SWITCHBOARD

[transmittable]

If you'd like to ask the Transmitter something over the phone, go right ahead! The Transmitter will answer the phone as soon as she's available. Leaving messages is impossible, given how old these phones are, but you should be able to reach her at almost all hours.

Comments are screened for privacy; all Patients are offered confidentiality, didn't you know?

Comments

[transmittable]

[ It'll take a few moments. He can likely hear her breathing, heavy on the other end. ]

Yeah, I... I've...enjoyed talking with you, too. This is...also probably the nicest date I've ever had.

[ The distortion gradually lessens, despite the intense feedback. Her voice is easier to distinguish, shaky but a mid-range register. This doesn't last, however. When she next speaks, it's back to what it was before. ]

Can you tell me a little more about yourself? I know some things, but...not everything is clear in my head.

[cadmiums]

I'm glad, that makes me feel happy. [ The change in her voice surprises him a little, but it's kind of nice for however short it lasts.]

Of course, I don't mind. Is there anything in particular you want to know?

[transmittable]

Hmm. What kinds of things do you like to do on dates? Besides...this.

[cadmiums]

[ This clearly isn't an easy question, as it takes him some time to answer.]

I like to...make memories. Something to remember and cherish, no matter what happens.

[transmittable]

Making memories?

[ ... ]

That sounds lovely.

[cadmiums]

[ He thinks so, yet there's a bit of hesitation on his end, evident by how he pushes forward to his next thought. It wasn't like he had forgotten that he had memory problems even before he came here, but he's kept that to himself.]

And I like to experience new things. That's why I don't think being here is all that terrible.

[ I mean, it kind of is but? It doesn't bother him all too much.]

I like that I've met you, even if I don't know you too well yet.

[transmittable]

[ Through the feedback, there's a clear sharp breath, and a pause. The Transmitter struggles with what she has to say next. ]

I don't...think I can understand you, Amiable. You're already kinder than I've...in all my time with the Risen...

And your idealism. [ ... ] I was once idealistic, you know? Maybe that's why I can't understand how you can still be this way.

[cadmiums]

Then we'll just have to go on more dates so you can. [ The tone is flirtatious as it has been, but it also carries a note of softness with it.]

Idealistic? I don't know if... [ It's strange, he's seen the rules and the circumstances he's in and deep down he knows what will likely come to pass as a result. It's a feeling he can't shake, that rings true to his core: as sure as he is that the sky is blue. The sky is blue, and death is inescapable.] I just want to experience every moment I have, including the time I spend talking with you-- and I hope you can too. Ah sorry, that makes me sound kind of old doesn't it?

[transmittable]

[ ... ]

It's...fine. Time's strange, after all. Time is... Time isn't as straightforward as people think...

This is what I meant, before. Don't change. I don't understand it, but I think it's nicer to be like this.

[cadmiums]

[ Time...it reminds him of-- no, he can't remember right now and it makes his head hurt. ]

I'll do my best not to, I promise. [ He doesn't understand either, but he feels like a part of him does.]

Will you let me have another date with you?

[transmittable]

[ A brief pause. To be fair, it's shorter than any of her other hesitations. ]

Yeah. I'd like that.

[cadmiums]

[ He hadn't even realized it, but he had been holding the receiver tightly in his hand.]

I'm glad, I really enjoyed our time together. I'll try to have a gift for you next time too.

Goodnight, and sweet dreams Mita-chan. [ Transmitter sounds too stiff, he's decided.]

[transmittable]

[ Once again, Ryoji's treated to an increase in feedback and that faint deep, deep breath. ]

Good...night, Amiable.