damned_institute | Day 28: Bus 2

Momo tugged on the collar of the light blue sweater she was wearing as she followed her nurse to wherever these buses were, winding her hair up into its customary bun as she went. It was an odd feeling, knowing she was about to go outside of the institute's borders. Maybe the Head Doctor was about to make an error and the shinigami, as well as everyone else, would no longer be limited and they could finish what they started several nights back.

That was probably too much to hope for. She was feeling better this morning, even with the blood moon, and was mildly looking forward to the bus ride. Captain Jack said he was going to be here this morning and even if it wasn't customary breakfast in the cafeteria, she's be satisfied with him sitting next to her on the bus.

The nurse handed her a muffin, some napkins, and a small box with a straw. She stared at this box for a moment before shaking it. From the sound it contained liquid. How odd... Momo wasn't sure why they would but liquid inside a small paper box - it didn't make any sense to her and she wasn't sure how one was supposed to get it out of the box.

Clambering onto an empty bus, Momo chose to sit in the very back near the emergency exit. Maybe she could force her way out of it as they were moving and escape the limiter enough to come back and level the institute, freeing everyone. Or maybe she just wanted to be able to see everyone that was on the same bus as her. Wishful thinking versus reality.

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This time Hisoka really did sigh before turning his eyes to look out the window. ~~They were missing bars, what if someone tried to climb out?~~ This had to be one of the rare times when he was glad his empathy wasn't as strong as it was... Then this trip would be positively awful. Nothing like passing out everywhere to make a field trip complete.

The boy blinked, turning his eyes back to Ami at the question. "Hm?" A muffin? ...Half of him was tempted to ask what was wrong with it, seeing as how she didn't want it, but then again... she was eating half already so (unless she somehow poisoned half of it) it should have been fine. She didn't seem the type to have ulterior motives either, so... After a moment of internal debate the boy nodded slightly before taking the proffered half, careful not to touch any skin.

"I'm Kurosaki Hisoka," Hisoka replied quietly as a way of thanks, something he was never really good at.

Ami hadn't expected Hisoka to take the muffin half, and was pleasantly surprised when he did so, even though he visibly hesitated. She smiled shyly at him. It was hard for Ami, who was a naturally shy person, to be in this situation where she was forced to interact with people to have allies. She was still getting used to it.

"It's nice to meet you Kurosaki-san. My name is Mizuno Ami," she said.

Hisoka didn't return the smile, neither did he look at Ami while he quietly munched on the muffin. He was simply too embarrassed by the girl's show of emotion, regardless of how tame it was ~~in comparison to other people he knew~~. This was why he liked dealing with insults and anger far better, smiles were too complicated.

"How long have you been here, Mizuno-san?" Hisoka questioned as the bus rumbled to life. ...He really hoped he didn't get carsick. He had been fine on the Queen Camilia, but that didn't mean anything.

Ami picked at her muffin delicately. She grinned inwardly as she imagined Usagi scoffing it down in one bite, but quickly turned her attention to the scenery as the bus lurched and began lumbering towards the town.

"I've been here for two days and three nights." Had it really been that long? After being in here for a couple days, I can now understand my surprise at Ashton's comments the first night I arrived...it feels like a year ago.

"What about you Kurosaki-san? Have you found anyone you know in here?"

"I've been here for almost a week," Hisoka replied. At least that's how much time he thought had passed. The days just blended into each other and after the third one he wasn't so sure anymore. Tsuzuki had arrived on the night he was-

That was the second night. Tatsumi had arrived two days later with Byakko... So yeah, at least a week. Hisoka nodded to himself, somewhat satisfied with the mental calculations. He would have to start keeping track from then on, though. The boy nodded somewhat in response. "A few of my co-" He paused, remembering the last time he had decided to mention working. It hadn't gone over so well. "A few people I know have arrived, yes."

So far no-one Ami had met had really been here longer than a week. I wonder how long this facade has been going on for she mused silently.

She noted his pause, but figured he probably didn't want to go into too many details about his life to a stranger - something she understood quite well. The bus rumbled to a stop - it had been a quick trip. Glancing at the teenager, Ami asked shyly, "Do you have plans at all for today?" He seemed like a really nice person, even if he was grouchy at the moment. Maybe they could wander around the town together?

While not wanting to give his whole life story to a stranger was part of it, the main reason was basically that he really didn't want to raise questions. Explaining that he was somewhat of a detective even though he looked no older than fifteen or sixteen would have done just that. Hisoka glanced out the window as the bus pulled to a stop.

The buildings appeared to be ordinary, but who knew with this place. Maybe at night the town tormented the residents just like the asylum tormented its 'patients'. Why not, might as well have matching circles of hell situated right next to one another.

Hisoka shrugged, turning his attention back to Ami as he stood. "I don't have anything I have to do." He would have to eventually find Tatsumi, but that wasn't going to be possible today by the looks of it.

Realising she was in his way, Ami hurridly stood as well. "Oh, I'm sorry." She moved out of his way and began walking down the aisle. "I haven't got any plans either. Would you like to explore this place together?" she asked over her shoulder.

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Day 28: Bus 2

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