panzana | open rp / overflow post

Oh. I see.

[Not really. He never would have guessed that. Judging by the concerned expression Rover is giving him now, that must have been common knowledge. Why doesn't Nicola remember it, then? Not wanting to worry him further, he gives the other man a bright, reassuring smile.]

Don't worry, I will. Take it easy in the meantime.

[ With their conversation done, Rover gives Nicola a small wave before leaving the medical examination room. The doctors will be moving Nicola to a proper hospital room soon, so they try to finish off his remaining tests as quickly as possible, so the young foreigner can finally settle down and continue resting without any more interruptions. All the questions must've been exhausting for someone who is still recovering.

Later on, the doctors mention to Nicola that he'll be staying in the hospital bay for about three days if nothing else comes up. They need to make sure that he's in top condition before they let him go. They're also hoping to find out if any of Nicola's memories will return over the next few days, or if Nicola is going to end up like Rover who can't get it back no matter what. The kind female medic is the one assigned to continue nursing Nicola since they believe that someone who he's already comfortable with will help with the recovery.

It's the first day and it's only been a few hours since Rover left. Nicola is now in a warm and clean hospital room, the television playing old records of classic programs that have long been lost in this world. ]

[Nicola waves back before Rover leaves the room, and so begins his hospital stay. The television is yet another wondrous new piece of technology to him and browses through the selection of programs until he settles on one that he wants to marathon: Master Chef. It's just the distraction he needs right now. His new medic friend brings him dinner later and they discover that Nicola isn't very familiar with Huanglong cuisine, nor does he know how to use chopsticks. That's not unusual for a foreigner. So he ends up needing to be taught to use chopsticks in order to eat his food, but he learns quicker than expected. It will take some time until he can use them as naturally as a Huanglong native, but the medic reassures him that she's confident he'll master them. She also discovers that he's a picky eater; the parts of the dish that he didn't like are left untouched on his plate.

The rest of the first day passes uneventfully. During the afternoon of the second day, the doctors want to test Nicola's Forte. He has no idea what that means, which causes some concern. They find it even more alarming that he doesn't even know what Resonators, Tacet Marks, Tacet Discords, Tacet Fields, or the Waveworn Phenomenon are, nor is he aware that he himself has a Tacet Mark on his body. Once he's told where it is, Nicola takes a peek under his gown and finds the Tacet Mark on his chest. The sight of it immediately triggers a flashback to the moment he received his fatal wound in his previous life. His Tacet Mark is in the same exact spot that his killer's knife plunged itself into. He recalls the killer saying Nicola's full name in a shaky voice and the sight of Dante covered in Nicola's blood, holding him and looking down at him with a look of such shock and despair...

The disturbing realization causes Nicola to have an anxiety attack, which in turn causes him to become dangerously close to Overclocking. His medic friend comforts him once again, but he isn't able to calm down completely so he's given a small dose of alprazolam. The doctors decide to postpone the tests and the medic stays by Nicola's side as the medicine kicks in, soon calming down and falling asleep for a few hours. When he wakes up, he apologizes for causing trouble and insists on going through with the tests. He understands how important it is after being educated on everything earlier.

Nicola won't talk about what he remembered, but they do suspect that he must have regained a traumatic memory to react like that from seeing his Tacet Mark. Perhaps it had to do with the circumstances of his Awakening. They don't press him on it, however, and proceed with the tests. The female medic holds Nicola's hand the entire time to help ease his nerves and the tests are completed without any further issues. They also do some tests to assess his physical fitness and conclude that while he is still understandably weak from being bedridden for the past couple of days, he is otherwise in great shape.

He barely gets any sleep the second night. The doctors do a final round of tests the next morning and conclude that Nicola can be safely discharged. They tell him that they're giving him a prescription for alprazolam, however it's non-refillable because it is a highly addictive substance and is only to be taken as needed to stop any future anxiety attacks as he will definitely Overclock if he has an episode like that again. They recommend seeing a mental health counsellor that specializes in amnesia for a more long-term solution, and they schedule a follow-up visit for two weeks later. He is also to avoid heavy physical activity for the next week as he continues to recover his strength. They give him the contact info for both their office and the counsellor they're referring him to, and since he doesn't have a single Shell Credit to his name, they waive his hospital fees and give him 50,000 Shell Credits to cover the cost of the medicine with enough leftover to provide for food or any other necessities he may need for the next few days. They're confident that Rover will be willing to take him in while he gets back on his feet. Nicola thanks them profusely for their generosity and the wonderful care they've given him the past three days.

With all of that settled, he calls Rover with his Pangu Terminal as promised.]

Good morning, Rover! I'm officially a free man now. Do you have time to pick me up? I haven't even seen what's outside these walls yet, so I'm afraid I might get lost if I try to find you, haha...

[ Since Rover is officially Nicola's guardian (as he's the one who brought him in), Rover has been receiving updates on Nicola's progress in the hospital the past few days. The female medic reports to Rover daily, letting him know what's been going on. The good news is that it's fully confirmed that Nicola has no physical illnesses or wounds. Unfortunately, his mental state is a different story. Learning about what happened to Nicola causes Rover's heart to sink. Could it be possible that the young foreigner has amnesia because of a heavily scarring past that he'd rather forget? After all, that's usually one of the more common causes. The mind wipes away unpleasant memories to protect itself.

On a separate note, it was already curious that Nicola didn't know how to use a Pangu Terminal. But to think he also doesn't know about so many commonplace words… Did his amnesia affect that much? Is there another reason that they've yet to realize? Regardless, they can take their time. Whatever the story is, Rover will be patient with Nicola and will be there every step of the way. He said it with a gesture previously by squeezing Nicola's hands — a gesture that means he's right here with him. It's time to remind his new foreign friend of this. So he smiles when he answers the call. ]

I'm glad you're well, Nicola. And yes, I've heard from your nurse a while ago. I'm already on my way.

[ The walk to Huaxu Academy isn't far away, so Rover will be here within a few minutes. Nicola is probably a bit nervous to be standing in the lobby all alone, so Rover decides to stay on the line as he hurries his steps. Then, he considers lighter topics since it's a good icebreaker, and he figures it might also help rid of any lingering anxieties. ]

I also heard you haven't been finishing your meals. Is our local cuisine too exotic for you? Or are there any ingredients you particularly dislike?

[It is true that Nicola is a bit nervous, but it's not because he's in the lobby by himself. It's because the time has come for him to begin acclimating himself in a completely foreign environment where he knows (almost) no one and start figuring out what he's going to do with his new life. Quite the daunting task, but it does help to know that Rover and the kind people at the hospital are all in his corner. He truly feels lucky that Rover is the one who found him. He can only hope that he continues to have good fortune in his new life.

When his new friend brings up his eating habits, Nicola laughs sheepishly. Both of those are true, but for some reason he can't bring himself to admit it, so he instinctively gives another excuse instead.]

She even told you that much, did she? I felt bad about wasting food, but... I just have a small appetite, that's all.

[ Since Nicola did only recently recover, it makes sense that his appetite is low. Rover doesn't question it because of that and he only lets out an understanding hum at the explanation. He'll make sure to note to feed Nicola lighter meals and the milder flavored dishes. ]

We'll work on that together, too.

[ "Too," implies that Rover will handle everything else with Nicola as well. Nicola has nothing to be afraid of, or at least Rover wants it to be that way. Hearing the young foreigner's adorable laugh at the other line, Rover hopes that's a sign that he's doing something right. ]

I'm nearly there, Nicola. You can step out of the building.

[ Once he does, he'll be able to see Rover in the near distance. ]

[How is this man so sweet? Nicola finds himself smiling brightly at his endearing response.]

Alright. I'm heading out now.

[Then he steps outside as instructed. Nicola can't help but take a moment to take in the foreign scenery before his eyes begin scanning for any sign of Rover. It doesn't take long to spot him approaching, and Nicola gives him a friendly wave as he walks toward him as well.]

Oh...

[He just realized he doesn't know how to hang up. He never thought to ask until now.]

What do I say to end the call?

[ Hurrying his steps, Rover starts lightly running as he returns a wave to Nicola. His expression gets brighter the closer he gets, excited to spend some time with his fellow amnesiac. They have each other from now on, so he's looking forward to it. ]

Nicola!

[ Beaming. ✨ When Nicola asks how to end the call, Rover reaches his hands forward gently to hold both of his foreign friend's, then guides them to where a certain button is. ]

You can say "End Call," or you can press this button. This is the cancel button and you can press it whenever you want to end a command or a program.

[ With their hands still together, Rover helps Nicola press the button at the same time, their fingers on top of each other's. The holographic screen that displayed the call information fades out. ]

There you go. Now, what shall we do first? Do you want to eat before I show you where you'll be staying?

[Nicola's own expression brightens even further when he sees how excited Rover is to see him. His heart feels warm... and so does his face when his cute new friend starts using his hands to demonstrate how to end a call. Despite his embarrassment, Nicola responds with amusement.]

I see. Thank you for the very thorough demonstration.

[He gently pulls his hands away as soon as that's done.]

I had breakfast not too long ago, so I'm okay on food for now. I need to pick up some medicine from Shifang Pharmacy, but if my new home is closer then we can go there first.

It's along the way! Let's head there, then. I'm planning to bring you to the shopping alley, anyway. You need clothes and daily supplies.

[ Stuff like hygiene products, toothbrushes, towels, and so on! With that decided, Rover starts leading the way. He makes sure to match Nicola's pace, wanting to be considerate since the foreigner likely will have unsteady footing at first. He also stands close so he can be ready to catch him should the need arise. ]

Is there anything else in particular that you might need?

[Nicola's pace is on the slower side, but so far his movements are smooth and naturally elegant.]

Hmm...

[While he thinks about it, his eyes scan the signs on the various shops and buildings that they walk past, and it sinks in that he can't read the local language at all. The Pangu Terminal has solved his problem of not speaking the language, but obviously it can't help with reading.]

I really need to learn how to read the local language. Are there any good books for that? A notebook and pen would be nice, too... Oh, and are there any shops that sell espresso?

[Espresso is definitely the most important thing on this list.]

Espresso? That's coffee, right?

[ Huanglong as a whole, not simply Jinzhou, considers tea sacred and is the dominating drink in the market. Every household here always drinks tea and every corner seemingly has a little tea table or a fine teahouse. Coffee does exist in this world, but it's more of a luxury drink to the people of Huanglong. It's seen as something fashionable here. However, the locals still appreciate coffee from time to time. ]

I think I can find you some espresso beans. It'll be easier to find them than finding a cafe that brews them. We're a nation of tea, you see.

[ Rover looks a bit sad as he says these words, looking out the distant view outside the city walls as they walk. ]

It wasn't always like this. The world used to have more diversity. Trading was more accessible. But many things were lost after the first Lament happened. Countries disappeared, nations fell, cities destroyed, and many other tragic occurrences followed. We're a strange mix of an advanced age due to our technology, but because we've lost so much, we're also sort of living primitively.

[ Smiling at Nicola again to try and cheer the two of them, Rover tries to uplift the topic. He especially brightens at the mention of learning. ]

I can teach you! I'm sure we have books on that as well. We live near the Grand Library, so you can head over to read the records and logs there anytime. [ Since they're at this topic, Rover points at a nearby sign that they pass by. ] That one reads, "茶馆" — teahouse.

[ In order to bypass the gourd translator, Rover concentrated really hard on the word so Nicola would be able to hear it as it's normally said. ]

[Well, espresso beans would certainly be better than nothing. Does he know how to brew espresso? Nicola tries to remember, but when Rover changes topics, his own thoughts pivot as well as some of the color drains from his face. This had been on his mind last night and now he's thinking it again: Did he wake up far into the future? Is Dante and everyone else that ever knew Nicola dead? Does Italy no longer exist? It's looking more and more like the answers to those questions are all "yes." His heart sinks into his stomach. He knows he shouldn't dwell on the past too much, but the thought of it all makes him feel so lonely despite the miraculous company beside him.

Nicola is so absorbed in his thoughts that he doesn't hear what Rover is saying until he realizes that the other man is pointing at a nearby sign. He tunes back into the conversation just in time to catch what it means and answers with a half-hearted chuckle and smile.]

These characters are completely alien to me... I can't imagine how long it's going to take me to be able to read even on a semi-fluent level. How long have you been staying in Jinzhou, anyway?

Nicola?

[ The silence and slower steps from the young foreigner don't escape Rover. Eventually, the two of them come to a halt and Rover takes the chance to talk it over with Nicola. He boldly steps closer and gives the taller man a firm, reassuring embrace around his neck, doing his best to extend his warmth in every way possible. It seems the warmth of their hands is no longer enough to comfort the young man, so he's taking it up to the next level. He wants him to know so terribly that he's right here… ]

We've all lost something here, one way or another. I know it's difficult… Maybe I won't be able to truly understand what you're going through, but please know that the feeling of loss and loneliness is among us as well. We can share these feelings and move on together, slowly.

[ Rover doesn't pull back yet, raising a hand to stroke the back of Nicola's head very gently. ]

I've only been here for less than three weeks. I don't feel like I'm one of them yet, but everyone's been so considerate. I hope I can make you feel that way, too.

Ah...!

[Startled by the sudden embrace, Nicola's body tenses up as he stares down at Rover in shock, arms remaining at his sides. Color returns to his face at the growing embarrassment of being in such a long embrace and having his head stroked, especially by another man. He looks around and sees that others are staring at them with interest and/or amusement, increasing his embarrassment further. At the same time, his chest does feel fuzzy from the sweet sentiment.

He smiles sheepishly and pats Rover's head.]

Thank you, Rover... I'm sorry for getting lost in my own head like that and I truly appreciate you more than I'll ever be able to express in words, but we shouldn't be doing this in public...

[Nicola attempts to gently return his friend's arms to his sides.]

[ Meanwhile, Rover doesn't pick up on Nicola's inner turmoil, so he keeps smiling brightly at him even as Nicola lowers his arms. It looks like he has more color and life across his face again, which relieves Rover, causing the pure smile to brighten further. They're still in close proximity, so it might feel a little blinding. ]

Hm? Oh, okay. I'll just hug you whenever we're at home, then.

[ ??? … Well, Nicola did imply it's okay if it's not in public. ]

[Is Rover teasing him or is he being serious?? Nicola honestly can't tell. Or maybe he's just too naive to realize what kind of signals he's sending off? He tries to save some face by replying in a lighthearted tone.]

Are you like this with all of your friends?

[ Not teasing at all!!! Look at this face. When Nicola asks the next question, Rover blinks a little. He does think about it for a second, but answers with— ]

No…

[ His friends are doing just fine! They don't need comforting! Only Nicola does. ]

Oh...

[Man, that would've stung if Rover said that last part out loud. But since he didn't, Nicola doesn't know what to make of that answer. Honestly, he'd rather not think about this anymore. He puts his hands on Rover's shoulders and gently turns him around.]

C'mon, let's keep walking.

[He pushes Rover forward just as gently until he starts walking on his own, then Nicola lets him go and walks alongside him once more while following his lead, immediately changing the topic.]

Anyway, I never would've guessed that you've only been here for less than three weeks. You already seem to have a great grasp on the language. Are you fluent in any other languages?

[If not, then maybe he's a Huanglong native.]

Ah, well, that's because I think I'm a native?

[ Question mark. And "I think." These are the signs that despite how well Rover is doing, he's still an amnesiac and isn't completely sure about his past. He's just assuming some things right now so he can move on better with his life. He can always correct anything later on if he does learn something about him. But right now, as he's not sure about a lot of things, he's going to assume that maybe he is a native.

As they walk, Rover keeps his bright smile regardless. He wants to keep going, so that's what he'll do. He has hopes that one day he'll get his answers eventually. And if not… Then, he'll deal with that when the time comes. ]

I don't think I know any other language, so maybe I really am a native. Or maybe I just don't remember any of it…?

[ Still very much unsure. ]

Well, if that's the only language you can remember, I think it's reasonable to assume that you're a Huanglong native. I don't remember if I know any other languages, either... If we ever happen to find any foreign language books, let's see if we can understand them.

[Judging by Rover's description of the current state of the world, that doesn't seem too likely, but it'd be nice if they did.]

I'd like to look at a world map if we can, too. Perhaps it'll help me remember where I'm from.

[More like it'll help him see which country is in Italy's place. As Nicola interacts with others in this city, people are going to ask him where he's from, and he'd rather have an actual, non-suspicious answer to give them.]

That sounds good!

[ Reading foreign language books with Nicola sounds like a fun idea to bond while attempting to remember more things about themselves. Rover's looking forward to that. Since they live near the library, it won't be a hassle either. ]

Then, after we're done shopping, we can drop by the library first before going home.

Perfect.

[Soon after that conversation, they arrive at the pharmacy. Nicola walks up to the counter to pick up his medicine. As the pharmacist places the bottle of alprazolam pills on the counter, she explains the potential side effects of the medication and reiterates the instructions to take them only as needed and not to mix them with alcohol or opioids. Honestly, hearing all that kind of makes him not want to use it at all, but it did work like a charm when it was given to him at the hospital so hopefully that means he won't have to worry too much about most of those concerning side effects.]

Thank you very much.

[Before he finalizes the transaction, he turns to Rover.]

Is there anything else we should get while we're here?

If you want to go outside the city and explore sometime, then you should have some first aid too.

[ Since Nicola likely has no idea about the medicine here given his reactions to technology before, Rover takes care of that for him. He orders items like Vitality Drinks, Revival Inhalers, Resistance Sprays, Energy Bags, and Nutrient Blocks. He also helps Nicola pay for everything, quickly taking care of the entire bill. ]

Here you go. The packaging should have instructions on how to use them and what they're for.

Um... [Nicola takes a peek at the items inside the bag. He can't read any of this, of course.] You're going to have to read them to me later.

[Then, he takes out some of his Shell Credits as they step away from the counter.]

The kind folks at the hospital gave me some spending money. I was supposed to use this to pay for my medicine. Here.

[Since Rover paid before he had a chance to get his money out, Nicola is giving it to him instead.]

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