VOICE MAIL

[inspirethefire]

"This is Hajime Tanaka. I'm sorry to have missed you. Leave a message. Call for me if necessary!"

((Voice mail or texts. His phone is deliberately cheap and low-tech; he doesn't do e-mail, and generally prefers face-to-face whenever possible.))

Comments

[forgetbeam]

Of course! Failures are there to learn from and overcome, and I'll help you every step of the way if you let me!

[As far as he is capable, anyway. There's only so much he can do about people turning into lava beasts.]

No matter what this school throws at us, as long as we work together, it won't break us.

[Even if it drags them down for prolonged periods.]

[inspirethefire]

Right... definitely! Friendship is the single strongest antidote for failure!

[ He swallows hard, sniffs, and finds a smile as he finally makes eye contact with Kiyotaka. ]

I'm so lucky to have as strong a bond with you, to guide me.

[forgetbeam]

[It is so good to see that smile. He returns it and withdraws his hand.]

Ha ha ha! It will go both ways, Ta... no, Hajime. As proof of our bond, I'll address you as such! How does that sound?

[inspirethefire]

[Oh man. Dude he's super gonna cry. He's trying so hard not to but oh man he needed this reel bad.]

I... I can't possibly think of a truer sign of esteem.

[A hoarse little laugh]

Whatever may happen in this school, I'm glad I came, just for the opportunity to know you, Kiyotaka.

[forgetbeam]

[THIS IS SO HEARTWARMING. It worked! His heartfelt speech worked! Not that there are passionate tears at the corners of his eyes or anything.]

All right! The first obstacle we'll overcome together is to get this place tidied up!

[He holds his fist out. You know what to do this time, right Hajime.]

[inspirethefire]

[YES. He has learned it. THE FIST OF BROTHERHOOD. Donk.]

Hah. It'll be better than new in no time!

[No, probably not, but he's going to ride this moment of hope as far as he can.]

[forgetbeam]

[know what else he could ride though]

[forgetbeam]

[But for real they are going to tidy up and have hot lotion rubdowns and it is going to be

SO GREAT

FRIENDSHIP IS GREAT

stay tuned for the next despairing incident here at smash academy]