Chapter Text
Everything in the hotel was normal, ever since inanimate insanity ended everyone in the hotel grew a routine. Well…as much of a routine they could grow into. It’s not easy to feel normal when you realize that you’re just basically a one dimensional hologram meant to fit a certain stereotype…But everyone in the hotel had learned to grow past that. They supported each other, keeping each other safe. Even the most “Lone Wolf” type contestants had a support system, And A home outside of the show, A life outside of all the rules that they were created to follow.
The hotel was erupting in the usual happy chatter, it was basically background noise for everyone at this point. For once, Everything seemed to be coming together. For everyone.
A certain someone was watching over the various crowds in the lobby, The manager of this very hotel. Oj had grown a hobby of people watching, he had gotten a few new hobbies ever since the show had ended, everyone had. And this night was no different.
Oj leaned over a railing that was overlooking the lobby floor, letting out a content sigh. But the silence was interrupted with the sound a few soft footsteps coming from behind him. Oj turned around hurriedly, but all his worries were soothed when he realized that it was just his friend Paper, The two had grown close after inanimate insanity, they could practically tell each other anything. That’s just what happens when two friends work together to manage a hotel.
“I’m glad to see you finally taking a break.”
Paper spoke with a soft chuckle, Oj gave a small smirk in return,
“Oh stop, you know I’ve been trying to overwork myself less. It helps that I don’t have to do everything myself anymore.”
Another chuckle, Paper opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. The lobby practically went silent as the sound echoed through the now quiet room.
Oj turned to Paper,
“Did anyone go out earlier? I didn’t think we were missing anyone?”
The pair was confused,
“We aren’t. But it just might be a delivery person dropping a package off, I’m sure it’s nothing.”
Paper took a step forward, putting a hand on Oj’s shoulder.
“You’re probably right. I’ll go get the door.”
Oj moved to walk down the stairs and then to the front door. Oj just figured it was some sort of delivery getting dropped off, but it was odd for any deliveries to happen in such bad weather. It was practically pouring down rain outside.
The air was tense, but Oj just shook it off as he opened the door a bit.
Everything was silent for a moment, but the silence was broken with a single word as Oj spoke,
“Mephone?”
The silence only got more tense after that, and Paper hurriedly rushed to the door, concerned about Oj’s sudden discovery.
“What?! Are you sure it’s him?”
Paper made sure that he was out of sight, speaking in a hushed tone, Oj just leaned a bit closer to Paper as he whispered,
“I think I know what Mephone looks like, Paper. There’s no way that it’s not him.”
Oj was absolutely sure that it was the “one and only” robot behind the door, Paper didn’t wait to chip in again,
“Well? What are you waiting for? Let him inside! I don’t think it’s safe for him to be out in the rain, since he’s electronic and all…”
Paper insisted, but Oj wasn’t so sure.
“Are you sure? I think some people are still not too happy with him because of…Y’know…”
Oj chuckled awkwardly as a way to fill the tense silence, Paper wasn’t having it.
“I know that. But we can think about that later, now is not the time to make decisions like that.”
Paper crossed his arms, his gaze was practically shooting daggers at Oj. Oj just sighed once again, turning himself towards the door again as he opened it a bit wider.
“Paper, go get a towel.”
Once Oj spoke Paper didn’t hesitate to run off to go get what he was asked,
Meanwhile, Oj took a small step outside, trying to ignore the cold. He shivered a bit as the wind and rain hit him, but he wasn’t focused on that right now.
“Mephone?”
Oj spoke again, Mephone didn’t say a word, his expression was dark and unreadable. Oj just sighed, putting an arm around Mephone’s shoulders as he helped the robot inside.
Luckily, Paper came back with a towel just in time, And Oj took the towel from Paper, draping it around Mephone’s shoulders as Oj wiped a bit of the rain water away. Mephone was still silent, And that concerned Oj a little, but he could ask questions later, now wasn’t the time for that.
Both Oj and Paper led Mephone over to one of the empty couches, silently sitting him down. Luckily for them, most of the other residents in the lobby had gone back to their usual business, so there wasn’t that much commotion and it was easy to move Mephone without any distractions.
After sitting Mephone down, Oj took a step back, Paper followed.
“How is he even here? I thought he left the island entirely?”
Paper worriedly spoke, Quiet enough that only Oj would hear him. Oj didn’t respond right away, but Paper was right. It had been months since the show ended and since Mephone disappeared. Why would Mephone randomly show up now? And like this nonetheless?
“I don’t know, but he isn’t responding to me. We might just have to wait until he’s ready to answer questions.”
Oj pinched the bridge of his nose, normally he would be frustrated. But this situation was just so…random and pathetic, he really couldn’t bring himself to be mad at the robot…yet.
“So…what do we do now?”
Paper asked, and Oj wished he could respond. But In reality, he didn’t know. It wasn’t every day that your ex-host decided to show up on your doorstep.
“We can get that all situated tomorrow. Right now, I think we should just let him crash on the couch tonight. It’s clear we can’t really do much right now, besides, we can talk to testtube in the morning, to make sure he wasn’t damaged from the rain or anything.”
Oj just gave paper another smile, and Paper just let out another sigh. He really couldn’t argue with that.
“Fine, but I’m going to bed. This is far too much for me.”
Paper turned his back, walking up the stairs and to his room, leaving Oj and Mephone alone.
“Uhh- Goodnight?”
Oj shouted up the stairs, he didn’t get a response.
Oj just turned back to Mephone, he wanted to get an answer, but he knew that interrogating the robot wasn’t going to do anything.
Oj crouched in front of Mephone, trying to read his expression. Still no luck.
“You’re allowed to stay here and sleep on the couch tonight, but we’re talking in the morning. You can’t stay silent forever.”
Oj made sure to keep his tone stern, letting Mephone know that he was serious. Mephone still didn’t respond, keeping his gaze to the floor.
Meanwhile, Oj just stood up, wanting to give Mephone some space.
But before Oj left, Mephone finally spoke.
“…Thanks.”
It was quiet, and from that one word Oj could practically hear the exhaustion in Mephone’s voice. It only confused him more. What happened for Mephone to feel the need to come back after so long? And so exhausted too?
“Whatever. Just-… get some rest. Please.”
Oj spoke, he kept his tone somewhat cold, before finally leaving the room, finally leaving Mephone alone in the dim hotel lobby.