. "But, you see, before, in high school. My old girlfriend. When we started going out, things sort of changed in our friend group. Like, it was subtle, but I could feel that I wasn't as close with some of the girls I had been good friends with before. Like they were keeping their distance. Melanie brought it up, and they said that they didn't want to cause any misunderstandings, even if they knew we really liked each other, it was best to avoid causing anything bad. I'm just…. really scared of losing that with IF. We really are good friends, and I'm afraid that friendship might end up harmed if I act on my feelings, too. If I go to Lastation with the shop, I can always call, or do visits, or stay open late if she visits, that sort of thing, right? We can keep some semblance of the friendship there, despite the distance. But if we end up having to keep our distance because I acted on what I felt, then…"

...just how far would we end up drifting?

After all, while I had kept some contact with friends, it's not as if they visited often, as they had their own lives to attend to. We were close friends in high school, but with how often we talked with each other, it's hard to call them close friends today. Even if I had come to recognize that I might like Noire in that way, if I did anything about it, would I be repeating what happened again?

"Elliot, you might not like to hear this, but… that is a sacrifice you may have to make." Lady Blanc says after a moment of silence. "If you wish to have everything, you might end up with nothing."

"Ah…"

"My other advice would be… well, this one is harder to put into practice. No doubt, what your relationship becomes with Noire will influence your decision to move the shop. Therefore, I believe, it would be smarter to decide on moving the shop before making any decisions on Noire. But, I say this is harder to put into practice, because as you have just admitted, you do like her, presumably in a romantic sense."

I lightly nod at that.

"It will be very hard, unless the two of you really work at it, to pursue Noire romantically, but remain in Planeptune."

"So it's all in or nothing, huh?"

"Not necessarily, but… if you are going to try the middle path, you have to be prepared to work very hard. That, and time might not wait."

"Hm?"

"Well, it's not as if you're alone in this. Noire is a factor, as well. If Noire asks you out before you can decide to move the shop, what will you do?"

"I…. yeah… that's rough."

I think I'd be so happy that I wouldn't even think of saying no, no matter the consequences. And maybe, just a bit scared to say no as well. But the end result would end up the same

"Mhm. So, my advice would be to decisively—not hastily—decide on what to do about the shop. I want you to consider every factor, and then when you make a decision, do not hesitate on it, and move before doubts seep in. Once you do that, then you won't be so stressed, because the choice to move or not will no longer be a factor in your relationship with Noire."

"Ah… that makes sense. Thank you, Blanc. I'll keep it in mind."

"Lastly, I believe… that you should not be afraid." Lady Blanc says, taking my hands into hers. Similar to Lady Noire's, hers are divinely soft, indicating someone who takes very good care of them. Due to her stature, there's no need for her to lean down to look into my eyes, but regardless, it's as if she's pleading me to believe her. "While we are all friends with Noire, please believe me when I say that I will do my best not to treat you any differently, and neither will my sisters. I promise you that, on my position as a CPU of Lowee. I plan to go public with my boyfriend soon, so that will help clear misunderstandings as well.

"Secondly, I think that Rom and Ram don't care much for what you are to IF or Noire. As long as you remain kind and responsible in their eyes, then I am sure they will continue to look kindly up to you as an adult."

"Thank you, I… thank you. That encouragement means a lot to me. Hearing that fills me with a lot of courage."

"You are putting a lot on the line, I will not lie, regardless of what happens, but as long as you stay the course, you will have their support. And mine. Just… don't do anything bad. I don't think I can keep that promise if you were to cheat."

"I'd never—"

Lady Blanc smiles warmly at me, ruffling my hair. "I know you wouldn't. It was just an example. But… I am a little curious. How did it start?"

"Honestly… I think that it was the gala that kickstarted everything. I… really did think of her as a friend, but we just kind of connected really well that night. But I hadn't put together exactly what I felt until recently. I think that as you all helped me be a little more confident in myself and when it finally settled in my mind that… maybe being together with her wasn't such a wild idea out of my craziest dreams… it all came together and the blinders came off. Haha, but… IF's constant teasing probably helped, too, since because of her, Noire was always kind of on my mind."

I pause, scratching the back of my head as I look away.

"Ahaha, this is kind of embarrassing, isn't it?"

"Well, I'm glad you can admit it, at least. That's a step in the right direction."

"Did um, you know?"

"Truthfully, I thought that when I first met you, IF was just hiding your boyfriend status from Neptune because of the teasing storm that certainly would have dropped on her head. Though, as I got to know you, by the time of the gala, I was certain you two were just friends. I had a feeling after having asked IF about how you were after the gala, and she had quite the tale to tell about how Noire was suddenly acting quite shy around you."

"Ah…"

"Well, I won't confirm or deny Noire's feelings, because I want you to act on your own feelings, Elliot, but I think you know enough." She sighs, shaking her head. "Sadly though, I think time is not your ally, here."

"Hm?"

"Let's just say, hypothetically, that Noire does like you. Let's compare to say, IF. IF is very relaxed and would be more prone to taking things slower, and probably would wait for you to say something. Noire, however, is a very driven woman, and while she may have issues stating what she wants, I think her intent would be clear to you."

"Ah, I see."

"So, if she does reciprocate your feelings, you may find her asking before you make a decision on the shop."

"That's why you want me to decide decisively."

"Do not rush it, but keep it in mind that the sooner you choose and commit, the easier you'll find it."

"I see. Thank you."

"But, it is quite fortunate then, that with our plan to move you to Leanbox and hide out for a bit, that you have some time to clear your head. I'll also let Vert know a few things."

"A few things?"

"Ah, just some pointers she could use to help you keep your head clear. You should take this time to relax, Elliot. There's no need to constantly be bearing burden after burden. You deserve a break every now and then. That, and for full transparency so you aren't thrown off, I think you should not have access to your phone."

"Why?"

"Well, for one, it will take away one avenue for you to see news about you and Noire, which could influence your decision. Secondly, it means you don't have an easy way of contacting her, allowing your mind to remain somewhat detached from her."

"Oh. That's… a pretty good idea. Truthfully, though, I am a bit worried about staying with Lady Vert."

"Ah, I suppose there is some worry." Lady Blanc then furrows her eyebrows. "You aren't prone to sudden nosebleeds, are you?"

"No?"

"Then you're not in danger. Vert is heavy on the teasing side, but she wouldn't take it any further than that. It'll take a while to get used to her though, but that's all you need to know. Then again, you are probably the kind of person she'd want to get the rise out of the most. You do react to things quite easily."

"I'm sorry I can't be calm all the time."

"Well, regardless, I believe that's all I have to say for tonight unless you have something you'd like to ask me."

"Oh, nothing… oh well, I guess even if I move to Lastation, please know that Ram and Rom are welcome to volunteer any time."

Lady Blanc smiles as she walks for the door. "I see. I'm sure that'll make them quite happy. Good luck, Elliot, and I'm rooting for you. If you ever need any advice, don't hesitate to ask. Not just because it involves you, but everyone involved in this are my friends."

I nod as Lady Blanc opens the door. "Thanks again, and I will. Good night, Blanc. Tell Rom and Ram I said hi."

"They'll be glad to hear it."

After Lady Blanc leaves, closing the door behind her, I immediately go and run a bath, thankful to have a moment to myself.

After soaking in a bath for some time and then getting dressed in my pajamas, I look out the window in my bedroom, stewing in my thoughts. While it's fantastic to have this burden of hiding myself lifted, I can't help but wonder what would've happened if I didn't. Or if I had chosen any other time.

If I had say, just visited Lady Noire even a day later, I would've missed meeting Gregory, and thus missed his request right then and there to move the shop. It might've come later, but… maybe if it had been another time, I might've been stronger about it.

But… I guess this is the hand I was dealt. I'll just have to make the best of it.


"How was your talk with Blanc last night?" IF asks, breaking the silence as we wait around at a terminal in a smaller airport that's generally used for private jets compared to the international airport of Lastation. Since it's a smaller airport, there's no one really around, or at least, not as many prying eyes and ears.

IF of course, isn't dressed as she usually is, instead opting for a sleeker, more professional look with a pinstriped suit, though the fabric on the inside is a dark blue as if to mimic her coat. She's even got on a matching black newsboy hat. I'm dressed in somewhat similar clothing, albeit it's more business casual, with black khakis and a red short sleeved button up.

"It went alright." I say back, looking down at my lunch IF bought, which is a half finished warmed turkey-club with bacon. "She mostly just thanked me for everything and I asked about the twins."

"Ah, I see." IF says, leaning back against the wall. "Well, aside from that, got everything?"

"Yeah, I made sure to double check before we left the hotel." I say, nodding. "Oh, and right, I got it while you were in the bathroom earlier."

"Hm? Oh, come on…" IF grumbles, but I can tell it's not serious as I present her with a box of caramel filled chocolates. "I told you that you didn't have to."

"Well, more specifically, you said save it for after everything goes well. And it did, so."

"I swear, I'm going to end up with another pants size if I keep visiting you…"

"Just go for a run, huh?" I say, laughing as IF takes the box. "So, we're still on for that vacation, right?"

"Yep. You'll look into it while you're hanging out at Leanbox?"

"Yeah. Still thinking the ski trip?"

Even with everything going on in my life right now, last night I decided I at least wanted to do this much. If I do move the shop, it might be the last time in a while that IF and I can hang out like this. So, I want to make sure I make some good memories of it.

"You know, we're going to end up doing nothing but drinking hot chocolate in the lounge all day." IF says, chuckling. "Make sure to find one with a ski lodge that has a lot of stuff for us to do inside."

"Come on, not even a snowball fight?"

"Well, you can't snowball fight for eight hours straight…"

"Is that a challenge?"

Our conversation is interrupted by the local PA system. "Attention, Red Airlines Flight 9029, departing to Leanbox Fairway Private Airport, will begin preboarding momentarily. All passengers, please have your boarding pass ready."

I get up, hastily stuffing my sandwich into one of my bag's free pockets before reaching inside my jacket to grab my boarding pass.

"Hey." IF says as I adjust the straps on my backpack. "...be careful, okay?"

"You told me she'd do nothing but tease, though."

"Oh, no, no, not about that." IF says, smiling in a way that can't mean anything good. "I'm just saying that, you already have Noire, so it'll get kind of troublesome if you make Vert fall for you too, you know?"

"Eh?"

IF nods, as if she were a great sage. "Two goddesses fighting over you would certainly take a toll on your sanity, not to mention the articles about Elliot, the Great Playboy."

"Oi."

"Just keep your hands off of Nep, okay? Otherwise you answer to me. As much as I hate to admit it, I have to act like her dad sometimes, so I'm obligated to beat you up if you try for her."

"How about before you keep needling me about this, you get hitched with Compa already, then?"

IF rolls her eyes at this, with not even a blush on her. I'm willing to bet she's heard that a thousand times at this point.

"Well, for one, I'm not Compa's type. You know, unlike you and Noire."

I can only sigh at this as IF immediately turns it back on me.

"Guess I'll start walking to my terminal, then. You should be all right from here."

"Yeah. See you later, IF."

"See you later, Elliot."

With one last parting wave, the two of us walk in opposite directions. I look back just once, finding IF waving, as if she knew I was going to do that. She laughs, then changing her wave to be one telling me to look where I'm going.

Unlike last time something like this happened though, there's no "normal" that we can return. After all, with my name being out there, this is the new normal. But at least I don't have to live on eggshells anymore, that I'll be outed somehow.

All I've got to do now though, is just figure out just what I want to do about the shop and everyone in my life.

And well… hope that everything turns out okay.


Yeeeeeah hi I put down Satisfactory long enough to actually uhhhh… do this. I had it like, halfway written, the the update dropped, and then time kind of just flew by.

Truthfully, it's also been a lack of time on my part. The world's going back to normal, so I'm trying to find a good time balance. I help a pal out with editing his Japanese translations, work on my own classes, my like 1.5 hour commute to work via train, and trying to find some relaxation time, it's been uh, rough.

Fortunately I'm starting to finally work something out, where I think I can get some time to write while I'm on the train, but I'm not really at my best at 7am in the morning, haha. Well, either way, it should let me get some additional time in for writing, and maybe we can get back to the old two weeks per update schedule.

Not a ton to say for this chapter, other than it was a lot of set up for the coming conflicts. I did enjoy adding the complexity to this one that unlike with IF holding back in the original, Noire might actually confess before Elliot is ready to move his shop, which is somewhat a call back to the original as she was the one who made the first move.

Either way, the Leanbox saga is next. Sorry for this one being a shorter chapter than usual, but I didn't want to just drag it out, and it didn't need as many scenes as the previous one.

See you all next time!