Chapter 8: First Day Back
"Ugh, finally." IF grumbles as she finally gets to the register.
"Sorry, there's been so many orders." I say, trying to catch a breath.
It's the first day back since the news hit that Noire and I were spotted holding hands. Neither of us denied that we were a couple now, which created an insane media buzz. Of course, that brought a ton of attention to my shop, which quickly filled as soon as it was open.
Fortunately, IF also came early, helping to maintain a level of order and moving reporters or at least pushing them to at least buy something instead of just hanging around, as I'm a one man show right now and can't get to the tables to ask them to head out if they're just going to loiter around.
"But IF, you can just come up straight to the register if you're helping like this. I'll take your order then."
"No, it's fine."
"Alright, if you insist. If I had known, I'd have set something aside for you."
She waves it off before giving me a simple order of an iced coffee.
Really, I wish I had doubled up on the coffee I drank before starting work, because handling this many people is straight up exhausting.
Normally, I get a break starting at around ten in the morning, when most of the morning rush has slowed down. Today, it isn't until eleven fifteen that the big waves of people finally recede, though with all the news vans parked on the street, I'm a little uneasy with all of the eyes and cameras I know are definitely on me.
"Good work." IF says as I plop down on a stool, eager to let my legs rest.
"Thanks. Don't you have guild work, though?"
"You can thank Nep, actually. This is my work, since she specifically directed me here. She might be kind of lazy sometimes, but when it comes to her friends, well… if Nep directed all of that energy into her actual work, sometimes I wonder just how far ahead Planeptune might be compared to everyone else."
"Geez… I'll have to get her a cake as thanks. Or actually just a truckload of pudding."
"You mean that figuratively, right?"
"Well, this is Neptune we're talking about…"
IF chuckles, shaking her head. "I guess that's true. Don't let her catch you saying that, though. You'll get her hopes up too high."
"What, is she going to ask me to fill up a pool with pudding for her to swim in?"
"I wouldn't put it past her."
Our conversation is put on pause as I hear some buzzing. Ah, it's my phone.
"Go ahead and answer it. I gotta use the bathroom anyways."
"Alright." I say, checking who it is. Ah, it's Noire. "Good morning, Noire."
"Hey, I just wanted to see how you were doing this morning. I heard from Neptune that it's been a wreck."
"Haha, not really a wreck, it's just busier than usual. Things finally slowed down. How about you?"
"Our usual weekly briefing with reporters was more chaotic than normal. Usually it's for keeping citizens updated with any projects or plans Lastation has for the future, but… well, you know what's been on everyone's minds."
"Yeah… I'm sure it'll fade away."
"Maybe. Oh, and Serena said she wants to have us back on the show next week. Since we aren't as concerned about hiding it, are you fine if we fly you in Thursday night for the Friday show?"
"That shouldn't be a problem, I think. Let me check my calendar."
"There's not too much rush. Can you just let me know by Wednesday?"
"Sure thing."
"Okay, well, I have another meeting, but… do your best, Elliot."
"You too, Noire. Um, usually there's a lull in customers around seven, so…"
"I'll call! Um, uh, I mean, if that's what you were leading to."
"Mhm. I'll be looking forward to your call, then."
"I'll text you just to make sure you're free, then."
"Thanks. Do your best today, too."
"Mhm."
After a few more rounds of goodbyes, we end the call. When I look up, IF is sitting back at the counter, the biggest grin on her face.
"I'm surprised there was still snow on the mountain with how passionate that was."
"Sh, shut up!"
IF snickers as I put my phone away, trying to cover my face. "Is it really so embarrassing?"
"My defense stat is really low."
"Aw, come on, I thought it was kind of high."
"I mean, it's just… it's like a dream, really. I know that just thinking about Noire makes me feel happy, and that I'm a little bit cheesy about this stuff, so when it gets pointed out, I get all self conscious about it."
"Hahaha, hey, nothing wrong with that, you know? I'm sure she's getting it from all of her coworkers, too. Nothing's been on everyone's mind since the announcement."
"Blanc's announcement didn't get as much traction."
"True, but, again, no one wants to get on Blanc's bad side. Plus, she just came out about it right away. You've had this mounting pressure since the day of the gala, so there's so much more mystery to dig into. You know, you ended up doing this to yourself."
"I know…" I groan, IF laughing again. "I feel like I should've just sucked it up, back then."
"Well, you didn't know it would spiral into this, hehheh. The you back then would never have imagined actually dating Noire."
"It's completely like a dream. Every day I go to bed, I'm scared that I'll suddenly wake up, and it'll be all gone."
IF only chuckles at that, drinking her coffee.
The day goes by as normally as it can, though in the afternoon surge after work lets out for most people, IF has to go on guard duty and push people along. Fortunately, I'm only delayed by a little bit, and manage to get free around seven fifteen, where I text Noire to let her know I'm free as the shop has cleared out.
"Wah!"
I nearly drop my phone as the call comes through not even thirty seconds after I sent it.
"H-hey."
"Um, hey."
"C, can you video call?"
"Oh, um, sure."
I quickly fumble around on my phone, pressing the video call button. On my screen comes Noire, dressed as she usually is, at her desk. Her phone is on a stand, I think, or leaned up against something as she waves.
"Made it through the day okay?"
"Yeah. It's wild and busy, but I made it through. I think this'll be the worst of it, though. How about you?"
"Well… you know what everyone was talking about. I hope it does fade away soon."
"Neptune was a big help, though. She sent IF here to keep everyone in line."
"You don't owe me anything, Noire! Oh, but next time I visit, can you get me one of those coffee cakes from that bakery we usually went to?"
"Oh, she's there? Thanks for the help, IF. I'll be sure to do that next time you visit."
"Heeeeeey, heeey, lover boy!"
The entrance door chimes alongside a new voice being heard. Of course, it's Lady Neptune, sauntering up with a too-big-to-mean-anything-good smile on her face.
IF puts a finger to her own mouth, clearly smiling. "Quiet, Nep, he's flirting with her over the phone."
"Oh, I'll be sure to be REEEEEEEALLY quiet!"
"We are not flirting!"
"We are not flirting!"
"Oh, they're already at the point they sync up with each other." IF says, suppressing a snicker, whereas Lady Neptune is failing.
"I wonder how long they've been hiding this."
"I can hear you two."
"I know."
"Hehehehe, anyways, Elliot! I require five servings of pudding!"
"Right away, Neptune."
The girls talk among themselves as I quickly gather up the requested bowls of pudding, with Lady Neptune handing me her card after I deliver them.
"So, as for why I'm here…"
Lady Neptune stops eating her pudding to take her card back when I'm done with it, then fishes around her coat pockets before taking out two blue tickets, which she hangs in front of the phone so Noire can see them.
"Cruise tickets?"
"Mhm! Leanbox is really pretty this time of year. Though not as pretty as here! The summer might make it a little hot, but well, hehheh, with you two there, I think the heat won't be an issue."
I tilt my head, looking at the tickets. "Oh, I recognize this one from all the ads. It's a night cruise, right?"
"Mhm, mhm. So, make some dinner plans~"
"Oi, why not Lastation?"
"And let you two have a big date in your own city, where everyone is paying attention to your every move?"
"...fair point."
"Plus, it lets Blanc have her own date night too. Vert runs some interference by making some noise, Blanc pulls some attention by being spotted with her boyfriend, and you two get to have a cute date night."
"...what's in it for you?"
"Hey, that's mean! Even I can help my friends out like this without wanting anything in return! But if Elly can get me a literal truckload of pudding, we'll call it even!"
"Can we split fifty-fifty on the production costs?"
"Deal!"
"Don't encourage her!"
"Plus it gives alllll of the candidates an excuse to come visit Nepgear~ With their big sisters out with their manly men, well, they can come hang out over here!"
"And what are you going to be doing?"
"Well, if Elly can get it fast enough, literally swimming in pudding."
"You did all of this just for that, didn't you?"
"Maaaaybe~"
"Neeeeptune…"
"Wah, Noire's angry! Go, Elly, I choose you! Use Virtual Hug to calm your girlfriend down!"
"Huh? Wha, er, um… do I even know that move?"
My question sends Neptune into a fit of giggles, and even IF can't suppress her laughter anymore.
"We'll work on your speed stat from now on, okay?" IF adds on, causing Lady Neptune to break out into even more laughter. "Every morning, we'll go running from the press."
"I'm stealing your motorcycle. I hear it gives a five hundred speed stat boost."
IF heartily laughs at that one as I look back at the tickets. This isn't immediately right away, but it's a little shorter than I'd like. I'll have to think of where to get dinner.
My thoughts are interrupted as I see Lady Neptune wave to me out of the corner of my eye. She slides something across the counter where Noire can't see it. Ah, it's a pamphlet for some of the various riverside restaurants, and one of them is circled. I nod, understanding, with Lady Neptune sending a wink my way.
Even if she's not very serious about most things, Lady Neptune gives it her all when it comes to supporting her friends, huh?
"Do you even know how to ride it, though?"
"I'll figure it out."
"I can teach you, Elliot. I know how to ride one, too."
"Really? That'd be great, Noire."
"I'll see if I can't find a weekend to come teach you." She says, smiling on the camera.
"Then, when you do, let me know what you'd like for your meals. I'll be glad to prepare them for you." I say, returning the smile.
"Hmm, I think you can surprise me for breakfast. I know you'll do a good job. I'll let you know about the others, though."
"Then, I'll make sure to stock up on all of my ingredients, for whatever you'd like to have."
"Nep, save me, I think the sugar in my bloodstream is starting to kill me."
"I would, but I'm paralyzed by the sugar, too…!"
"Then quit stuffing your mouth with pudding!"
I can't help but chuckle at their antics, with Lady Noire sighing, but looking happy to hear their playful bickering.
After about an hour, Noire has to go do a bit more work, but wishes me a good night (and is harassed by Lady Neptune to good night kiss the screen, prompting her to immediately end the call). Lady Neptune heads out as well, but IF says she'll stay for a bit longer.
"Here, by the way." IF says, breaking the silence as I wait out the last few minutes before really calling it a night.
"Hm?" I ask, IF handing me a sealed, large brown envelope.
"Kei asked me to give it to you. She said that she could send it through the mail, but figured it would be faster if she sent it to Nep and then had either her or me give it to you."
"Oh, I see." I say, taking the envelope. "Kei, huh? Oh, I think I know what this is."
IF smiles, leaning up against the counter. "It has to do with moving the shop, right?"
"...maybe."
"So you're really moving?"
"It's… still up the in the air. I just wanted to take a look at the terms they were offering for renting the place out. Kei offered to take a look at it for any shenanigans they try to pull on me, now that my name is fairly well known."
"Well, she is basically Noire's parent at times, so I can understand her wanting to support her and you. That, and I think she feels a little responsible for all of this."
I can't help but laugh a bit. "If Kei had never asked me to go with Noire to the gala, none of this would've happened, huh?"
"Yeah, it's kind of crazy to think about it. So, you're not going to go if the terms aren't favorable?"
"It's part of it. I'd like to ideally be, you know, in the same place that White Rabbit was at. It's not strictly necessary, but if I'm going to move there, I think I should at least fulfill my mentor's wish."
"Mhm, I can understand that. So if it looks good, you're going?"
"That's…"
"Come on, Elliot, you're basically already there." IF says, a knowing smile on her face. "I know our friendship's important to you, but you can't let me hold you back."
Those words are eerily familiar, aren't they? They're the same sentiment I sent Melanie off with, when we broke up. Even though I've mostly gotten over it, it's an uncomfortable feeling.
"I know, it's just…"
IF sighs, but smiles. "You really are too sentimental for your own good sometimes. Sheesh, I'm going to have to tell Noire all the usual things I end up looking out for, since she'll be closer to you."
"Oi, you make it sound like you have a manual on me or something."
"Hmm, do I, I wonder?" IF says with a teasing grin. "Maybe I should tell her where you're ticklish."
"How the hell would you even have that information?"
"Your ex-girlfriend, for one."
…she would tell them, wouldn't she?
"I'm pretty sure I could sell it to Noire."
"You wouldn't dare."
IF only snickers, and I suppose that she's hung around Lady Neptune enough to pick up a few of her mischievous habits.
"I don't know, Elliot, maybe if you give me a slice of cake, I'll happen to 'forget' to talk to her about it."
I roll my eyes and sigh. "What flavor?"
"Red velvet, please!"
"Make sure to run an extra lap tomorrow, okay?"
IF sticks her tongue out at me as I pack the cake into a to-go box and slide it over to her. "Get a good night's sleep, okay? This is only day one, so it won't fade off just yet."
I wave her off. "I know, I know. Someone, though, is keeping me up."
IF laughs, getting up from her seat at the counter and heading for the door. I watch her mount up onto her motorcycle, then wave before she takes off into the night. Well, time to clean up.
It's about an hour, doing the last few checks, before I take the envelope and the pamphlet from Lady Neptune up to my room. It's now or never, huh.
I take a few breaths before cutting open the envelope from Kei. Setting the cutter aside, I tepidly take out the forms. It's not a super long contract, but it's a sizable chunk of paper, made heavier by the sticky-notes that Kei has left, highlighting all sorts of clauses and segments I should be aware of.
I meticulously read through all of it, and then find there's one last paper that isn't stapled to it.
Ah, it's Kei's summary and thoughts.
"In summary, Elliot, it's a good deal. Based on your current finances you've shared with me, you should not have any issues maintaining your cafe should you move even after accounting for any differences in pricing between Planeptune and Lastation. With the gathered data on customer interest should you open in Lastation, I believe your traffic will be just as much as you regularly experience, if not more.
"If you wish to discuss in further detail, please contact me at this number."
It's signed with her name at the bottom.
…thanks, Kei.
I fall down onto my bed, looking up at the ceiling I've come to know for years, holding the packet of papers close over my chest.
…it'd be really easy if I couldn't move, huh. The decision would've been made for me.
I know everyone's telling me to just pick up and move, and I think it might be the better choice, but…
Am I really… prepared to leave it all? Planeptune has been really good to me. I have a lot of friends here. Gregory's here, too. And… it would be a game changer for the friendship IF and I have. I know that I have to make sacrifices, but it's just… that's a heck of a sacrifice. One that leaves me wondering if there's a way to somehow make it work without having to give up either.
Ha… I know there probably isn't. There's not going to be any convenient way out like that, is there, like some mystical power awakening in me that lets me teleport or something like that.
But, I guess… with all of this knowledge in my head, I need to talk to someone about it. And there's only one person who I can really turn to.
Taking out my phone, I scroll through the contacts and dial.
"...hey, Blanc. Sorry to disturb you so late. No, no, it's nothing urgent, it's just… is it possible to make some time to talk in the next few weeks? There's something important I want to consult you on."
Sorry it took so long to get this out despite being quite short, but I didn't think it jived well with the scenes in the next chapter so I cut it off. As you didn't know, I actually just moved halfway across the country for work and have been taking some time to adjust. Additionally, I'm working out all the shenanigans to start a business and also get my book published. Art's going to take a while to come through so it'll be a while, but I do want to have it out by this year.
Really it's mostly just been the move and all the fall out afterwards. I actually almost died moving, too, via a truck going a little too fast and a lucky shoulder escape that prevented me from getting ramrodded by said truck. Good times.
But either way, I am here, ready, and finally back on the site. Sorry for the waaaay longer delay than expected.
