#Basically this is what Bowen was dealing with while the whole dorm mess was going on

[tetsuwan-atom]

@project-rebirth​ @enigmaincrimson​

SCHOOL GARDEN - INTERLUDE

A Drabble

Bowen Chuuno didn't wait very long for what he was waiting for.

In the place of the Anti-Skill van that came earlier, a bus pulled up. Older, dark blue in colour with flashing beacons on the front and rear. He quintessentially knew it as a Mercedes Benz O305, from home. The Ministry of Science used them as transport buses, emergency vehicles, among others.

Today, aside from the driver, it only carried two people. As it pulled up, the sound of the doors opening always brought memories back to the blonde. Stepping out, was a taller man, grey trenchcoat, blue tie. Long-ish brown hair, an eyepatch. Older looking too. In his hand he had.. quite a large case, a travelling case of course, all sorts of belongings in there.

He knew who the man was, and what he had on him.

"Thanks for bringing this over, Heinrich. I know it's a sudden change of plans but this is gonna work out better."

"I'm kinda surprised actually. Didn't think you'd be game to stay at the dorm. Y’ said just checking up on Touma would be enough."

"Yeah... I've got the feeling it'd be better to stick close. Misfortune's already happening. Gotta look out for him."

"...So it's not ‘cause of... her... is it?"

"...Wha.. No! Absolutely not! I mean it's a good thing she's here but that's not the reason I'm actually staying here! I need to look out for Touma. The more friends he has on hand, the better."

"...Right... well, anyway, here's yer belongings, should be enough t’ last a week. Man, it was hard enough getting in here, having t’ be asked all these sorts of questions, all because we're male!"

"Oh yeah.. I heard that. I don't really get it either."

"Mmm, mmm. Oh, Merlin has offered ya voluntary research project for you t’ undertake while you're here too."

"...Voluntary? But.. I'm busy here as is, I don't need more on my plate."

"Ahh, but this is for the time yer not on active duty."

A box was handed to the blonde, in addition to the suitcase.

"Ever heard of Indian Poker?"

"...I think so? I heard some people talking about it."

"These cards allow the user ta experience dreams recorded by others. We don't quite know how it works but the Ministry is curious t’ see it's effectiveness in certain settings. At the moment we're trialling it in this world only. If we can, other Operators might be having a crack te see if it works outside of this universe. You'll be the first test subject."

"...So... you want me to use this in my sleep?"

"Pretty much, instructions say peel off the packaging layer, stick it on your head, let it do the work. We've... only picked positive or 'pleasant' cards for you, knowing what you've been through. If you have the time you can write about each experience. The tape recorder's in your case if you prefer ter’ use that instead and transcribe it later on."

"...Looks like there's more than a weeks supply here.."

"Yeah it's there if y’ want to continue it past your stay. You don't have ta go through all of it. Plus, y'know. Rainy day, your girlfriend ain't home, you're restless, that stuff should get ya through, not in an 'Oo-err' kind of way though!"

"Hah, right, right. I'll think about starting tonight or, whenever. So, the sweeper's coming tomorrow?"

"Mm, should be here. It's all branded up. Should help the cause a bit during the cleanup."

"Right. Well, I gotta head back in, set everything up. Make sure it's all functional before anything else comes up. Really appreciate the help as always."

"Heh, anytime, lad. Just remember t’ let yer wife know what's going on too."

"O-of course! And she's not my wife yet!"

"You should change that. You two are perfect for eachother!"

And with that grin, the man steps back into the bus, the doors, close, the vehicle pulls away with that unmistakable transmission whirl. More nostalgia for him to listen to, before taking out his mobile phone, a text to Rosalia, while he has the time.

[Text]: Hey, it's me. [Text]: I'm going to be staying at Tokiwadai for the week. [Text]: Touma's going to need it. [Text]: You can always come visit if you want. [Text]: I love you. I miss you heaps. [Text]: Can't wait to see you.

Sighing, he puts his phone away, before taking a look at the box he was handed. "...Indian Poker, huh?"

Sounds interesting. How did it work? So many things still baffled him. Shaking his head, he would put it in the top of his case, before carrying it along back into the building. It had a handle, wheels, it was easy, despite being heavy to most people.

Now it was to go back to his dorm, the dorm he was going to be staying in. He still doesn’t know who his roommates were going to be!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, back on the bus.

“Even after this long, I still don’t understand that boy.”

“He’s still young, Heinrich. He has a lot of growing up to do. However, I admire him for his care for others.”

“I’m just not convinced he’s here ‘cause of Touma. I reckon he wants to see that girl again.”

“So? Friends are allowed to see friends, that’s what they are. Kamijou Touma as well has become a frequent target of outside organisations and beings. It’s only natural that Bowen tries to look after him a bit more. I feel he might even see the side of trying to minimise his bad luck, though, fighting against a natural, unseen occurrence.”

“Yeah but he doesn’t do that all the time. He doesn’t hang round the boy 24/7. They’ve both got their own lives. I really thought just having him check up on the guy would be suitable enough.”

“Think about it this way, then. Imagine a potential force of fate at play. The day he first met her, the times he would save her. No matter the extenuating circumstances, like Bowen already having a girlfriend, or the girl in question having a crush on someone else. The thing we have to remember is this isn’t anything untoward, he’s an honest person, he tells us everything, he tells her everything. Sometimes it’s a case of fate that they are brought together again, it might even mean danger could be round the corner again, like last time.

“...Fate... I suppose she is a weird lady, isn’t she?”

“Bowen’s a good guy. Don’t worry about him. He’s got his priorities in order, he knows where he wants to be. You have to be proud of his kindness towards others, to those who are his friends, regardless of who they are. I hope that kindness never leaves him, no matter how much he goes through...”