Chapter 18: She Came From Planeptune (Part 2)
How am I supposed to believe this?
Isn't the CPU of Planeptune supposed to be Neptune as Dengekiko said?
Perhaps Plutia is either mistaken… or Neptune is her actual name.
"If that's the case, then are you sure your name isn't actually Neptune?" I ask.
"My name is definitely Plutia. Neptune is another CPU of Planeptune though," she says casually.
Is she telling me there are TWO CPUs in Planeptune?!
That can't be real!
Why would a nation need two goddesses?!
"Interesting," I say, still in disbelief.
She materializes a doll right in front of me, holding it up.
"This is what Neptune looks like," she says.
So that's Neptune.
It may be only a doll but at least I have something to match the name with so I'll be able to identify the real one if we happen to meet.
Considering that Rom and Ram look like Blanc, does that mean Purple Sister looks like Neptune?
Anyway, back to Plutia.
"I see. Thanks for clearing that up," I say.
"You're welcome," she says.
Let's go ahead and jump straight to the point I think we're slowly getting to, otherwise we'll be talking all day.
"Allow me to cut to the chase. You need to get back to Planeptune. Is that right?" I question.
"Exactly that! However, the thing is that I could go back but I'm unable to return to my Planeptune," she answers.
Her Planeptune?
Is it comprised of two parts or something?
"What do you mean by that?" I inquire.
She gasps, seeming to have remembered something.
"Oh yeah! That's right! I'm from the Ultradimension version of Planeptune," she replies.
U-Ultradimension?
"Like… another dimension entirely?" I scratch my head.
"Yep! Pretty cool, huh?" She says.
That actually sounds crazy and it's definitely asking a lot of me to believe in it but I also don't think Plutia has anything to gain from lying to me.
I'll take her at her word as ridiculous as it seems.
"If you can't go back to your Planeptune then maybe it's best to go to this dimension's version since you know Neptune and she's probably your best chance of getting back to the Ultradimension," I say.
"I know I said I could do that but I actually can't access HDD currently," she says.
"Of course you can't," I sigh, letting my head hang with discontent.
"Even if I was able, Neppy and the others always tell me not to use it unless truly necessary," she explains.
A sudden harsh chill crawls up my spine as she says that.
Surely that's just a coincidence.
"So what are you going to do from here?" I ask.
"Well, I was hoping you would let me stay for a couple of days until my HDD returns and my memory clears up completely," she answers.
Something deep inside is actively telling me not to turn her away.
"Of course you can!" I say ecstatically.
"Yay! Thank you so much!" She exclaims, tackling me with a hug.
"My pleasure," I chuckle, hugging her back as she's on top of me.
She giggles, smiling.
I don't know why but it feels like Plutia and I have met before.
It's so strange but maybe it's just my mind confusing her for someone else.
"You're going to need a nickname, Mr. Leon," she says.
"What do you have in mind?" I question.
"I was thinking Lenny or Lonny but I don't think they fit at all," she says.
"I'm sure you'll figure something out," I say.
Staying on me, she looks around, trying to find something to give her a suitable nickname for me.
Looking over at the coffee table, she realizes a manga volume of One Date Man is sitting on it.
Reaching for the book, she picks it up and examines it.
"Ruruichi?" She says.
"That's my pseudonym for my books; a pen name," I clarify.
Probably should've not revealed that as fast I did.
"Oooh, I know now! I'll call you Rurui," she decides.
"That works but please don't say that name out in public or my face won't be so secret anymore," I say.
"Okay. So do you happen to have a nickname for me?" she says, putting the book back down.
For some reason, Plu and Plutie are the first names that quickly come to mind.
I'll go with Plu because it feels like I'm stealing someone else's nickname for her if I say Plutie.
Plu also resonates with me much more.
"Plu. Do you like it?" I question.
"I love it," she answers.
"Glad to hear it," I say.
After a few minutes, the dryer beeps, having finished.
Finally.
"Hey, Plu. Mind getting off of me so I can get your warm clothes?" I say.
"No need. I actually like wearing only this jacket. Besides, your body is already so warm," she says, snuggling up with me.
"P-Plu. You really shouldn't be getting all cozy with a stranger," I say.
"Stranger? But you're my friend, Rurui so it's okay," she says.
"How am I supposed to do my work when you're practically holding me hostage on the couch?" I struggle to escape her clutches.
"Put it off until tomorrow," she suggests.
"Fine, can we at least watch TV and eat snacks too," I sigh.
"Now you're speaking my language," she says cheerfully.
Lounging on the couch together, we stuff our faces with chips and the like while watching some random anime that happened to be on, several hours passing by fast.
Both of us yawn.
Man, it's so late already.
"Alright, time to hit the hay," I say.
"You said it. I'm exhausted," she says, yawning some more.
I take her to my bedroom.
"You can sleep in my bed while you're here," I say.
Seems like I'll be on the couch yet again.
How great.
"Where are you heading off to?" She questions, noticing I'm about to turn around.
"The couch," I say.
She unzips the jacket I gave her, letting it hit the ground.
"I don't mind sharing the bed at all, Rurui. Get those clothes off and join me," she beckons me with a finger.
I don't think she realizes how sexual she's coming across as but I guess that's just how she is.
I'll gladly take her up on sharing the bed because unlike last time, this has no risk attached to it.
After removing my jacket and clothes, she pulls me into bed with her, cuddling under the soft blanket in our underwear.
She rests my head on her chest and lovingly strokes my head, whisking me towards sleep faster.
"G… Good night, Plu," I say tiredly.
"Good night, Rurui," she says.
In a very strange and meandering sort of way, it kinda feels like I'm back home.