ataraxion | [ Video ]

[The video comes on to show... well. It’s hard to see just yet with how Japan keeps shifting. But he eventually straightens himself and angles the communicator towards himself and Netherlands, who are squashed together awkwardly on a couch, Netherlands obviously attempting to stay perfectly still as he smokes. Japan gives Netherlands a certain sort of look (probably meaning to express “It’s on!”) before addressing the camera again.]

Ah, hello to those who are seeing this. I am Japan. [He even gives a little bow of his head to the camera before looking to Holland with clear expectation.]

[Netherlands, for his part, barely inclines his head - that’s all he’s willing to do at the moment.]

...Hm. [Japan seems to realize this with a sort of troubled face and just faces the camera again.] And this is Holland-san.

[Netherlands abruptly straightens up at that, throwing over a flustered glance as he huffs.]

Introductions are only polite... [Another look from Japan, this one almost scolding.]

[A low mumble that’s lost to anyone other than Japan, and he relents.] Yeah. I’m the Netherlands. [That’s really all he wants to say.]

Ah, so, forgive me if this message is rather unorganized, as we are still doing our best to find a way to deal with such a thing, but it seems that this sort of situation is--

We wanna know what the hell is goin’ on, here.

[Japan visibly stiffens at that, whirling his head to stare at Holland. How blunt... He’s obviously a bit... offended.]

[Netherlands shoots him a small look out of the corner of his eye - what?]

I suppose if it must be put in such a way... [He glances away from Holland with an exaggerated sigh.] Yes, we would like to know such a thing.

An’ if there are ashtrays here.

...Thank you in advance. [Japan’s looking just plain flustered by now, but he shuts off the feed to end that.]

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[Completely distracted by this...]

E-eh? Ah, yes... [Rather hesitant after the fact as he begins to wonder if anything bad happened. ...Oh well too late.] ...We are.

[Asato perks up a bit then, smiling.]

So you're also nation-spirits? [He can't quite wrap his head around that, but he sure does try.]

[Sounds like nothing bad, so he relaxes a bit.]

Yes, that is one way of putting it. I am the State of Japan. Pleased to meet you.

State of Japan. I'm Asato. America talked about you. I didn't really understand what he said, but that's okay. A lot of what he says doesn't make a lot of sense. He's still my bro.

[It sounds completely foreign and awkward coming from him, that word, so it's likely something he only recently learned.]

Do you need help with anything at all? This place is large. You should be careful not to get lost.

Just "Japan" is fine... Ah, but has he?

[He's mixed between embarrassed and worried about that, in combination with... realizing Asato must have been spending too much time with America.

He's had that phase. The phase of saying bro as if it were a normal thing to do. Surely he should correct this.]

I am quite new, so if any directions are available I would truly appreciate it.

Yes! But I'm not sure why he did. It was something about how I was...[What was the word he used?] Kawaii?

[Asato gives a quick nod.] Mostly I know my way to the oxygen gardens and to different places passengers stay. Someone has to have a plan with more details, though. A lot of this ship is off-limits. It's strange.

[Just slowly sideglances.] I see... I believe I understand.

[Ahem.]

Oxygen gardens?

[He can read body language just fine, but since he doesn't know what the word means, he's not sure if Japan's reaction is a good sign or not.]

Mhm. Where the ship keeps all its plants. That's what it's called. From what I heard, it's a very important place.

A garden exists in this sort of place? I would be quite interested in seeing that...

[Hmmm, he's sort of wondering if he can get his hands on a map, or make one.]

I am still settling in, but perhaps at a later date we can travel to such a place. That is, if it would not be a burden.

It's kind of far from here in the passenger rooms. But I can definitely show you. It's not a burden at all. I go there often.

[If there's anything he has a natural affinity for, it's plants of all kinds.]

Ah, I truly appreciate it! [He gives a bow to the camera.]

Oh--

[And he figures he'll just bow back, at which point his ears do come into view for a moment.]

[Oh my gosh what are those is this why he is kawaii

He's just going to

stare.]

[Asato stares back for a long while. He doesn't feel uncomfortable or awkward, just a little confused.]

Is something wrong?

F-forgive me!

[He looks away immediately.]

Ah, I just... Such ears... are not something I was expecting.

My ears. [He reaches up to tweak one of them.]

America did say something about that. Do they bother you?

N-not at all! [He seems very determined in assuring Asato of this, waving his hands.]

I believe they are quite nice! Ah... I wonder how they feel...

If you'd like to touch them, you can.

[A lot of people seem to want to, so he figures it's better not to fight it and just let them have a touch to satisfy their curiosity.]

...R-really? I would not wish to be too forward...

Well, it's only if you want to, of course. A lot of people have wanted to. That's all.

I-I would very much like to...!

Then you can. I'll remember how you look, so if we meet in person you can touch. I won't be angry.