૦૦1 ✘ the apple now is sweet oh much sweeter than it ought to be

[devores]

[the video flickers on. blank. the darkness shifts once, twice before the obstruction moves away and a pair of lips and a chin come into view. at the bottom of the image, matted fluff presses against the lens.]

[a few moments and the image jogs again, descends into a flash of white and red and dark blue--

steadies on a face. a pleasant face, framed

Comments

[devores]

A number? Oh dear. I must've forgotten. ['forgotten' indeed]

[devores]

Mmm. [a pause, as if considering]

I think maybe I'll go for a stroll before I wander back there. The length of the line isn't at all appealing.

[devores]

Oh? How useful.

To who do I owe my thanks?

[devores]

Suguru. [can you see the pensive look on his face, suguru? he's mulling something over... ah! looks like he's done] Do you have time, Suguru? I really would like to thank you.

[devores]

Are you thirsty? We could meet for a drink, if you'd like. Or perhaps a snack?

[devores]

No trouble! A little company would be nice. All alone in such a big place, it really starts to make one feel a little small... [sad.... fais....]

[devores]

[pretty much instantly all smiles again]

Me? I'm on my way. I'll meet you at the tea place; the large one more or less in the centre of the shopping district. You shouldn't be able to miss it. See you soon.

[and the guide feed shuts off

heh]

[devores]

[somewhere in there you'll find a white-haired man seated at a table, sipping at a cup. his clothes and hair are now completely clean and good as new, the only mark remaining a thin ring of red traced in a circle around his neck

he'll look up and give a little wave when he spots you! 8>]