04 | [Video]

[chalicejoker]

[The webcam feed opens to show Hajime's darkened apartment. The lights are off, the curtains are drawn, and a hulking figure can be seen moving around in the shadows. He's moving too fast and too much to get a clear look at him for very long, though the green orb on his chest is slightly luminescent. He's so distraught, he hasn't realized he even activated the webcam. He thought he was just switching on the mic for audio.]

I...I can't stay here. I can't let anyone find me like this. But I don't think I can get out of here on my own without anyone seeing me...

[Hajime is doing his best to keep his voice calm, but there's no denying the fact that he sounds quite shaken. It's still recognizable as his voice, although it sounds a little rougher than usual.]

I changed. I...tried to fight it, but...it...it was just like I remembered...and I can't hide the belt anymore, not that it matters...

[He is this close to having a massive freakout right then and there. Staying calm after turning into some kind of a bug monster is really hard, especially when you were normal--or as close to normal as Hajime gets these days--an hour ago. He's going through the room, trying to figure out what, if anything, he'll be bringing with him when he leaves. It's at this point that he realizes the webcam's on, and a green, clawed, and definitely inhuman hand will reach out to cover it.]

Comments

[unwakingwaters]

No, um. I'm from the Network. Numbers club. Whatever we're calling it. I know what's going on, I offered to bring the truck?

[chalicejoker]

[Well, that gets Hajime's attention. He pokes his head out from under his cloak, causing one of his antennae to pop free.

You got one that fast?

[There's no hiding the gratitude in his voice; riding in a truck is going to be more comfortable than cramming himself in the back seat of Lyall's car.]

[shiromadoushi]

[[Bakura blinked]] You're not going with Mr. Lyall, then? [[More curious than confused]] But still to his place, right?

[unwakingwaters]

[smile]

I called in a favor from an old friend. I figure we'll still take him to your friend's place, but it'll be a more comfortable ride.

[chalicejoker]

Yeah, this way I won't have to worry as much about tearing up Mr. Lyall's upholstery...

[He'll turn to give Maya a grateful look.]

Thanks. I really appreciate this.

[And back to Bakura as he tries to tuck the antenna back under his hood.]

Both of you, really. Thanks.

[shiromadoushi]

Thank me when we're at Mr. Lyall's. [[Goes up on tiptoes to help with the tucking]] C'mon, you.

[unwakingwaters]

[Maya's going to lead them down to the truck. It's a small truck but there's still more than enough room for Haijime. She's also filled the bottom with a bunch of old blankets and pillows and a small battery powered camping lamp, so he doesn't have to sit there in the dark.]

[chalicejoker]

[Hajime wastes no time in jumping in. He's glad to be hidden away where no one else can see him, at least.]

Yeah, I think this is definitely going to be a little better than cramming into the backseat of Mr. Lyall's car...

[shiromadoushi]

Heeeeh, nice! Just missing a seat, ne? [[smiles warmly before taking a step back so they can close the hatch.]]

I'll bike on ahead, okay?

[unwakingwaters]

There's a second seat in the front, actually.

[she opens the passenger side door, and sure enough, there it is.]

Hop on in!

[shiromadoushi]

Aaaa... [[There was a definitely falter at that invitation as the teen takes a small step back.]] N-- no, that's okay! Wouldn't want to leave my bike behind, you know?

[chalicejoker]

There should be room back here with me, if you want!

[He has no idea what's going on out there; he can only hear them talking. There's a pause.]

Can't guarantee I won't scratch it up a little, though...

[Hey, he's fond enough of his own motorcycle that he knows that is a perfectly legitimate concern.]