After I chased Lan around the hotel for a little bit, we headed back to our rooms. We needed some time to think about what everything means.
"My sister just texted me, the meeting is actually tomorrow afternoon. All the CPU's will be there. Uni included." It feels like this is all happening really fast for me.
"Hmm, I know it's a big deal that you're back…But why are they rushing so much?" I thought so too!
"You feel the same? It's only been a few days, but I'm being like…reintegrated? Very quickly." It feels as if they're trying to get me up to speed as fast as possible.
'Woah! You sure catch on quick!' is what my sister said when I texted her. 'It's complicated, but basically we have to re-introduce you to the citizens. That's what the meeting is going to be about more or less! Re-introduce?
'People have been seeing you around town and are freaking out! So, we have to say something. Oh, makes sense.
'Oh, your…' Is it a typo? 'Husband, can come…I guess. But he can't be present during the actual meeting. You know, confidential thingies.' Okay?
I tell Lan what my sister and I were talking about and he just smirked.
"Hehe, I get to play games while you work." It makes me mad how cute and infuriating he is.
I try to ignore his comment and realize something important.
"How are we going to go to the Dogoo tag!?" Lan gasps as he makes the same realization.
We both crumble to our knees in disbelief and sorrow.
"Guess we gotta wait until we come back again." Yeah, we can always come back now!
"Good idea! It's something to look forward to." We will always have a home here!
"Yeah, wish we could stay longer."
"Me too, we could only schedule so many days off though." We have bills to pay now that we have a house.
"Right, we'll have more chances though."
"True enough!"
We get cozy in our bed squished right up against each other as we do our nightly routine of watching spooky videos. It's pretty early to sleep, but we're exhausted.
Before we go to bed though…
"What should we do about Uni? Serious answers only."
"Darn." Yeah, yeah. You had enough fun with that today.
After he got more comfy and laid his head on my chest, he gave me some of his thoughts.
"I think it's completely up to you how to handle it. You might be aware, but I am terrible with those things." I was aware.
"Based on what Noire said though, it sounds like she wants to start over." That's the impression I got as well.
"That's more than a little troubling…" What if she won't take no for an answer? What if I fall for her again?
Lan, seemingly noticing my worries, pokes me on the cheek "Hey, do you love me?"
"Y-Yes! I do!" More than anyone!
"Then I know you'll be just fine."
I looked down at him, a little puzzled.
"Uhhhh, basically, I know you!" Why is he getting embarrassed?
"I don't get it." I tell him plainly.
He groans, but continues nonetheless. "We have plans…for the future. You know, like expanding the house. Having kids…and stuff. Coming back here even."
"Right? And?"
"Everyday, you make small steps towards that goal. That's how you've been since I've known you. Nothing ever gets in your way. Sometimes you feel as if you can't do it, but you always pull through anyway."
"Oh, um, thank you Lan. It makes me happy you see me that way…" Now he's got me embarrassed.
"On the other hand, everything in your way is pretty much dealt with thoroughly so it doesn't bother you later." What is he getting at here?
"It's easy for me to do this because I honestly don't really care about people like you do."
"Ah, you want me to treat her as an obstacle?" He nods. I kind of understand what he's saying but…
"I can't do that, Lan." She had/has feelings for Nepgear, I can't just treat her like that.
"Yeah, I figured. Just thought I'd put my thoughts out there." Honestly… I would like to be friends with her if possible.
"Oh!" Lan turns his head to look at me.
"I can just make her my friend!"
Lan gets up and looks at me…then bursts out laughing.
"Wh-what's so funny!? I think it's a good idea…" Is it that silly?
Once he's done with his chuckle fest he finally speaks. "I didn't think such a simple solution would make you sound like you had an epiphany."
"I-it's very complex and well thought-out actually!" I turn my head away and pout.
"If it's so simple, why didn't you come up with it!"
"I'm not that interested in her." Right, why would he be!
"But if you're going to make an effort, then I will too."
"Thanks, Lan."
"You're doing the heavy lifting here, I'm just trying not to embarrass you too much."
I nod and smile at him while I think about all the times he's supported me just like this.
"You always say you aren't interested, but once we get started on something you give it 100%."
He turns away from me. "Well, when my wife tries so hard it starts to interest me as well." Awww
"Hehe, then I can count on you to support me here as well then?" I give him a mischievous smile and scoot closer to him.
I can see his face start to turn bright red as I get closer "...Hmph" Hahaha, now he's the one pouting.
I inch up even closer and lay my head in his lap.
"I appreciate your service~" I say it while trying to give it as much charm as I'm able.
"...I feel like I ended up getting teased."
"Why would you think that? I just want some attention from my husband!" It's both actually.
He gives in and sighs as he pats my head. Charm attack successful!
"I'll play along with your scheme this time…" You always say that. But, I get you every time anyway.
"Thanks hubby~!" I snuggle into his chest and I can hear his muffled groans. Hehehe, he loves it when I act like this.
"Can we go to bed now? I'm tired…"
I giggle as I let him go and move back to the head of the bed. "Roger!" I salute him and duck under the covers.
"You're in for it when we get back home." He crawls up next to me and gets under as well.
"I can hardly wait!"
"You get cheekier everyday." he sighs and tucks himself in. "Goodnight, Lily."
"Goodnight, dear!"
With that we turn off the lights and drift off.
I'm sure whatever is coming my way we can handle together!
…Is what I thought last night.
I wake up in the morning to the sound of the door to our room opening.
It must be Lan.
I get up and slowly open my eyes. In front of me are two people. One smaller clone of me, and a smaller clone of Noire.
I quickly grab look to my right and see Lan sleeping soundly. I shake him awake by both arms. "Lan! The clones are attacking! They're executing order 66!"
"Hebvybsibjfbsjoubsobf" Exactly!
"I'm no clone! If anything I'm one of the guys with the beam swords!" Oh, it's Neptune. Wait, what?
"You uh, wear that to bed?" The Noire clone asked as I look down and realize I'm still in my pajamas. They're a little revealing, but comfy! Hold on.
"GET OUT OF OUR ROOM!" I take anything within reach and start throwing it. Lan is still recovering.
"Okay okay okay! Geez, relax youngling!" With that they vacate the room.
"Haah, haah, haah." I'm trying to catch my breath when Lan finally wakes up.
"Was that your sister and Noire?" I think so! "...So they just walked in here?" YUP!
"...Maybe we need to talk to your sister before Uni?"
"Ughhhhh, how did they get in hereeee! And why was Noire so small!?"
Lan hands me a cup of tea he just brewed. How fast!
"CPU privilege? Also, that's gotta be Uni right?" That makes sense.
*sippp* I take a long satisfying sip of my tea before what he said sinks in.
"What!? I have to deal with this first thing!? I thought I had like…3 hours!" I need time to prepare something!
"No time like the present?" Very helpful.
Why is everyday here like this?
So! They meet! Completely suddenly and unexpectedly! Neptune, what are you thinking!? You gotta be denser than a rock to take Uni there! Well, I'm sure there's a reason. Next time is gonna be trouble for the both of them. I'm still going to do the Neptune and Lan chapter, just not yet. Lot of setup I feel needs to be done after thinking about it. Now is the time for the funny scream. No thought. Just "AAaa". Everyone except Lan is screaming on the inside right now. Ahahahaha! MUAHAHAAHA! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
