panzana | open rp / overflow post

[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.]

Of course!

[ Someone is always happy to help. Look at him beaming again. ✨ ]

Also, no, it's all right! It would be best if you kept that for yourself. And don't worry about it, I get paid pretty well for my assistance.

[That contagious smile brightens up Nicola's expression as well, and then he looks at Rover with curious eyes as he puts his money away.]

Oh? And what is it that you assist with?

[He was wondering what kind of job his fellow amnesiac has managed to get within just a few weeks.]

A lot of help is needed around the city and the nearby villages. I'm sure you can find someone needing assistance here and there. They've already explained what Tacet Discords are, right? Or do you need me to explain more?

[ Considering what Rover does, the context is needed to explain better. ]

Aside from some running errands, what I do mostly is hunt down TDs and eliminate any Tidal Heritages and Sonoro Spheres that I come across or are reported to me. These are dangerous because they could evolve into Tacet Fields over time, so we normally cull them before they get worse.

[So he does a bunch of odd jobs. That makes sense.]

Yes, I got the gist of it.

[It's a bit hard to understand without really seeing the TDs in action himself, but he knows that they're basically monsters. It's a miracle that he was found unharmed. It makes Nicola wonder how long he had been laying there before Rover showed up.]

I see... Were you in the middle of an assignment when you found me, then?

No, I was just exploring. When I have free time, I spend it exploring so I can help with locating potential threats.

[ After all, the Midnight Rangers may be on duty 24/7, but they realistically can't cover every single area by themselves. It's way too big and there are too many dangerous locations. Many are even undiscovered because there are those underground… Rover explains all of these to Nicola, and details more, as they continue to walk to their next destination.

Eventually, they arrive at a boutique where they have beautiful rows of clothes out on display. The local clothing is very colorful and most are noticeably flowy like waterfalls. Every piece of clothing is like a delicate work of art, even the simpler-styled ones are lovely. Rover browses around some, particularly the ones with blue and white hues, as he keeps looking back at Nicola. ]

I think this one! And this one! Would look great on you! Oh, but these look amazing too…

[ He's so excited about this. ]

Everything looks nice on you, Nicola! It's because you're so handsome.

[And now Rover is spending his free time taking care of Nicola... He feels a pang of guilt, but he keeps it to himself. He'll just have to use that guilt as motivation to recover and figure out how to sustain himself in this new era as quickly as possible.

Once they're in the boutique, Nicola admires the many gorgeous pieces of exotic clothing populating the racks. He ends up grabbing quite the selection of outfits himself to try on because it's too hard to narrow down his choices just by looking at them. Rover makes it even harder for him by suggesting even more outfits. Those look really nice too...]

Ahaha, I haven't even tried anything on yet... Might as well add these to the pile too.

[He takes the other two outfits off the rack and lays them carefully on top of the other clothes he has draped over his left arm.]

This is more than enough to choose from. I think I'm going to need help putting some of these on, so can you come into the fitting room with me?

I can just tell.

[ It's effortless to imagine considering Nicola's overflowing charms. How can it be hard to envision when he makes it so easy with his prince-like appearance? Rover's glimmering eyes continue to watch Nicola, visualizing him in these outfits… But who needs to imagine anything when Rover has the chance to dress the handsome foreigner up right now? ]

Yes, let's go!

[ Rover helps Nicola in carrying all the clothes they've picked out, heading right into the dressing room together. Thankfully, it's spacious in here, so they're able to set down the clothes on a table inside and still have room to move around. Without any ounce of shame, Rover even helps Nicola undress— Listen, they're both men, there's nothing to be ashamed of. ]

[As soon as Nicola feels the other man's hands trying to take off his clothes, he pushes them away playfully, trying to mask his embarrassment as usual.]

Now, now, be patient. I said I need help dressing, not undressing.

[First he slips his blazer off, then unties his tie, and unbuttons his shirt. This allows a first glimpse at the black Tacet Mark on Nicola's bare chest, right near his heart. Nicola is reminded of its presence himself as he glances over at the nearby full body mirror while slipping off his shirt. He isn't used to seeing it yet and he's certainly not fond of it, reminding him of the unpleasant memory of his fatal stabbing as well. His pleasant expression falters for a split second, but it's back to normal in the blink of an eye as he looks away from the mirror and continues to undress while avoiding looking at his Tacet Mark as much as he can.

While Nicola's build is on the lean side, he has the physique of someone who does a decent amount of physical activity. His arms and torso are toned, and while he doesn't have a six pack, his abs are also well-defined. Once he removes his shoes and pants, it's clear that his lower half looks just as good as his upper half. Other than some birth marks here and there, there are no other marks on his body.

The first outfit that Nicola tries on is this one. As he slips on the lower layer of the outfit, he realizes that he was right to ask Rover to help him. Nicola has no idea how to put this outfit together, but with his new friend's help the outfit is complete. He admires his reflection in the mirror, twisting his body so he can see it from various angles, then turns to Rover with a satisfied expression.]

Well? What do you think?

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