[Suzune - Bow-Wow] Taking Stock

Chula - Suzune

It was most certainly odd, to have free roam within what seemed to be some kind of prison system. Let alone the fact that she was still styling, and also there were no, like… police around. Anywhere. That was probably the weirdest part. But also she thought that she-- Mmm. Well. That didn't really matter, did it? The least she could do was try to familiarize herself with the place. This didn't really seem like some kind of formally sanctioned prison system or anything, so maybe keeping track of some locations she could use to maybe escape if it came to it… was necessary. (Like what happened if they ran out of food? She wasn't going to let herself stay trapped and die of starvation.)

That said, one of the first locations she'd found herself in was the warehouse, rooting through the supplies to see if there was anything that would be useful to her beyond like… toilet paper or simple, non-chemical cleaning supplies. The items offered through here, at least, didn't seem like anything that would require being locked up, which made using anything here for a future escape uuhhhh… nonviable.

Browsing through all of the goods, though, she found herself sighing, picking out only a bottle of lotion. It was better than NOTHING, but it was nowhere near what she'd been looking for. Suzune popped open the lid and spilled some of the lotion out onto her hands, lathering it across her face. "Guess this isn't some ritzy celebrity prison after all. The least they could, like, do is give some simple makeup, or even some better skincare options," she voiced to herself.

Worrying about the little problems made the bigger problems seem a little less important, she thought. Besides, she was already plenty beautiful even without makeup.

Bow-wow

No guards, no people to keep them in their cells! At least they had… semi-freedom in this place. As much as he didn't like it here, Bow-wow had to admit- this was more cushy than he'd expected from prison. TV and media didn't make him think that he'd get a private cell, facilities, and even food whenever he wanted… kind of.

He'd spent the majority of his time so far… kinda just, wandering about. It felt weird to not be stuck at that dingy hotdog stand in the mall serving mediocre mystery meat cylinders to the general public. Or not being exhausted after biking all the way home because his car broke down again.

Whilst yeah- maybe he did kinda wanna go home, he was not about to complain about his all-expenses-paid vacation.

"Peekaboo!" He'd spotted someone rifling through the supplies in the warehouse when he'd poked his head in the door, and decided to make his presence known after staring for a little bit too long. Almost creepily, really.

He gave an exaggerated wave as he walked into the room- with both hands! "There anythin' useful in here or is it jus' a bunch'a old junk?" He leans against one of the shelves, tilting his head to the side.

Chula - Suzune

Though Bow-Wow certainly took some time to actually speak up, Suzune hadn't even noticed him for the first few seconds of staring. It wasn't until she caught a change in surroundings in her periphery that she shifted her gaze and tilted her head, still rubbing lotion into her skin like nothing was the matter. She opened her mouth to begin a greeting, but before the words could leave her mouth, a loud Peekaboo! made the icebreaker for her.

Her cheeks puffed out as she held in a snort, which bubbled up into the laughter of a babbling brook, light and pleasant, filled with surprise. "S-So sorry! I've been saying that so much lately it's kinda funny to hear it like, thrown back at me! Hahah~" What a character, huh? And what a mask! "Ohh, a puppy mask? How cute! Where did you find that? Oh, wait! I'm sorry, I like, totes go ahead of myself. Hi! I'm Suzune, nice to meet you, little pup!" She dipped into a tiny bow before looking back to the shelves.

"Mmmm… Well there's plenty of toiletries and sponges and soaps, but like… it's pretty limited! There's not even any cleaning chemicals, isn't that weird? I can't even find a scrubber with a handle to wash your back with, or any makeup." She closed the lotion bottle and slipped it into her pocket. "But who knows, maybe there's something around that can like… help with escape if it comes to it, right?" She gave a small shrug. "I think I saw some games and books on the other side of the room, though! That might be more fun!"

Bow-wow

Bow-Wow stood a little more upright as Suzune started to laugh- almost as if he were proud of the fact he had clearly been so funny. He straightened his back, forgoing his usual very slight bad-posture hunch.

"I made it!" He chirps, "It's okay, ma'am! Th' name's Bow-Wow!" He sticks out his hand, expecting to give Suzune a very firm, enthusiastic handshake. This lady seems nice enough- although, he hasn't particularly had a bad impression of anyone yet, despite the looming realization that they had all killed someone.

"They prob'ly don't want people hurtin' 'emselves! I think that's a rule in prison? I dunno, I haven't been!" The way he talks really gives the impression that if he had a tail, it would be wagging furiously behind him. "I ain't too good at games when they got complicated rules 'n' stuff but I can give'em a go!"

Chula - Suzune

"Oooh, you made it?!" Hearing this, Suzune politely examines the mask from multiple angles, eyes aglow while not reaching out to touch it without permission. "Woooow! Not bad at all! And well-loved, too, isn't it? Is this, like, a hobby of yours? I've always wanted to release an accessory line, hehe~" Designing those took a lot different of a skillset than sewing fabric together, most of the time. She returned the handshake with a little giggle. "Bow-Wow's a cute name, too! Are you a mascot for somewhere? OH! Like, only if that's ok to ask, of course. I'm just a huuuge fan of like… Tama and I've always thought Shinjo-kun and Kumamon were cute." Suzune wasn't the BIGGEST mascot follower, but it was always hard to engage in regular culture without running into mascot characters these days.

Hmmm… Well, that made this another person seeing this as a prison, huh? "I haven't either! I guess I can't really say. But if someone really wanted that, there's all sorts of ways to do it with regular non-sharp and non-chemical items, too. I guess it just takes more work to do that, though, haha~" She pressed one finger to her cheek, thinking. "I guess I can appreciate the attempt to protect everybody. I wouldn't want anyone to hurt themselves, either!" She'd just rather be at home.

Either way, she really liked the energy of this guy! He seemed a little like the residual warmth from a sunbeam left behind on a carpet beneath the window. At least, that was her first impression! Noooo complicated rules, huh? "That's ok!! I'm suuuuuper bad at stuff like Go and chess, anyway. Do you, like, know Othello, maybe? That one's pretty simple!! Or maybe Uno?" Suzune trotted over towards the open area of the warehouse. Oh? "What's that like… machine, actually?"

Bow-wow

"I did make it! Art ain't really my strong suit, so it's kinda… amateur work, but… I think it looks okay!" The slightly fraying edges just gave it character, of course! "I ain't much of an artist- just didn't really know anywhere t'get one'a these things made…"

At the mascot question, he nods quickly. "For my high school's baseball team! I…dunno a lot about other mascots an' all though, sorry ma'am." He seems a tad sheepish, not recognizing a single name Suzune rattled off. Ironically, mascots… weren't usually his kinda thing. Unless they were to do with sports teams.

"Can't say I know a lot 'bout… killin' people wit' non-sharp objects, but that sounds 'bout right?" He shrugs, "I dunno. Maybe they jus' don't wanna clean up any blood…" The royal 'they'… whoever they were. The people running this place.

"Othello? Ain't that some… whatever by that Shakespeare guy?" He scratches his head, deep in thought for a moment. He… really hadn't paid enough attention in English class. He'd really tried, but… hm. That's kinda the limit of what he remembers.

"I know Uno!" He pronounces it, 'you-no', by the way.

"Uh, dunno! That's just kinda… been there. Maybe it works, maybe not? Wanna take a look?"

Chula - Suzune

"Paper mache is pretty accessible, right? I think it's cute, anyway!! What matters the most is, like, if it's something made with love, feeling, and intention!" It didn't have to be skilled to be a lovely mask, she thought. Besides! It kind of suited him. Or at least… suited how he was behaving, right? She just hoped the boundless energy wasn't also a mask in itself, he had every right to be terrified right now. It was probably weirder that Suzune wasn't scared herself, probably. "I mean, if you wanted, I have contacts I could get you in touch with that could make them! It would depend on what, like, material you wanted. Some of the sturdiest and most comfortable masks I've used are like… plaster with an outer covering, actually, especially when they're made to fit you specifically, but those are expensive! Mmmm… Maybe a plastic mold with airbrushed paint would do you better? Plus it'd mean it'd be easy to get multiple copies in case one breaks! If you reaaaaallly wanted, I could like front the cost as a little present!" What else was she going to do with her wealth, anyway? Eat at Ruth's every night?

Oh…. OH! THIS WAS A HIGH SCHOOLER?! She pressed her hand to her mouth, face falling in concern. "Oh, I'm so sorry… Why would anyone put you here with a bunch of adults, then? Honey, if anyone messes with you come let me know, ok? I'll do my best to solve the problem." That responsibility shouldn't be on a kid's shoulders, she thought being only 4 years older.

… That hadn't addressed the baseball team in the slightest, though. She cleared her throat a little. "I hope you have a good time at those games, though! I'm actually a HUUUGE sports fan myself! Back when I was in middle and high school I was an unofficial cheerleader, ehehe~ I reported on the games for the broadcasting club, ESPECIALLY the soccer matches! Soccer and rugby have always been my favorite. Being a mascot would mean you get to see your whole team, like, up close, right? I'm jealous!! I'd love to get to watch stuff from the sidelines like that! I was never quite coordinated enough to play myself though! Gosh it always looks like so much fun~"

Though, in darker topics again, she tilted her head. "Nooo, that's possible too. So many people like… die from slipping on soap in the shower and smacking their head all the time, you know? I guess like… ANYTHING can be dangerous. I just try to not go around living my every day being afraid of everything, because that's no way to live! Better to do some good in the world instead."

Oh! So he wasn't an Othello knower. Huh! She ALSO thought that was common, given even schoolkids played it. Maybe not as common as seeing Shinjo-kun merch in the Tokyo train stations, though. "You-no… Ack!! Have I been like, totally pronouncing it wrong this whole time?! Auuugh… That's so embarrassing!" Foreign titles were hard!!

The machine, huh… Suzune took it upon herself to trot on over and take a closer look while she could.

It is not currently working! Its purpose is unclear beyond seeming to have some kind of wide slot near the bottom. Any buttons or such are hidden well among the seams, if they're even there.

Suzune awkwardly tapped around the sides of the machine, searching for ANYTHING, rather than sticking her hand into the slot.

Bow-wow

"Well, gee, ya don't gotta front the cost, ma'am!" He waves his hands quickly in front of him- although, admittedly, the offer was incredibly tempting. "I can just save up for somethin' better! It would only take me, like…" He's going to estimate how much she's talking price-wise, followed immediately by doing some… interesting math.

"Six months? I get paid, like, five bucks an hour?" That's like, nothing, Bow-Wow. You're worth more than that!

He laughs a little sheepishly as she offers to protect him, and scuffs his foot almost comically on the ground. "You're a mighty kind lady, ma'am…" He blinks- "But yea… I guess we're probably all here for the same kinda reason…" His shoulders sag a little.

But the topic of baseball brightens him up again.

"I've been watchin' baseball with my pa an' all for a few years now! There's nothin' better than goin' an watchin' a game in person, so that's pretty much what I get to do!" He nods in agreement to her statement about being able to get up and close with the team. "The cheerleaders are always so happy to see me out there cheering our team on, so are all the players!" He's so proud of his mascot role… "I used ta be a basketball kinda guy, but… that was just 'cause I hadn't seen baseball yet!"

Even if he knew what Othello was, he… definitely wouldn't know how to play it! Well, it made sense why she was… bringing up things he'd never heard of, now he was fully registering that she wasn't indeed part of the Texas crowd. "That's always how I heard people sayin' it!" They definitely told him this as a joke, by the way.

He trots after her as she approaches the machine and tilts his head further. "Ain't that a weird machine… no buttons or anythin'…?" He promptly attempts to jam his hand into the slot, like an idiot.

Chula - Suzune

"5 yen an hour?! Oh my gosh! That's robbery! Honey, that'd take waaaay more than 6 months to save for on that allowance! It's just fine, I can front the cost myself just fine! I'm like… Oh gosh, I might not look it, but I AM a CEO. I've got plenty of spending money, it's ok!" 5 yen an hour… that's not even enough money for a chicken nugget. "If you REALLY wanted to pay some for yourself, would you at least allow me to pay part of the cost? Like, maybe 75%?"

Same…. reason? Um….. She had to think about that. "Actually, you're the first person I've talked to, um…. I don't know. I…." Her eyes glazed over. "… Under the views of the law I should be home with my family right now. I haven't… broken any laws… like EVER… except maybe the time I stole a pack of gum by accident when I was 7?" … She shakes her head. "Ahaha… I don't know, I… I've done something very bad but… I never expected um…. prison about it. Just… ethical and moral judgement instead." Again, she stalled for time, clearing her throat.

"Listen, this is all so sudden, and I'm still, like… processing what happened. But I never wanted anyone to die. The… best I can do for myself and for others is to keep reaching out where I'm needed." The same reason, though. Did Bow-wow know something actually? "What are people supposed to be here for? Um... But are you ok? Is there anything I can get for you? Just know that if there's ever something you need, I'm happy to lend a hand."

Ooooohhh, though, that's a nice light conversation they can bond about, right? "I've been to baseball and basketball games!! Especially back in school! They're so FUN, right? I LOOOVE the vibe of the crowds, and cheering people on who are trying their best!! Nothing beats the PASSION of athletes doing what they love, right? They might not be soccer or rugby to me, but I love them anyway, hehe." Awww, that's so cute. Must feel nice to feel cheered on while cheering on others! She understood that feeling very well. "What's your favorite part of going to games like that? Oh! And what's your favorite silly mascot antic you've done?! They always have some of the most fun interactions!!"

Oh, ok!! Suzune would file this under her new lingo category. "Yu-no yu-no yu-no. Bing bing! Memorized. I'll use that in the future, thanks!!" Oh no, they've BOTH been led astray.

As Bow-Wow shoved his hand into the machine, a brief flash of panic struck Suzune's face. "Ah! Oh… Be careful! You haven't hurt your fingers, have you? Oh dear… I can like… get ice or something if you're hurt!"

Bow-wow

A CEO?!?!?! Bow-Wow would have begged for a job on his hands and knees if he'd known that right away. Regardless of whether he even had a clue what kind of work Suzune did. Anything that paid him better and wasn't some dead end fast food job!

"Well, yes! I'd feel a lot better if I was contributing…I don't like feelin' like I'm burdenin' people wit' my expenses!"

He shrugged at her question of if he knew why people were here. "I don't… know anythin' specific, but I'm guessin' we kinda all did somethin' worthy of prison time, y'know? That's kinda… why people get sent to prison ain't it?" He blinks at her, seeming surprised she was so openly offering so much help. "Yeah, yeah I'm alright!"

"It's wonderful! There's nothin' that gets me more excited than a happy crowd!" He practically beams. "But I think one'a my favourite parts of baseball games was always goin' with my pops, and seein' him in the crowd watchin' me!"

Ah… thinking about his favourite mascot activity… "It's gotta be pesterin' the ref! Fallin' over and rollin' around always gets a few good laughs, too…"

His hand rummages in the slot for a few moments before he pulls it out, giving up on getting the strange machine to function. "…Nah, I ain't hurt yet! Just kinda… tight on my hand for a bit."

Chula - Suzune

Oh he was most welcome to ask for a job, she was certainly already on the edge of offering one. 5 yen an hour. That was a miserable pittance of a sum. Still, she'd at least accept him wanting to contribute to the cost! "Of course, sweetie! We can do it that way. I'll get in contact with a friend of mine to get that made when I get home, ok? I'll send you the price quote once I have it! But know that it's no burden to me! Because, like, I have more money than I need to get by, so something that small would be nothing!" Granted, she made a mental note to tell a little white lie and say the amount he'd owe is quite a bit less than it actually was. A high schooler didn't need to spend that much money when he could be saving for college.

"Would you prefer plastic or plaster? I'd need to get your facial dimensions too, but like. That should probably wait until we get out of here, anyway." They needed measurement tools for that, and she didn't have access to any of that here. What was it she used last time? A laser measurement system?

Worthy of prison time…? No, but… "I still… Feel like that has to be some kind of mistake, right?" Legally speaking, she was pretty sure she…. Well. Maybe there was some sort of law she didn't know about that she broke. Suzune was no lawyer. "But… Ah… I-I guess I wouldn't really know, huh?" But a legal standpoint alone wasn't that only way to judge a person's actions and determine if they were right or wrong. She knew that much. But… if that was the case, why a prison? "Haaaahhh… Still! I'm happy to lend an ear if you ever need one, too." It was hard to imagine someone like this kid doing something to earn prison time, either.

Ooooh, at least his views as a mascot seemed quite on-point! She smiled. "Exactly!! That's the best feeling in the world, isn't it? Ummm…. Kinda, I mean!! I've always been the one in the crowd, but I've always wanted the PLAYERS to be happy they're doing well!!" Gosh…. That sounded so sweet, too! Support from his dad. "Hehehe~ I'm glad you've had someone there to watch and cheer YOU on, too! It sounds like you're close to your dad?"

"Those are pretty classic gags, hehe. Actually, I've always wondered about this with the falls and trips and stuff, are the mascot costumes, like, cushioned inside? Do you have safety padding for the slapstick?" Slapstick might be funny, but only if the person inside wasn't seriously injured. It wasn't as if she'd ever been inside one of those costumes.

Ah… Ok. Then that was fine, even if Suzune's nerves were a little on end. "Forgive me for worrying! I have a little toddler at home, and it's hard to keep her from touching or eating things she's not supposed to, haha. As long as you're ok, we're fine! Do you feel anything inside?"