u/Napoleonikus

u/Napoleonikus — 7 hours ago

▲ 17 r/NewstageSteinsgate+1 crossposts

Have you ever felt the urge to start tinkering with a gadget yourself after watching an anime or playing a visual novel? Or did you get an idea to incorporate one into a story of your own?

Personally, I’ve come up with a cool idea—and even a concept—for a new project that I’ll work on after the fanfic.

u/Napoleonikus — 9 hours ago

Chapter 31

The One Who Sees Through.

[July 21, 2012, 10:21]

The last question stuck in my head. Like an echo.

"Empty shell."

I wanted to object. But… it was true.

— «I asked you a question…» — she pressed down harder with her foot. I involuntarily cried out — «Calmed down?»

— «Yes, yes! Just take your foot off!»

In that same instant, she removed her foot.

— «You said I'm an empty shell… what do you mean…»

— «Your breathing. Your speech patterns. Even your movements. The real Rintaro Okabe doesn't act like that.»

— "The real Rintaro Okabe doesn't act like that."

I froze.

She took her foot away and stepped back, as if contact with me was already annoying her.

Shards of the pot and wet earth lay scattered on the floor. The girl calmly picked up one of the pieces and placed it on the counter.

Not a drop of pity.

— «He would have already started acting like a mad scientist.» — she said coldly. — «Shouting about the Organization. Waving his arms around. Annoying everyone around him.»

I slowly got up, holding my back.

— «What do you even know about him?..»

— «Enough.»

Short. Dry.

She looked me straight in the eyes.

And from that gaze, I wanted to look away.

As if she wasn't seeing a face. But everything inside.

— «You are not him.»

The words sounded calm.

Without malice.

Which made it even worse.

— «…Then why are you all even bothering with me?»

— «I'm not "all."»

She came closer.

The shadow of her figure completely covered me.

— «I don't care about your tantrum. Or your memory problems either.» — her amber eyes narrowed. — «But because of you, they're suffering.»

Mayuri's face flashed before my eyes.

In tears.

Kurisu by the window.

Daru, who looked away.

I clenched my teeth.

— «I didn't ask them to—»

— «The real Okabe would have asked.»

The silence hit harder than a scream.

She leaned in a little closer.

— «He'd be dying of guilt right now for making them cry.»

I sharply looked away.

My fingers were trembling.

— «…Shut up.»

— «No.»

Immediately.

Without a pause.

— «You ran here because you wanted someone to tell you the truth.»

She crossed her arms over her chest.

Cold. Composed. Almost frighteningly calm.

— «So here's the truth.» — she said. — «You're getting in the way of him coming back.»

Something tightened in my chest.

— «…What?»

— «You're clinging to emptiness.» — she said. — «Trying to prove you exist separately from him. But inside you, his reactions still remain. His habits. His fears.»

She poked my chest with her finger.

Right in the heart.

— «You're a bad copy of a man who's currently drowning somewhere inside his own head.»

I wanted to push her hand away.

But I couldn't.

— «And if you give up completely…» — her voice became even quieter. — «…then the real Rintaro Okabe won't come back at all.»

She straightened up.

— «And I won't allow that.»

[July 21, 2012, 10:52]

The sign was flipped to "Closed."

— «Is this really necessary?»

— «Rintaro Okabe's body needs to be healthy. Makise-san won't like the scrapes on your back.»

There were wounds on my bare back from the old floor. The girl, who introduced herself as Rio Mirai, was treating them.

She worked without gentleness, as if fixing a broken toy.

I felt the burning of iodine, but bit my lip to keep from crying out.

— «And yes, the real Okabe would have resisted until the very end.»

— «Are you going to repeat that to me for years?»

— «I wouldn't want to know you for more than a day, but I'm just saying» — she pressed the cotton swab to the wound again — «you don't have to try to pretend. I'm not expecting you to match the original.»

I was surprised. There was a strange feeling in my chest.

— «So, I can be myself? Not Okarin, not Hououin Kyouma. Just myself?»

— «I don't know why you're repeating after me, but yes. Be yourself.»

After her words, I finally felt… Relief. I would have even said "thank you" to her, if not for the pain in my back.

[July 21, 2012, 11:05]

The shop smelled of damp earth and wormwood.

The silence here was different.

Not like in the lab.

There, the silence pressed down.

Here, it felt like it was watching.

Rio put the first aid kit back under the counter.

I carefully pulled my T-shirt on, feeling the fabric unpleasantly touch my back.

She didn't even look to see if it hurt.

She just sat on the windowsill by the window, tucking one leg under herself.

Outside, people were walking by.

An ordinary morning in Akihabara.

Only somehow it felt like this shop was separate from the whole world.

— «So what now?» — I asked.

— «Now you stop having tantrums.»

— «This isn't a tantrum.»

— «Then you're very dramatic.»

I frowned.

She looked out the window, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.

Calm.

Too calm.

— «Doesn't any of this surprise you?» — I asked. — «That I don't remember anything?»

— «No.»

— «Why?»

— «Because I've already seen worse things.»

The answer came too quickly.

Too honestly.

I fell silent.

Rio closed her eyes.

— «People who forgot themselves.»

Silence.

— «People who remembered too much.»

She opened her eyes and looked at me.

Amber.

Strange.

As if tired of something I didn't understand.

— «And people who tried to take someone else's place.»

Something unpleasant tightened inside me.

— «I'm not trying to.»

— «You are.»

She said it calmly.

Without anger.

That made it worse.

— «You look at their faces and try to guess the right reaction. You think about how he would speak. How he would sit. Even hold a can like you're afraid to make a mistake.»

I looked away.

Because she was right.

— «It's not your fault,» — Rio said quietly. — «But if you keep going — you'll break both yourself and them.»

The sound of a bicycle bell came from the street.

Somewhere in the distance, a train passed by.

I stared at the floor.

— «So what am I supposed to do?..»

She was silent for a few seconds.

Then she got off the windowsill.

Came closer.

And unexpectedly poked me in the chest with her finger.

Right in the heart.

— «First, stop living like someone's counterfeit.»

I flinched.

Her gaze became colder.

Harsher.

— «Because the real Rintaro Okabe is still there.»

— «Where?..»

Rio slowly lowered her hand.

— «Locked away.»

A chill ran down my spine.

— «And I'm going to bring him back.»

— «And… how are you going to do that?»

She smiled.

— «By making you lose the desire to live here yourself. And instilling in you the desire to bring him back.»

u/Napoleonikus — 18 hours ago

▲ 8 r/NewstageSteinsgate+1 crossposts

In your opinion, which is the worst world line?

Unpopular opinion, but in my view, it’s the Faris ending. Simply because, in it, Okabe doesn't even know Mayuri or Kurisu, and the Lab doesn't exist. It’s the worst one—not because of its bleakness, but because of the mechanics of the situation itself.

u/Napoleonikus — 1 day ago

▲ 1 r/NewstageSteinsgate

stitching

Chapter ???. L01ely. Weryt.% Day###Beloved. Scre¢°m.

— «1406, 1407…»

I was counting. Steps. Breath.

The heat had knocked me off balance 9 times already. 3 times 3.

Vending machines. Streets. Windows. Neon signs.

I couldn't feel time.

Sometimes I think I hear a phone ringing. I open my eyes — silence.

I hear her voice. Her.

Her…

Step. One.

Two.

Tenth.

Third crossing. No cars.

A few more steps. I'll come back. Definitely.

Stability status: 45%

u/Napoleonikus — 1 day ago

Chapter 30

Sabotage of Another.

[July 21, 2012, 9:37]

The lab had become quiet.

Too quiet.

After Faris and Ruka left, the room seemed to grow larger. Only the noise of Daru's computers, the hum of the fan, and the clink of the spoon Mayuri was slowly stirring sugar with remained.

I sat on the couch.

With a can of Dr Pepper in my hands.

Already warm.

I wasn't drinking.

— «Okarin, if you don't want to, you don't have to force yourself.» — Mayuri said quietly.

I looked at the can.

Red.

Dented from my fingers.

"You really loved it."

Loved.

Not love.

Loved.

I put the can on the table.

Too sharply.

The soda inside hissed.

Daru glanced briefly in my direction. Then immediately looked back at his monitor.

As if afraid to interfere.

As if everyone here was walking around something fragile.

Around me.

[July 21, 2012, 9:54]

The heat pressed down more and more. As did their gazes.

They were looking at me. Or at him. At this Okarin. Who even is he? How do I become him?

Why. Can't I just reach into my memory and remember them all? At least how we met.

I put my trembling hand on my face.

— «Okabe, are you alright?» — Kurisu addressed me, touching my shoulder.

— «Enough…»

— «Huh?»

— «Enough!»

I slammed the can on the table. The drink fizzed and spilled across the surface.

— «Wait.»

Kurisu took a rag and started wiping the table.

I was already standing. The lab members were looking at me.

— «That's enough already. What are you trying to achieve? Are you all waiting for him to come back?» — my voice was strange. Disgustingly hoarse.

There was no answer. They just looked at me. I could see pity in their eyes. Or fear. Or… no.

They were still just waiting for him.

I don't understand.

— «This Okarin… Some madman in a lab coat that you keep so carefully. Who drinks this…» — I picked up the empty can. Threw it straight at the wall — «Sweet crap? You look at me. But you want to see him.»

Mayuri was already crying. Daru looked at me with a sad grimace. And Kurisu… with great pain and… Guilt?

— «Sorry…»

— «Okabe, where are you going? Okabe!»

I heard them shouting after me. I won't turn around. Never. My sneakers thudded against the parquet. I ran out, and for no apparent reason, I kept running. Where to, I didn't even know.

[July 21, 2012, 10:13]

The force of the asphalt pounded in my legs. My knees, still aching from yesterday — a day I don't remember — made themselves known.

But I didn't slow down. Sometimes I looked back. In case someone was chasing me. No. No one was there.

I'm alone. Alone again.

Suddenly I saw a glass sign. "Fragrant Root." Why am I here? No idea.

But pushing the door with my shoulder, I practically stumbled inside.

Immediately, I was hit by a wave of smells. A huge amount of greenery and shelves stood in a circle.

— «Okabe-san?» — I heard a voice. Female. Familiar.

I turned around. Near the shelves stood a woman, in a green cardigan and white shirt. She was holding a pot in her hands. Clay. Annoying.

— «I'm so sick of this…»

I grabbed one. From the shelf. The first one I could reach. And threw it.

The anger grew. I grabbed another. Threw it.

Earth scattered across the floor.

— «Stop it.»

The voice again. Colder.

— «I'm sick of all of you!»

I reached for a third. And then…

Something cold wrapped around my arm. Tight. I didn't understand anything.

I came to a couple of seconds later. From a dull crunching sound. I was lying on my back.

And suddenly I felt a cold gaze above my head. I looked forward.

Amber, burning brighter than the lamps in the dimming room, stared at me, while this girl's foot pressed me to the floor.

I tried to move. She held on. Firmly.

The pain in my back echoed even stronger.

Then her lips moved.

— «Well then, calmed down, you empty shell?»

A drop of flower sap fell to the floor.

u/Napoleonikus — 1 day ago

Chapter 29.

Not the One They Love.

[July 21, 2012, 7:50]

— «Rio shared a tea recipe with me…» — Kurisu said, standing by the window — «Mayuri, could you help me?»

— «Of course, Chris-chan.» — The girl in the Panama hat answered quickly. A smile on her face.

They both went to the kitchen. The others continued sitting in their places.

I didn't know these people. But they knew me. They were there.

— «Hey, Okarin, how are you? Want me to get you something?» — Itaru asked, sitting at the computer.

I looked at him. For a long time. I didn't know what he wanted to hear.

— «No, Hash… Daru, don't worry.»

— «Well… just say if you need anything. We're… friends after all.»

Friends… I don't know why. I don't know how. But it felt warm inside. I'm not alone. I'm not alone.

[July 21, 2012, 8:02]

— «Here, Okarin, take this.» — Mayuri said in a gentle voice, handing me a cup of tea.

The warm steam rising from it spread through the atmosphere of the lab.

The smell evoked a strange feeling. As if I had already drunk it. As if someone had already cared for me like this.

Actually… how many friends do I have? Right now there's Kurisu, Mayuri, Daru, Faris, and Urushibara. Are there others too? They mentioned someone named Rio…

— «Cool…»

— «Mr. Okabe?» — the black-haired girl reacted to my remark. Urushibara.

I blinked. I didn't remember what she looked like. I didn't remember how she spoke. But she knew me.

— «Sorry, I… I was just thinking how nice you all have it here.»

She smiled. Timidly. And looked away.

— «Mayuri tries hard. She always tries hard for all of us.»

I looked at Mayuri. She was fussing with the kettle, humming something under her breath. She wasn't looking at me. But I could feel her care. It was everywhere.

— «And you… you're part of the lab too?» — I asked.

Urushibara froze. Her smile became a little confused.

— «Yes, I… I'm a lab member. My number is 006.»

— «006?» — I tried to smile. — «Sounds like something important.»

She looked embarrassed. But she didn't pull away.

— «Everyone here is important. Even if they don't always understand it.»

I didn't know what to say. But her words stayed with me. «Everyone here is important.» Even if they don't always understand it.

But what if I'm not «here»? What if I'm just… a guest?

I pushed that thought away. I didn't want to think about it right now. I just wanted to sit. Drink tea. And feel the warmth.

[July 21, 2012, 8:15]

I watched them talk. Watched them laugh. Watched them live. And I felt almost like a part of it. Almost.

Mayuri was telling something about costumes. Daru was arguing with Faris about something. Kurisu stood by the window, but sometimes she turned and looked at me. Her gaze was warm. But I felt it was searching for something. Something I couldn't give.

I looked away. I didn't want to see that.

— «Mr. Okabe, are you looking for something?» — Ruka asked.

— «No, I… I'm just looking.»

She nodded. I felt she understood. She knew I wasn't the one they were waiting for. But she didn't say it.

I was grateful for that.

[July 21, 2012, 8:35]

Faris was the first to leave. She said she needed to get to the café.

«Nya, Kyouma, keep fighting the Nya-Organization!»

What organization? What nonsense? I didn't understand.

— «Well, I guess I'll go too. Dad needs help at the shrine.» — Ruka said timidly.

She works at a shrine? And isn't she scared to walk the streets alone as a girl? And anyway.

Why does everyone treat her like a man? Is that their inside joke? Their joke… that can't be ours? Or was it ours… until I showed up…

[July 21, 2012, 8:50]

— «Here, take this, Okarin.» — A tin can appeared in front of my face.

Dr Pepper? Why this one?

— «You… really loved it.» — Mayuri said it even more quietly.

Loved… Loved it. Not love. Not "You love". Loved. He loved.

Did they understand? Understand that I'm not the one? Of course. How could they not?

— «Thanks…»

I took it. As I nervously popped the tab, it started spilling out.

— «Damn…»

— «Here, Okabe.»

Kurisu came over to me with a towel. Putting it on my lap, she wiped the drink off my pants.

— «Drink carefully… otherwise…» — she wanted to say something. The corners of her lips trembled — «Never mind… forget it.»

She put the rag away and went back to the window.

Otherwise? Otherwise what?

— «Ah, so it really means… I lost my memory? Maybe I can remember something if I look at something…»

— «Don't, Okabe… just… stay close…»

Kurisu answered. Her face wasn't visible. A calm voice. She's sure.

They're sure. They exchange glances.

They whisper. That I'm not the one.

Of course. I didn't forget anything. I didn't remember anything either. Because I…

— «Damn, wrong part.» — Daru said, doing something at his workstation.

[July 21, 2012, 9:05]

Mayuri was humming. Quietly. To herself. I only caught fragments of the melody. It was unfamiliar to me.

Daru was cursing at his computer. Loudly. Almost like me. But I didn't know why I thought that.

Kurisu stood by the window. She didn't move. She just looked outside. And I didn't know what she saw.

I wanted to say something. Something that would bring back their smiles. Something that would make me part of this.

— "Hey, Mayuri… what's your favorite song?"

She turned to me. Her eyes lit up. She started talking. Quickly. Joyfully. I didn't remember the words. I just looked at her. At her smile.

Which wasn't for me.

I smiled back.

I didn't know what else to do.

[July 21, 2012, 9:20]

Kurisu stepped away from the window. She came over to me. Sat down beside me. I could smell her scent. Citrus. Familiar.

— «Are you okay?» — she asked.

— «Yes, — I said. — I'm just thinking.»

— «About what?»

I looked at her. Her eyes. Purple. Real. The same as the one they were waiting for.

— «About why I don't remember anything.»

She didn't answer.

— «I don't remember the lab. I don't remember you. I don't remember… anything.»

My voice grew quieter. I didn't want to say it. But I couldn't stay silent.

— «I don't remember how I got here. I don't remember what I did. I don't remember who I am.»

I fell silent. I looked at her. She looked at me.

— «But I want to remember, — I said. — I want to remember you.»

She didn't answer.

She just put her hand on mine.

Her fingers were warm.

But I knew that warmth — wasn't for me.

u/Napoleonikus — 3 days ago

▲ 1 r/NewstageSteinsgate

Chapter 28

The One Who Was Me.

[July 21, 2012, 7:29]

And here I am again. Brown's Tube, as always, without any regular customers. I slowly climbed the stairs.

That strange feeling in my chest still lingered. I was out of work again. Rent was due in three weeks. And on top of that, someone was crying on the phone.

«Too many events for one morning…»

I exhaled, already standing at the door. But as I reached for the handle, I heard something…

Voices. And they were coming from behind the door. Someone was in the lab?

Damn, what if it's burglars? Should I call the police?

«Okarin went to work? Chris-chan, is that what he said?»

«Yes, Mayuri. He said he was late for work and hung up.»

That voice… it's her! Assistant Christina. But what is she doing in my lab? And who is Mayuri?

«Colleague Makise, are you sure Okarin wasn't just messing around like usual? And by 'work' he meant some kind of nonsense.» — a rough voice sounded in the room.

A man? Are there three people in there?

«Nya, Kyouma went off to a new battle with the Organization, nya?» — another one. Female.

Damn, looks like there are a lot of them. And they're clearly talking about me. Maybe I should just forget it? I'll live with my parents, fewer problems. They've taken over the place, let them pay the rent. And anyway, why are they all in there?

Suddenly I felt something. A strange sensation somewhere in my stomach.

I lifted my shirt and looked. My eyes froze. On my body was an old, healed scar. But I don't remember it. If I'd gotten something like that, I would definitely remember.

Maybe I forgot something? And the answers to that are behind this door.

I swallowed. Carefully pulling the door handle, I opened it.

«Okariiinn!»

A girlish voice rang out as if on cue. In the same instant, a blue whirlwind slammed into me. A Panama hat, a light dress, the epitome of innocence.

Was I being hugged? And it was clearly a girl.

«Mayushii was worried. Chris-chan said you didn't recognize her.»

I looked around. Counting, I counted 5 people. Along with this girl, 4 women and 1 man. Their faces were worried.

But for some reason my gaze stopped on one. Chestnut hair, purple eyes, and that shirt… I'd definitely seen her somewhere.

«Exactly!» — I hit my forehead, pointing at the girl — «I know you.»

Her eyes filled with hope. She wants me to say it? Well then…

«You're that girl, the genius who published an article in Science at 17. Kurisu Makise!»

After those words, the faces of everyone in the room showed surprise.

Especially the chestnut-haired girl. She took a few uncertain steps forward.

«Okabe…» — her voice. Gentle, not like on the phone — «You remember me? I'm Kurisu. Not as the 'Genius Girl.' As your…»

She didn't finish. Her reddened eyes looked at me with hope. But what is she hoping for?

«Okarin, is this another one of your stupid pranks? Admit it, you're not the kind of person who forgets his friends.» — suddenly a fat guy chimed into the conversation.

Glasses, a cap on his head, hair like a bird's nest, and quite broad. His face was familiar.

«Okariin, don't joke like that! We're all worried here!» — the girl in the Panama hat continued, tugging at my shoulder.

I think I've seen her before too. Ah, right!

«You're, um, Shiina, right? Our families live nearby.»

She, with eyes wide open in surprise and tears welling up, let go of my hand. Finally.

«And you… you're Hashida Itaru. We went to high school together. Yeah, I think I remember.»

Hashida took off his glasses, wiped them, and put them back on. He didn't know what to say.

«And you… You're Kurisu Makise! You're a genius. I admired your work. What are you doing in a dump like this?»

In an instant she took a step back.

«No…»

Her fists were clenched. I looked at all of them. Their faces blurred into general indignation. I felt like I had…

Destroyed their entire world?

[July 21, 2012, 7:35]

I was still standing. And looking at them. Surprised and sad faces.

For some reason… it hurt to see their sadness. I had to do something.

What did she call me again…

«Hey, Mayuri,» — I tried to smile — «Please don't cry, I'm Okarin, I'm right here.»

She froze. Her smile faltered.

«You… you never talked like that, Okarin. You said your name was Hououin Kyouma, and Okarin was a fictional persona for disguise.»

Damn. Wrong again.

«Hah, sorry, I was just trying to joke.»

I laughed. Briefly. Uncertainly.

They didn't laugh.

Suddenly, Hashida jumped up from his chair.

«Okarin, you never apologized for your jokes! You said it was 'the will of Steins Gate.'» — he said this with a smirk, but without irony.

The will of Steins Gate? What nonsense?

My smile was becoming strained. But I had to do something.

«Ah, yes, right. The will of Steins Gate!» — I raised my finger, trying to strike a pose. Stiffly.

I saw them exchange glances. Their hope was slowly fading.

I should try again. Something they would accept.

I looked at Kurisu. She stood motionless. And seemed mentally stronger than the others. I had to try.

«Hey, Kurisu…» — I said — «Don't you want… don't you want to say something? You know, like usual?»

I would have tried to guess what. But I didn't understand anything.

Her gaze seemed almost lifeless.

«You almost never called me by name. Only stupid nicknames, like 'Christina' or 'Assistant.'»

Firm. Sad. I failed again.

«Yeah… I remember… I'm just tired…»

«Heh…» — Mayuri started awkwardly — «Maybe we should all sit down then? Oka… Okarin, what do you think?»

«Yes. I agree.» — I replied, just to end this awkward moment.

u/Napoleonikus — 3 days ago

Chapter 27

Missing Person.

[July 21, 2012, 06:02]

I opened my eyes. It was harder than in previous days. Was I up late watching anime? Hah.

I was sleeping on my couch as usual. The laboratory. Though, no serious person would call it that.

When you watch anime about cool gadgets, your hands just itch to make something yourself, whether you want to or not. Although, of course, almost none of my projects turned out well. Naturally, being alone in such a big room.

I wonder what time it is?

I reached for my phone lying on the floor.

— «Great, it's already 6 o'clock. I have work at 7. Gotta hurry.»

It's hard to keep a place like this running on your own. Of course, the rent isn't that high, but Mr. Tennodji keeps raising the price.

I walked to the shower with slow steps. My knees hurt, as if I had run a marathon.

[July 21, 2012, 6:11]

— «Phew, why are my hair so dirty? I don't think I got caught in the rain yesterday.»

Muttering to myself, I lathered my hair. Strange that they were damp and a little dirty.

Maybe I'm a sleepwalker? If I had the money, I'd set up a camera.

Then I heard a sound. My phone was ringing.

Damn, what bad timing. What if it's the administrator?

I quickly got out of the bathroom and walked over to the phone. The contact was saved. Assistant Christina? Where did I get this? And who is Christina?

Maybe it's someone from university? Well, I should answer then.

I quickly brought the phone to my ear.

— «Yes, hello—»

— «Okabe! Thank god you answered. Please, don't hang up!»

A slightly hoarse, but beautiful female voice shouted my name. I even froze for a moment.

— «I'm an idiot, a complete idiot. I understand that now. Forgive me! I beg you.»

She was crying. And asking for forgiveness. For what? Maybe she wrote something about me to the professor? Damn, what if it's about that incident...

But on the phone, there were just sobs. I don't think anyone would go that far.

— «I beg you, let's talk…» — her voice grew weaker — «please, just… talk to me… answer me…»

I need to respond. At least to find out why she's crying.

— «Yeah... um, I heard you.»

She fell silent. Listening.

— «I don't really understand… 'Assistant Christina', right?»

There was silence for a while. Then, a surprised:

— «Y-yes?»

I need to apologize. I have absolutely no idea what she's talking about. Maybe she has the wrong number?

— «I… apologize if I offended you, but… I really have no idea… Who are you?»

I could hear her breathing. Uneven, broken.

— «Huh?» — was all she said.

I was getting a little tense.

— «Well, everything you just said to me… I have absolutely no idea what you're apologizing for. You're saved in my phone as 'Assistant Christina', but I don't remember any Christinas, or having an assistant.»

— «Okabe, are you joking?» — her voice was full of disbelief. She doesn't believe me? — «Are you that mad at me?»

— «I'm not mad at all, I don't even know what about. And yes, I'd really like to talk about it, but I'm getting ready for work.»

— «W-Work?» — even more surprise came through the speaker.

— «Yes, sorry, I'm hanging up.»

I ended the call. Phew. What was that?

I looked at the phone screen again. «Assistant Christina.» Somehow, it made me feel sad. I don't know why.

I decided to look around the room again. There was a lot of… stuff I didn't remember. A huge amount of equipment and wires that I clearly couldn't handle. Some toys and costumes that I didn't need.

My gaze stopped on a photo on the wall. I definitely didn't take that.

I walked closer. There was a caption on the photo:

«Lab Staff 09/05/2011»

Staff? What staff is he talking about? I've always been alone here.

I looked at the photo. 7 people. Among them…

— «Me?»

I was stunned. I was in the photo. With other people. Which I don't remember.

I looked at the time again.

— «Still half an hour. If I'm late, will they take away my 'Employee of the Month' title?»

I chuckled at my own joke. I'm practically the only employee there besides those old ladies.

[July 21, 2012, 6:37]

Dressed, I was ready to leave.

With fairly hurried steps, I went down the stairs.

— «Hey, Okabe, where are you off to so early?»

I heard a gruff male voice. It was him.

— «Mr. Tennodji?»

A muscular man stood before me. His bald head seemed to gleam in the sun. Don't tell me…

— «Please, don't raise the rent!» — I bowed, not wanting to look him in the eye — «My budget isn't made of rubber!»

— «Eh? Brat, where's all this respect coming from? Did you suddenly get smart?»

— «Sorry, I need to get to work!»

I turned around and ran in the direction I needed to go.

He said something after me, but I wasn't paying attention anymore.

— «If he raises the rent, I'll have to go back to my parents' place. Anything but that.»

Saying that, I hurried even faster.

[July 21, 2012, 6:52]

And here I am. Hana-michi. The smell of ramen hit my nostrils. It seemed like you could find this place by the smell alone.

I wasn't late today. Just like yesterday. Aunt Sachiko shouldn't be mad.

I opened the door. The smell of wood mingled with the smell of ramen. Well, yeah, almost everything here is made of wood. It wouldn't take much for it to catch fire.

Aunt Sachiko was already sitting at the register. An elderly woman with a perpetually dissatisfied face, though kind at heart.

— «Oh, Okabe? Long time no see.»

Is she joking?

— «Aunt Sachiko, come on, why the teasing now? I'm not even late.»

She looked at me in surprise.

— «Late? For what?»

— «Well, you know, for work here.»

— «Boy, did you get heatstroke? You don't work here.»

I froze.

— «What do you mean? I'm employee of the month. I've been working here part-time since April.»

— «I don't know what you're talking about. The last time you came here was a month ago with that chubby guy… what's his name, Super Hacker.»

What is she talking about? What Super Hacker? No no no, that's not the main point. Was I fired?

— «What do you mean I don't work here? My photo is on the board there, with the 'Best Employee' caption.»

She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

— «Where?»

— «Well, right there…»

I pointed, but my photo was no longer on the board. Did they take it down? Fire me and pretend they don't know me?

— «Maybe you should sit down? You look pale.»

— «No… it's fine… I'm going…»

I slammed the door behind me. Great. I got fired. Now I'll have to find another job.

First that call. Some Christina. Now this. What is going on?

u/Napoleonikus — 3 days ago

To celebrate the fact that there are now 65 of us, I am announcing the start of Arc 2: Absenice

u/Napoleonikus — 3 days ago

▲ 61 r/steinsgate

Others: There are no anime that split two consecutive seasons into episodes with the same numbers! Steins Gate:

u/Napoleonikus — 3 days ago

There are 50 of us now! To mark this splendid milestone, I’m giving some clues. Book. Shelf. Absention.

u/Napoleonikus — 4 days ago

▲ 562 r/steinsgate

Why does Kurisu have such large cuffs on her top in the reboot? (At first, it even seemed like she was wearing some kind of military tunic.)

u/Napoleonikus — 4 days ago

▲ 296 r/NewstageSteinsgate+1 crossposts

What is the best Steins;Gate fan content you've ever seen?

u/Napoleonikus — 4 days ago

▲ 4 r/NewstageSteinsgate

The first version of Rio that I generated in May. A lot has changed.

u/Napoleonikus — 5 days ago

I'm continuing to experiment with AI. I think it's not bad.

u/Napoleonikus — 5 days ago

What do you expect from Arc 2? And should I post AI art and fanfic-related materials during the hiatus?

u/Napoleonikus — 5 days ago