Welcome back and I hope you are safe out there with everything that is happening around the world and please take every precaution you can to be safe. Now let's talk about the story, this is a follow up to my one-shot Overseas so if you haven't read it, well you don't have to but without giving any spoilers it's kind of sets up this story. Anyways this takes place after a year from the movie and how I think two certain characters would be at this time. Also an important thing, this is going to be a multi chapter story and yes I know this chapter alone is long enough to be it's own story it's just the first chapter. The other chapters should be less than this 15k word monster of a chapter, but I think when you actually read it, it doesn't even feel that long, but I don't know I'm bias when it comes to my own story. Now without further ado enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Steins;gate or it's characters, this is purely for fun

White.

Cold.

Beautiful.

Finite.

That was snow, four simple words to describe such a beautiful and stunning thing. It was funny to think he never thought about it like that until it was plastering his face in some foreign land far from home. In many ways New York was different than back home, a place of many wonders and many people, the embodiment of a boiling pot and where the stars seemed obtainable, but it was also a place where snow was as beautiful as it was brutal.

The grey of concrete and skyscrapers was washed away by the majestic white of snow, a sight he was used to from the snowy winters in Akihabara, but here it was different.

He's walked through many snowy nights back home, braving the frigid weather without so much as a sneeze, regardless of how bad a day or how good a day was it was always the same. Cold, that was the only way to describe it, yet right now in the desolate sidewalks it was torturous. The wind whipped and ripped at his face while the flurries of snow felt more like icicles piercing his skin, it was unbearable. But that was today.

Last night, around the same time and through similar conditions, the snow was beautiful, the wind provided a refreshing breeze that tickled his ears complimenting the flurries of snowflakes softly landing on his skin like swabs of cotton. His jacket provided a comforting warmth that was nowhere to be found now, and the emptiness of the streets provided a beautiful picturesque view of the city. Even recalling how he felt a day ago felt like a cruel joke, right now he couldn't even entertain the thought.

"Are you cold?"

But it did happen.

"I-I'm not doing this because I want to so don't let it get to your head!"

And that night she actually clung to him. It was his right arm, and coincidentally or not it happened to be the side away from the street, she slipped her arms through his and rested her head on his bicep as they walked in sync through that snowy night. And while it seemed more like fiction than reality, he was certain it happened, and he was also certain he had never been more happy than in that moment.

But that was yesterday not today.

The only thing today and yesterday shared was the snow and the cold.

But it wasn't so bad, afterall snow was a peculiar thing.

It was beautiful.

And at times it was breathtaking.

And in many ways love was like snow.

It's beautiful.

And at times it's breathtaking.

He wondered whether she would think the same thing to.

Though admittedly she'd probably say something really robotic and technical sucking out anything majestic about snow and love. And to most people hearing someone say that would probably make their eyes roll back, but right now he desperately craved it. To him that was more romantic than saying some generic crap you always hear like snow is the color white, a color associated with purness and innocence, a beautiful color physically and representative. While love is seen as a pure and selfless attachment to another person.

Ok maybe he was exaggerating, but his point still stood.

Though admittedly he couldn't help but wonder if he told her that if she'd laugh or find it endearing or maybe both. In hindsight saying something like that would be beyond cringy, but in the heat of the moment it might be romantic or sound really amazing. Ok now he really wanted to know what she'd say, but there was a reason he was alone walking the desolate sidewalks.

Even with the reason sorely in his mind or maybe because of it he couldn't help but think about her. It was like something forbidden that you can't help but fantasize about. Right now she consumed his emotions and his thoughts, every little thing he saw or did eventually landed back on her. Whether a cat passed him or a tree flowed with the breeze he couldn't help but think of her and then there were really ridiculous ones that reminded him of her like a half eaten kit-kat bar wrapper stuck on a grate. It was red and her hair was red so... well that's not the point, he had come to America to be with her and maybe further their relationship, but here he was moping around some sidewalk in New York alone. It was actually funny when he thought about it, in a cruel kind of way, because it was his fault for his current predicament.

He even chuckled a low sad chuckle as he recalled what had transpired, it was bitter and it was ironic, but most importantly it was who he was and in a sense who she was that led to this. It was actually befitting and maybe a foreshadowing of a future together, if there was one left that is. As for the reason why he was here there was actually two.

The one he told her and the real one. The one he gave her was, in every sense of the word, pathetic. And as he tried explaining himself it made it sound even more pathetic.

The real reason well...the real reason was less complicated, but more...well it was what it was.

Even an hour or two removed he still couldn't bring himself to fully accept the real reason.

He claimed he loved her.

He claimed she was his equal.

He claimed she was his partner

And most importantly he claimed she was his assistant.

But love was complicated.

And in many ways love was like snow.

In one moment beautiful and breathtaking the next cold and unforgiving.

And just like a blanket of snow covering a beautiful park is a sight worth dying for, underneath it is just mud and soggy grass.

Chapter 1: The end is the beginning and the beginning is the end

Ten days prior

December 19, 2012 15:13:33

"What?"

"I know you're slow but not this slow. How many times do I have to repeat myself I bought tickets for you to come to New York."

There were many things in this universe that were incomprehensible, the meaning of life, the meaning of death, what came first the chicken or the egg, and since that faithful day two years ago Makise Kurisu. She was an enigma to him and no matter how much time passed it remained the same. For example there were stretches where they would talk almost every day on the phone for hours and there were stretches where they exchanged a few texts a week. Admittedly a thirteen hour time difference didn't help the cause, but at least they were trying.

But back to the point, Kurisu would flip flop between being this girl seemingly head over heels in love to this girl trying to let a guy down easy. He could text one day, 'how's your day?' And she'll respond with walls of text within seconds other days it could take hours to simply get a one word response. It was mind boggling to say the least and considering his only relationship advice came from Kurisu, albeit from another world line, she had as much dating experience as a plank of wood. And the only other people he could fathom asking were Daru, he wasn't even going to dignify why that was a horrendous idea, Faris which was reasonable, but he doubted she would give practical advice, Moeka he doubted she even had a friend before them let alone a boyfriend so she was out of the question, but considering his relationship with Kurisu mainly relied on texts now she may prove useful... somehow. And finally there was Ruka and Mayuri.

Out of everyone Mayuri was the only viable option. He had nothing against Ruka in fact he was certain he would give pretty good advice maybe even better than Mayuri and explain why women act certain ways, but considering Ruka also had a crush on him it would be kinda of awkward asking. Now he was sure Mayuri could give excellent advice but she was the kind of person where if you ask her directly she'd spout some nonsensical or ridiculous advice. He would have to walk this thin line where- ahh who was he kidding he would never ask for dating advice. He vehemently denied he and Kurisu were anything but fellow lab members, it's not like he was going to give a shred of credibility to their outlandish claims!

"Well are you gonna say something?"

Dammit. Once again Okabe found himself getting lost in the midst of a conversation, but could you blame him?This was a sudden and crazy revelation of course his mind would be frantic and erratic.

"Uhhh-B-but why New York?" Okabe nervously blurted out as he tried getting his mind back on track and not on relationship advisors or anything else that might sidetrack him.

"I live in New York genius." Kurisu deadpanned with an air of annoyance.

"I thought you were from the plains of Arkansas." Once again the words came out faster than he could process as his mind scrambled for anything and what it settled for was their first meeting in the laundromat.

"How many times do I have to tell you I wasn't struck by lightning!" Kurisu snapped back before she caught herself mumbling about where that came from. It wasn't long, but that pause gave Okabe enough of a cushion to try and calm himself down and figure out what the hell was happening.

First off her remembering events from other world lines always lifted his spirits, secondly he realized, if her claims were true, she bought tickets for him to go to New York and the reason because she lived there. A smile crept onto Okabe's face, it didn't take long for him to piece two and two together as suddenly he found himself unable to contain his excitement.

"Christina!" Yes she was still mumbling or she might have even began talking to him but Hououin Kyouma didn't care. "Is my assistant, my Perverted Experiment Loving assistant asking the mad scientist, Hououin Kyouma, to step out of the sanctuary which is the lab and embrace her lonely self?!"

"What?-"

"Muwhahaha!" Oh how the tables had turned, now instead of him being on the receiving end she was. It was too easy. Once he called out her affection she would go straight to tsundere mode, hell she was probably blushing crimson and vehemently denying such an accusation, but if she was his laugh was blocking it out. "The radiance of Hououin Kyouma is unlike any of which this world has seen! From my rugged good looks to a brain that rivals Issac Newton, it's no wonder my assistant would miss such a presence in her life! Muwhahahaah!"

"I-it's not like that!" Kurisu reactively fired back but her tone was anything but threatening as it was laced with embarrassment and denial giving Hououin Kyouma even more fuel. "I-I actually wanted to invite Mayuri, but-but I only had enough money for one ticket and Mayuri's still in school and I couldn't ask Daru so I-I didn't want to but thought you can take pictures and show Mayuri!"

"Ahh yes I forgot my assistant was incapable of sending pictures through email!" That was too easy and judging from her growl she knew as well she came up with a horrible excuse. "Just admit it, Christina, you miss Hououin Kyouma!"

"I do not!"

Okabe was smiling even wider now. He didn't know when or how, but Okabe was starting to learn how to fluster his assistant more and more. It was the one thing he knew would always be a constant with Makise and it brought great entertainment, but what truly was magnificent was what he was about to do next.

"But you miss Okabe Rintaro?"

"Eh?" It was always that little sound she did when he caught her off-guard, a sound he relished and one that he couldn't help but turn the large smile he had to a triumphant smirk. It didn't matter how many times she made that sound to him it always sounded like he was hearing it for the first time. And it was that sound that gave him the confidence to finally say what he's been meaning to say for awhile.

"You...you know I'm playing." Okabe sheepishly said but before Kurisu could reply Okabe continued. "I-I missed you. I know we keep in touch, but it's not the same. I miss seeing you. I miss having you in lab arguing with one another or stealing smiles from each other when no one's looking. I miss debating with you about the littlest of details in a theory of yours. But what I think I miss the most is the time we spent together when neither of us knew what to say or do, just in the lab sharing a Dk Pepper, leaning on one another on the couch in silence. I know our time together has been short, but to me they are worth a lifetime over. But I guess what I'm trying to say is I missed you."

"Well- "

"What about you?" Okabe didn't know when or how he thought it was a good idea to be so direct. It just came to him when he first confessed his love for her when time was short and there was no room for what ifs, but he liked it, it was straight forward and to the point. But he knew it was something if he said without any more conviction it might not have the desired impact, but so far it served him good as when he used that phrase it usually ended with a straight answer and more importantly a kiss.

"Ah...oh... well...-"

"Do you miss me?" He wasn't gonna get a kiss, but nevertheless he wanted to know and he wanted her to say it.

"You always know what to say huh Okabe?" She finally stated after a small chuckle. "She misses you more than you'll ever know."

He was getting pretty smooth if he said so himself and while those words were small they meant the world to him. She misses you more than you'll ever know He- wait a second!... She said she? Shouldn't it be I miss you more than you'll ever know?

"She?" He blurted out in confusion, but he must have misheard because-

"Oh! Uhhh, I gotta go!" Before he could even ask what happened she hung up and he was by himself alone in the lab once again confused but content. Though after she finally hung up a lingering thought crept in his mind whether she was serious or drunk like the last time she was so blatant in her emotions, but before he could question it all the information he needed for the ticket was on his phone.

December 19, 2012 19:45:06

"So how's the food Rintaro?"

"Good." After several hours of contemplating what to do after Kurisu's call he found himself at his parents house having a home cooked meal, which he immediately regretted. With Daru and Mayrui both being busy and not having any plans to return to the lab for the rest of the day, Okabe had to tell someone of what had transpired and more importantly his plan to go to New York. So in that frenzy he had called his mom to which she quickly invited him for dinner, not even letting him explain what had happened.

Thus he found himself back home, listening to his mom's countless stories and gossip while his dad just nodded to whatever his mom said. It was a nostalgic setting to say the least one that harkened to the days of his youth, days he sorely wished remained in the past as he found himself with the familiar boredom that plagued him growing up along with the forced smile that went along with it. But there was a silver lining to all this. And that was his shocking announcement. Or at least that's what he told himself as the high of Kurisu's call began sobering so to did his willingness to tell his parents about it. In reality he was two seconds away from forgetting about the whole thing but there was a nagging curiosity that he had growing up and that was how his parents would react if he ever told them he had a girlfriend. Of course getting a girlfriend wasn't a priority and it wasn't because nobody wanted to date him or anything like that, it was one hundred percent by his own volition.

Not that Kurisu was his girlfriend or anything, it's just his parents would naturally assume she was even though she wasn't because they weren't...exactly. Anyways he always imagined it going down three ways. One his mom freaks out with joy while his dad nods and gives the proudest most approving look a son could ask for. The other way, well it started with his mom freaking out with horror and disappointment while his dad shakes his head in disgust and shame.

And finally the last way is they would flat out think he's lying.

And luckily for him he didn't have to wonder much longer as his mom finally began eating giving him ample time to say what he needed to say.

"I-"

"You know Rintaro ever since you moved out Mayuri comes here everyday before she goes home and tells me how my little boy is doing in his little lab. She always says, 'Oh Okarin this, Okarin that.' Or 'we had so much fun!'" His mom quickly said cutting him off before he could even begin. "But you know the other day when she dropped by I asked her why does she always tell me what you're up to and you know what she said? 'Mayushii doesn't want Okarin's mom to worry' it was the sweetest thing ever, isn't she a sweet girl, Rintaro." His mom added, but again before he could say anything his mom continued smiling ear to ear. "And a very very pretty one too. I bet a lot of boys chase after her, but I know you chase them all away like you use to do when you were kids with your crazy professor Hopo Kyoto act."

"Mad-"

"You know Mayuri always has this bright smile whenever she talks about you. It's the most adorable thing! It reminds me of when I was a love struck school girl dating your father and love was a fantasy come true." He wondered whether his mom needed to breath or not because he was sure any other person talking as much as she was would pass out due to a lack of oxygen and no he wasn't getting annoyed that the older he and Mayuri got the more passive aggressive his mom got pushing this narrative that he and Mayuri were an item. Nope he wasn't annoyed at all. "But you know what I don't understand? She's such a nice, sweet and pretty girl it's a wonder how she's never had a boyfriend. I mean a girl like her should be having to fend off countless suitors! But who knows perhaps she has one but keeps it a secret from everyone, but you would know right Rintaro. Afterall you and Mayushii are so close she wouldn't keep anything a secret from you right?"

"I suppose." Okabe plainly answered while he wondered if every mom was like that. When it came to Mayuri his mom seemed to have this idea or hope that they would get together or already were together, however absurd that sounded, and constantly pushed for it. But before he could internally rant some more his mom for once sat on her chair in silence so Okabe decided he should take the opportunity and tell them about Kurisu and New York. "Anyways I have-"

"So Rintaro how's college?" And of course just in the nick of time his father jumped in the conversation.

Wasting no time Okabe quickly answered with, "Oh, uh I'm getting good grades, one of my professor's thinks I should apply as a tutor or a lab assistant to one his research teams." While he might have answered the question his parents seemed less than pleased with his answer as they just blankly stared at him, but he didn't care he just wanted to get it over with. "Speaking about lab assistants-"

"Speaking about Mayuri she is gonna graduate this school year right?" For the love of God why couldn't anyone let him finish talking as his father once again interrupted his announcement, and to make it worse Okabe had the perfect segway to tell them!

"That's right." His mom replied back cheerfully before turning her attention to Okabe placing a hand on his wrist as if she was gossiping with one of her friends. "You know I heard from her mom she was thinking about moving out when she graduated, did she tell anything about that?"

"No." Okabe simply stated. At this point he didn't care, he didn't care to know and he definitely just wanted to get his big announcement over with. "I have-"

"Maybe she's still working it out, afterall I mean if she were to move anywhere I have a pretty good guess who she would move in with. Right Rintaro?" That was follwed with the wink. His father just gave him the wink. The double entendre wink that made any young man shudder. The wink father's give to their boys as they begin puberty. The wink he didn't want associated with Mayuri.

"There's this-"

"That's right!" Of course his mom had other plans as he once again was interrupted mid sentence.

"Rintaro and Mayushii practically spend all their freetime together in his apartment I swear they're almost like a married couple!" Now Okabe didn't know whether his mom was talking to him or not, but at this point he realized one thing from this conversation and that was if him and Mayuri were characters in an anime his mom would be their biggest shipper and it kinda disturbed him. But he digressed as before he knew it his mom once again grabbed his wrist even tighter and looked at him straight in the eyes before gleefully saying. "I mean, when I was your age the only person I spent that much time alone with was your father."

"I remember those days fondly." His father replied with the wink.

Which his mom reciprocated with The wink. Yes his mom gave the wink to his father. Yes his parents were talking about doing the deed. Yes his parents were suggesting him and Mayuri were also doing the deed. And yes sometimes the biggest perverts in your life are your parents, whether intentionally or not.

"I have-"

"I wonder-"

"I have an announcement!" Finally Okabe shouted as his father began speaking once again leaving both him and his mom just staring at him blankly.

"Oh, you do?" His mom said nonchalantly before adding, "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

Okabe could only face palm as he had many, many choice words he wanted to say, but none were befitting for the kitchen table or one's own parents. But that sentiment quickly died as Okabe realized he now had to tell his parents about Makise. The sweat started to bead around his forehead and a lump develop in his throat as he stared dumbly at his parents who were watching and waiting for his supposed big announcement. Swallowing the lump in his throat Okabe cleared his throat and mentally ran a rehearsal of what he had to say as he met his parents gaze with a sure-fire intensity and stood up.

"My-uhhumm... you know how the holidays are around the corner and... I... for the holidays... I was ...well I was thinking...-i-invited... to-spend them with... my- I meant a girl." Well it sounded better in his head as Okabe could feel his face burning with embarrassment but at least he hoped his parents got the gest of it, hopefully.

"About time." His father gleefully said with a smile that quickly jumped over to his mom.

"My little boy is growing up!" His mom beamed as she brought him in for an embrace. Maybe it wasn't gonna be so hard telling his parents about Makise as from their intial reactions that seemed more than happy about the news."I'm so happy, but Rintaro, you don't have to be embarrassed, Mayuri is always welcomed here." And there it was he even surprised. Of course his mom would assume that and judging from how his dad seamlessly nodded along he was thinking the same thing. At this point he wasn't even upset in fact all he could do was sigh as he simply watched his mom ramble on about her favorite ship. "U-unless you mean like you want to go on a vacation together, just the two of you, like a romantic getaway! I should-"

"It's not Mayuri."

"Pardon?" After a brief pause his mom ecked out just as she let go of Okabe and looked at him her face distorted with confusion, shock and most importantly denial.

"It's not Mayuri."

"Oh." It was funny actually, three simple words and his mom's bright smile had all but dissipated into oblivion and the atmosphere of celebration and joy in the kitchen dryed to a thick layer of broken dreams and crushed hopes.

It was comical actually.

The silence in the kitchen was palpable and right now he felt even breathing might shatter his parents. Once he said Mayuri wasn't the girl in question his parents both stopped functioning with expressions of varying disbelief. His father's expression while shocked was nothing compared to his moms. To put it lightly his mom's expression was a mix of disappointment, denial, shock, sadness, confusion, and about twelve other words for hopelessness. To put it in perspective her face was one someone makes when a relative has a life threatening disease and the doctor tells them they had beat it only for them to die from it a day later. In shorter terms his mom physically couldn't believe the news, if she passed out he wouldn't be surprised.

"W-what?" His father uttered first much to Okabe's surprise, but then again it appeared Okabe's mom was two seconds away from collapsing.

"It's not Mayuri. She's... a friend of ours." Okabe gave a soft smile after saying that hoping it would be enough to ease his parents, but from their unchanging expressions it wasn't working.

"Why!?" His mom suddenly exclaimed making both Okabe and his dad jolt in surprise. But Okabe couldn't help but notice there was a quiver in her voice, and while it wasn't like she was gonna cry, hopefully, it was definitely noticable.

"Well, I don't see Mayrui that way." Okabe calmly explained. It was true he never really saw Mayuri as more than a friend, but that didn't mean he didn't think there was a possiblity their friendship could turn romantic. She was pretty and attractive and he was fresh out of his teens so of course thoughts like that occurred especially since she was, for most of his life, the only girl he really interacted with. Now with that being said it's not like he ever seriously considered turning those thoughts into reality, it was just too weird.

"But... why?" His mom repeated even more distraught as her voice quivered even more noticable.

"Who is she?" But before his mom could begin crying or getting hysterical his father quickly jumped in leaning forward and taking the reins from his mom. "Do we know her?"

"No." Okabe quickly replied as his eyes darted between his mom and father hoping his mom wouldn't burst out crying, which she looked awfully close to.

"Really?" His father said with intrigue as he leaned easily back to his upright position and crossed his arms while a small smile spread across his face. "What's her name?"

"Chris- Makise Kurisu." After a brief flub Okabe finally said her name, her real name, while he bit his lip and waited for a reply from one his parents his dad just looked at him contemplating while his mom was looking at the floor in some sort of haze.

"Interesting." His father finally said as Okabe felt his pulse skyrocket with that one word response wondering what that meant, but quickly his father followed it up with. "So when do we meet her?"

"Well that's why I came here." That raised his father's eyebrow as Okabe took a deep sigh and explained the situation. "She...she invited me to spend the holidays in New York with her. She barely called me a few hours ago, so it was as big as a surprise to me as it is to you."

Silence that was the one word to describe it. There was dead silence that lingered over everyone as Okabe's father just gazed at him in disbelief.

"Rintaro." His mother finally spoke breaking the silence and her staring contest with the floor as she placed a hand on his shoulder and looked Okabe dead in his eyes. "This isn't one of your make believes right? Where you're an insane doctor right? Because it's not funny."

"Mad scientist!" Even though correcting his mom should have been the least of his worries it bugged him more than her suggesting he was actually delusional and fantasizing that Makise was his girlfriend. "And I'm being serious she invited me to America."

"Rintaro you know you can't trust people on the computer. They pretend to be other people and lure gullible people to do nasty things to them!" His mother proclaimed as Okabe just stared at her...did-did she think he was getting catfished?

"Your mother's right. Did you meet 'her' on the computer? Because I saw in the news recently perverts pretend to be attractive foreign girls on the interwebs where they target lonely and desperate people to take advantage of them." His father injected cold-heartedly. Not even in the span of five minutes his parents had accused him of making up he was dating Makise, being catfished, gullible and now lonely and desperate, if his parents were trying to knock him down a peg they were doing an excellent job at it.

"I know who she is we met in person." Okabe stated, as quickly a light bulb flickered in his head as he reached down his pants and pulled out his phone to reveal a picture he and Makise had taken together last year to show his parents and prove he wasn't making it up.

"Is that her?" His mom timidly said as she leaned forward towards the phone and examined the picture in question. "Mayuri is prettier."

"That's not the point!" Okabe exclaimed as he slapped his forehead in frustration. "I'm showing you I'm not making it up! See we're in the lab, and there's one where all of us are together!"

"Ok don't need to get all defensive your mother is just pointing out the obvious." His father injected as Okabe gave a low frustrated growl as he slung his head down in frustration at the realization his parents were a lost a cause. "All we wanna know is who is this girl?"

"She's my ass-!" Quickly Okabe cut himself off as he almost called Kurisu his assistant to his parents. And while to literally anyone else that wouldn't have been a problem, for some reason telling his parents Kurisu's nicknames felt...embarrassing. Maybe a year ago or two he wouldn't have had a problem, but now those words felt intimate whenever he spoke them, like terms of endearment reserved for one another that no one but them would understand. So no way was he gonna tell his parents, that is until he realized his parents were staring at him funny and then it clicked as his embarrassment quickly turned to horror. He picked the worst time to cut himself off. "-itant."

"What do mean your ass?!" His mom and father both exclaimed as Okabe became a stuttering mess searching for answers.

"Assistant! I meant assistant!" Those were the only understandable words Okabe had managed to proclaim but it fell on death ears as his parents continued with disaproving glares.

"No, you said ass." His mom said with a frown only a mother could pull off as gone was the look of utter and total sadness replaced by fury and revenge.

"My Assistant! I just misspoke!" Okabe defended himself as he turned beet red his eyes darting all over the place except for his parents.

"Assistant in what?" His father asked quickly and sternly as he was once again leaning forward with crossed arms and a disappointed expression.

"In experiments what else!" Quickly and without much thought Okabe exclaimed which was soon followed by a gasp from his mom.

"Sexual experiments!" His mom accused as she shook her head in disgust as Okabe let his own gasp, shocked his mom would even say that.

"No!" Okabe quickly fired back while his mom was having none of it.

"Is Mayuri involved?!" She suddenly asked catching Okabe off-guard.

"Yes!" Dammit! Why was his reflexes so damn fast, yes Mayuri was involved in the many experiments they did in the lab so of course Okabe was gonna say yes, but dammit! If judging from his mother's bulging eyes he realized he had messed up big on that one.. "It's not like that! We don't do... that in my lab!"

"Please say you use protection!" His mom cried out as Okabe became a stuttering mess once again as his mom accused him of having sex with both Mayuri and Kurisu which... oh god now that he was picturing it, it wasn't helping the situation at all!

"We're not doing that!" Okabe shouted as he turned a deeper shade of red and tried to picture anything besides Mayuri and Kurisu in the lab-. "We build stuff in the lab!"

"Like babies!" Oh God, how in the hell did telling his parents about Makise and New York lead to his mom accusing him of making babies in his lab!

"No-"

"Everyone be quiet!" His father yelled as he pounded the table grabbing everyone's attention. "Why don't we take a deep breath, calm down and let Rintaro explain everything ok."

December 20, 2012 11:23:44

"So you told your parents about Makise-shi."

Twenty minutes.

Twenty damn minutes

It was literally twenty minutes ago when he told Daru what had transpired the previous day with his parents and it took twenty minutes for Daru to finally respond back.

Daru had arrived first thing in the morning and plopped down right in front of the computer gushing about the latest eroge game he had purchased the previous night from some geek store a few blocks away. Specifically he gushed how the main characters were voiced by some b-list anime voice actresses, a feat considering the type of game it was, and how the artist who drew most of the Cgs use to work for a famous studio before they cut ties with him after an incident involving a chicken and a prostitute. Add all those factors together and you got Daru indulging in the filth for the next three hours straight.

Of course this wasn't exactly surprising, but what was surprising was yesterday. For about two hours and forty minutes Okabe looked like a junkie without their fix as he sat on the couch fidgeting and debating how to go about explaining yesterday. He was torn between waiting for everyone and explaining everything at once to everyone or telling Daru first and Mayuri when she arrived. Obviously he had settled for the middle and told Daru about the incident with his parents and was rewarded with twenty minutes of awkward silence. You would have thought bringing up the combination of Makise and his parents reaction would perk Daru's interest but alas all it served was to make him pause for a second before turning back to his game.

After that for twenty minutes the only sound emitting from the lab was Daru typing or clicking away while awkward sexual sounds from his game popped up here and there followed by a husky and not at all creepy giggle from Daru. Really it was a wonder how anyone could essentially play porn so shamelessly in front of other people. Now Okabe wasn't saying he never indulged in those kind of things, but when he did he did so in private, Daru on the other hand put his porn on display. Now maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Daru only played them in front of Okabe, the keywords being 'wouldn't be so bad' as Okabe still felt pretty awkward when he did, but every lab member was subjugated to it. With the exception of Faris who would sometimes help Daru with his games, Mayuri, Kurisu, Ruka, and Moeka were all treated to a few bouts of awkwardness and discomfort stemming from Daru's games one way or another. Hell even Mr. Braun wasn't safe as Okabe could vividly recall how one time Mr. Braun had walked straight into the lab and the climax of one of Daru's game, literally and figuratively. His face turned red with killing intent threatening if they were caught ever playing, watching, listening to any of that filth within earshot of his daughter he would castrate them and skin them alive before feeding them to a pack of dogs.

Now with the knowledge Okabe had from previous worldlines Mr. Braun was more than capable of doing exactly that, but luckily, considering the alternatives, all he did was raise the rent by six thousand yen for the next two months.

And as you can tell Daru took that threat to heart lowering the volume from an eleven to a ten. Yup Daru was the kind of pervert willing to die for his porn intentionally or not. And yes Okabe was being a little harsh on Daru, but after being left in twenty minutes of silence it's understandable why he would be frustrated, so standing up from the couch not wanting to squander this opportunity Okabe continued the conversation as if those twenty minutes never happened.

"With much hesitation. The reason of doing so came at the behest of a recent development with my assistant which necessitated some details about her being...explained to my parents." Of course when he had recounted the event to Daru earlier it wasn't exactly one to one. There was many twist, turns, and awkard explanations he skipped or glossed over when he tried telling Daru, but the one thing he made sure to not even allude to was the trip to New York, that bit of news he felt both Mayuri and Daru needed to hear. But in true Okabe fashion he had accidentally mentioned how his parents thought the lab was some sex palace, which Okabe figured was the only reason Daru even decided to continue the conversation after it processed in his head.

"Lame."

That was unexpected. Of course Okabe shouldn't have been surprised, but he was, and Okabe shouldn't have responded to that, but he was so taken back and slightly offended Okabe shot back with a clenched fist and an exaggerated frown."What's lame about that?"

"Do I have to explain it?." Daru began with a shrug as with a click of the mouse the ungodly sounds coming from his game came to an end while Daru spun around on the chair to face Okabe who was now crossing his arms waiting for this supposed explanation. "If I ever told my parents about Yuki and they said to me, 'Daru not only do we believe you, we also think you're banging her smoking hot friend in totally real and awesome threesomes' I would say, 'YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT FTW!'" As the words left his mouth Daru immediately began pelvic thrusting the air from his seat while all Okabe could do was shake his head and facepalm in disgust. While it was really stupid and an epitome of Daru's pervertness Okabe couldn't help but grin internally as he guessed right that the sex palace thing was the only reason Daru would stop playing his eroge game.

And while he was grinning internally for the most part he was beyond disgusted.

"A mad scientist has no interest in sex, female or male! Just like the great Issac Newton, Hououin Kyouma too, shall remain celibate!" Okabe proclaimed fiercely and proudly to Daru, but while Okabe was getting swept up in his little act Daru's eyes slanted while his brow quickly tensed up as he suddenly shot straight up from his chair pointing a vicious finger at Okabe.

"It's easy for you to say! Women throw themselves at you!"

It was unlike the many times Okabe and Daru had a spat or disagreement. The venom and anger was palpable and if Daru's face was any indication he was actually furious.

"Super hax0r-!"

"Shut up!" Just as Okabe found words to formulate his scattered mind Daru suddenly shouted at him cutting him off while his finger went from pointing to fingers listing things off. "Mayuri! Ruka! Faris-tan! Moeka! Makise-shi! Every. Member. Of. This. Lab. Wants you!"

"But Ruka's a guy." In a rush Okabe had blurted the first thing that came to his mind, a feat considering how many other things were swirling in his mind at that moment.

"That's not the point Okarin!" Daru cried out as he took a step in Okabe's direction which prompted Okabe to take a step back.

"Look at me Okarin! Do you think I will ever know what 3-D girls actual breast feel like! Hearing you say you want to remain a virgin by choice is a slap to the face for people like me who have no choice!" Now Daru was mad and getting loud as Okabe eased a little back worrying Mr. Braun would make an appearance with Daru's sudden outburst. "Look at me Okarin! Look at me! You know as well as I know it's the truth!"

"Yuki! What about Yuki!" Okabe exclaimed a bit concerned as Daru was now about a meter away and breathing down his throat. But Okabe's attempt at icing the situation was met with silence as Daru huffed in disagreement ignoring what Okabe had said totally.

"You literally have a harem and I've had it up to here with how you treat them!" Daru exclaimed as he raised his hand above his head and stared down a now nervous Okabe.

"They should have all left you by now and gone for a true gentleman like me! But no! Real life girls would never touch a fat loser even if they were paid! Let's start with Faris shall we? I've shown nothing but devotion and loyalty to Faris-tan, eating and spending money at May-queens every opportunity I get or complimenting and supporting Faris-tan in everything she does! Perhaps it's in the hope that Faris-tan will one day acknowledge my sacrifices and commitment to her and share my love for her! But no just as she began warming up to me you swoop in and steal her from me! And the part I can't stand is you treat her like trash! When Faris-tan comes to the lab she always like, '~Nyan, Kyoumaaaaaa I have a sore back can you massage it, ~nyan, us cats need the extra care ~nyan' and then you go, 'What's this have you been fighting the seven rings of Astor?' Then Faris purrs, 'Yes! But they were no match for my secret fighting technique pass down my family for a thousand years, Go-dow-non-me, ~nyan. But it's so deadly all who use it suffer an extremely sore back, specifically the part right on top of the butt, ~nyan. But don't worry I won't mind if your hand slips here and there so please Kyouma please massage my back! ~nyan.' Then you say, 'Ha if you would have used my technique you wouldn't have a sore back!'"

Okabe... was at a lost for words. He didn't know whether he should be concerned or recording his friend's rant. Daru's rant had turned from deadly serious to...flat out stupidity. In the beginning one could say Okabe was scared Daru might throw a punch or something, but right now as Daru mimicked his and Faris's voice Okabe was finding it hard to suppress a laugh as Daru continued with his story.

"Then Faris cries, 'But Kyoumaaaaaaa you haven't showed me your secret technique, ~nyan! But I know, ~nyan! We can train together in my super secret dojo without the fear of being walked in on, ~nyan! We can get sweaty and dirty till we're sore and glistening with sweat, ~nyan, we can even exchange secret techniques like the super secret technique passed down Faris's family for two thousand generations that will bring any man to his knees I-willg-odow-nonu,~nyan!' Then you say, 'Hahah there's no time for that when the organization is a foot!' Do you realize who you're denying?! The perfection of prefects the most moe of moe the one and only Faris-tan! She deserves the best! She deserves to be worshipped! But you! Faris wants you, a position every man, woman and child would kill and die for and you can't even give her a back rub! People like you make me sick!"

Jealousy was a very ugly thing. Okabe in a way figured one day Daru was going to release all that pent up frustration and angst and today appeared to be that day. Afterall there were many signs that if Daru did it would involve the other lab members especially with how interested he was in Okabe's relationship with all of them. Those signs ranged from blatant ones like when he would accuse Okabe of stealing Faris from him to the subtle ones like when Okabe gave a round table meeting whilst Daru slunk in the back watching like a vulture quiet and calculating. And while Okabe always had a hunch Daru was at least mildly jealous of Okabe's 'success' if you can call it that, with the opposite sex today proved it was beyond mildly jealous.

But even so with all that it still didn't make sense considering Daru had been talking to Yuki for well over a year now and he knew for a fact one day they would eventually make Suzuha. Daru shouldn't have been this upset about that kind of stuff since he was already with someone though with that being said it was also entirely possible him and Yuki were going through a rough patch in their relationship right now. Maybe Daru was just tittering on the edge because they got in an arguement or something and he was ready to explode at anything that annoyed him. It made sense and the more he thought about it, the more and more it seemed likely and if for a fact that was the case Okabe found it very amusing. While Daru was seriously mad, hearing him imitating Faris and him was actually pretty funny.

But he did have one gripe with the particular story he recounted.

Okabe did give Faris a back rub.

He could still remember when it happened, it was about a month ago when Okabe had picked up Mayuri from May-queen's and they went to the lab while Faris tagged along. Nothing was unusual about the walk to the lab or when they got to the lab, Faris acted like Faris, Mayuri did her thing, Daru was on the computer and it was like that for about an hour until Kurisu had unexpectedly called him.

It was the first time she called him since the incident at her work so he answered and went to the roof to talk to her for about an hour or so, but when he came back things got weird.

Faris started complaining, in Faris fashion of course, her back was sore and needed a proper back rub which Daru immediately offered to give, but Faris, for a lack of better terms, blew him off while she kept pestering Okabe to give one that he refused to do. Eventually Mayuri got on the act to as she also began pestering Okabe to help Faris, but only after she offered to give the back rub herself which Faris vehemently refused claiming Hououin Kyouma had a special technique which would relieve all tension and stress. Eventually Okabe just relented and set himself right beside Faris on the couch and began the worst decision of his life.

Ok maybe it wasn't the worst decision of his life, but it was up there. Once his hands began doing a sorry excuse for a back rub Faris started...purring. A low, borderline sensual purr which immediately put Okabe on edge. A part of him wanted to stop and another part knew if he did they would just keep pestering him, so he continued nervously and unsure of what to make of it. On one hand it could have been Faris was being her usual self and on the other hand it could be well... she was not being her usual self, but before he could delve further into what it could mean, like a cat she began rubbing herself on Okabe. She had kicked her head back and started to rub the top of it with his face all while purring that low borderline sensual purr which at that point Okabe had all but stopped giving his massage. Immediately he tried getting off the couch, but before he could she scooted closer and closer to him till she was practically pinning him to the couch almost on top of him where she then began rubbing her whole back on his chest.

And of course while he was begging and pleading for help Daru was off to the side just staring at them with a cross between pure unfiltered jealously and excitement and Mayuri was smiling ear to ear laughing and having a good time.

The whole thing was embarrassing...

And while Faris apologized immediately afterwards, claiming it's what cats do and she didn't mean to make him uncomfortable he still felt...

...dirty.

So dirty Okabe also remembered clearly as soon as he was alone in the lab he immediately called Kurisu and begged for forgiveness. She was obviously caught offguard as at first she probably thought he actually did cheat on her (even though they weren't officially boyfriend and girlfriend), due to how nonsensical and apologetic he was but after that initial bout they both took a deep breath while he explained everything from the beginning emphasizing how much he hated it and wish it never happened, but all she did was give a good, hearty laugh at his expense...before suddenly she stopped and seriously threatened if he ever did that again she would stab him in his hippocampus.

"-and don't get me started with Ruka!" Oh yeah, Daru was still ranting. Okabe had zoned out as he recounted the event with Faris. So coming back to reality and wiping any indication he was finding this all funny Okabe immediately put on his serious face as he got the last parts of Daru's rant. "She's all like, 'K-kyouma-san, I-I'm s-sorry, b-but I l-lo...-l-lov-...l-love you. Elm. Pie. Conree.' Then you're like, 'But you're a dude!'. Balls or not man I would still tab that!"

"Tututru!"

"Mayrui!" Okabe immediately exclaimed as both him and Daru immediately stopped their little spat and turned to see Mayuri but as their gazes intersected their was a serious look that sent chills down Okabe's back.

"Okarin is it true Kurisu-chan's pregnant!?" Immediately Daru choked on nothing as his eyes nearly popped out of his head while both him and Okabe could only stare in shock at Mayuri. For Okabe the only thing he could fathom was his mom either told Mayuri of his plan to go to New York herself or she told Mayuri's mom who then told Mayuri with the added gossip his mom spun.

"W-what no!" Okabe quickly denied while his hands went flailing out of control, but Mayuri stepped closer and closer until she was arms length away from Okabe.

"But Okarin's mom told my mom that you were having a baby with a girl from America and Kurisu is from America so Mayushii thought Kurisu-chan was having a baby." Mayuri effortlessly explained while Okabe was having a nervous breakdown.

"No, no- I'm merely going to visit her in New York!" Suddenly the room went silent as both Daru and Mayuri gasped in unison.

Just as the words spewed out of Okabe's mouth Daru flatly uttered, "What?"

"I- I...meant my Assistant-"

"Okarin!" Daru furiously exclaimed interrupting Okabe in the process. "What's this! Not only do you mock me by claiming you want to remain a virgin forever you go out and become a filthy normie!"

"What are you talking about?" Okabe exasperated shifting his attention from Mayuri to Daru, but before he could go full mad scientist Daru began speaking.

"I didn't want to bring this up, but we made a pact when we founded this lab to become wizards and you go out and get a 3-D girlfriend, planning sexy time in another country to boot! Does a man's promise to a friend mean anything nowadays!"

"Da-Zombie is not my girlfriend!" Okabe quickly proclaimed. "The vileness that courses through her veins is one of many reasons I wouldn't even touch my assistant let alone have 'sexy time' with!"

"Ha, that didn't stop you from making out the last time she was here!"

"Eh!- I already explained she was choking on pudding! No one was around and it wasn't like I would let my assistant die!" Okabe turned a deep shade of red as he recalled that event. It was more than a year ago during Kurisu's stay in Japan after they had gone through everything in the R-worldline when the two were sharing a totally not romantic platonic meal, alone in the lab not because they wanted to have quality time with each other or anything together, when she began choking on pudding. Of course it was bound to happen, afterall Christina is severely clumsy and uncoordinated, but unfortunately for Okabe no one else was around and the matter was of life and death so he begrudgingly, emphasis on begrudgingly, gave her CPR. But just as he began blowing air into her mouth which totally looked nothing like kissing he might add every lab member walked in leading to this false claim that they were making out! How absurd! So what if she was on top of him when he was giving CPR it was and still is a ridiculous claim!

"There are two problems with that!" Daru loudly said as he held up two fingers to list them off. "One- you give the heimlich when someone is choking not CPR! Two- No one chokes on pudding...unless you mean your pudding!"

"Shut up pervert!" Those were two valid points, but Okabe was sticking to his story no matter how many holes and inconsistencies it had. "Maybe with your perverted mind you saw what you wanted to see! Maybe the organization has implanted a mind controlling device which would explain why you're a pervert!"

"Perverted gentleman!"

"Please stop." Mayuri softly pleaded seemingly on the verge of tears garnering the attention of both Okabe and Daru who both turned to look at her. "Mayushii doesn't like it when people fight. Especially friends. Friends should never fight."

Okabe's face fell along with his Hououin Kyouma act seeing Mayuri's downcasted gaze and was replaced with a more somber and serious look before he simply uttered. "I'm sorry."

After Okabe's apology there was was a static silence in the lab that dragged on longer than it should have before Daru finally muttered his apology, which was succeeded by even more silence. For a few long seconds the lab and the trio inside were engulfed in the silence neither not knowing what to say or do until a smirk bounced off Okabe's lips as he immediately pointed a finger at Daru and exclaimed. "Now that you had your outburst of anger apologize to the Mad Scientist Hououin Kyouma!"

"What!"

"Don't blame Daru!" Mayuri suddenly budded in catching both Daru and Okabe off guard before uttering something that would forever be ingrained in Okabe's mind till the day he died."He's just upset his parents think Yuki is a body pillow!"

Immediately Mayuri covered her mouth as she let out a small but noticable whimper before saying through her hands muffled. "I wasn't suppose to say that."

This was golden.

"What's this?" Okabe smugly and mockingly asked while his eyes began examining Daru in a similar mocking gesture as Daru simply stood still speechless while his mouth gaped opened trying to process what had happened. So turning his attention to Mayuri Okabe asked. "Mayuri is it true."

Even though her hands were still covering her mouth she gave a small quick nod, but not before giving a guilty apology to Daru with her eyes. That explained everything now. So he was right Daru was already upset, a ticking bomb waiting to explode at anything and while it wasn't exactly what he thought it was, it was one hundred percent better! He was so gonna rub it in Daru's face!

"Mwhwuhaha! So our resident Super hax0r has told his parents about Miss Amane? Who understandably think she is a body pillow? But a bigger question is why! Muhwhahah!" Okabe mockingly asked while Daru pulled his cap down embarrassed and ashamed. "Perhaps it's you who has become a filthy normie, projecting your insecurities onto individuals who don't deserve such a degrading title! You know I thought we made a pact to become wizards, right Super Normie-oops I meant super hax0r!"

"You're heartless Okarin." Daru muttered out as with his fingers still pushing down on the brim of his cap he lifted his chin up and away from Okabe in disgust.

"Of course I am! I'm the mad scientist HOUOUIN KYOUMA! Muhaahaahaha!"

"But Mayushii wants to know why we're going to New York?" Immediately Okabe stopped laughing as he stared at Mayuri who had silently taken a few steps closer to him practically touching him.

"Well...welll... why did Daru tell his parents about Amane!" Quickly Okabe blurted out as he stepped back trying to put some distance between him and Mayuri while simultaneously trying to draw the attention away from him and onto his favorite right arm man.

Speaking of who still had his chin up in disgust before wasting no time to unexpectedly explain, "Yuki wanted to meet my parents for the holidays, so I told them about her."

"That's-"

"Okarin pleaseeee Mayushii is confused." Just as Mayuri began begging Okabe could only watch in a mixture of horror and embarrassment as his mind shuffled for a way to explain what had exactly transpired between the two. But what made it worse was how simple it was. All he had to say was, 'she invited me to New York for the holidays' and that would be that, but like with his parents what was simple in concept was extraordinarily hard in practice. Just like when he explained it to his parents the words processed in his mind, before transferring to his vocal cords before they came out as little more than one letter sounds and incomplete words.

And the only reason why?

He was embarrassed.

It's not that he was embarrassed of Kurisu, not by a long shot, it's just he was...well embarrassed about the whole situation. While he should have bragged about being with a girl as amazing as Kurisu Okabe could never find it in himself to even acknowledge there was more than a friendship bubbling between them to other people. Which was kinda stupid considering literally everyone who knew them thought something more than a friendship was going on between them. It was childish and immature but confirming there observations was difficult to say the least, it was like being in elementary school where a friend accuses you of liking someone and you vehemently deny it blushing crimson. That's how he felt when he was questioned about his relationship with Makise, like a little kid denying a schoolyard crush. But at the sametime while he had trouble being open about their relationship to other people he had no problem being more open with her and that was what was important right?

Or at least he thought. He knew it hurt Kurisu, even though she would never admit it sober, she found his denial of their relationship or disdain for PDA hurtful and understandably. To an outsider looking in, it would appear his actions suggested he was embarrassed or ashamed to be involved with her, whether he meant it or not that's how it would appear, obviously that wasn't the case. But at the same time Okabe reasoned many people were like him, embarrassed to admit being in a relationship, hell she was the same way too!

Then, of course, she called yesterday telling him she wanted him in New York with her. She had the courage, the desire to build on their relationship with that simple request and in a way that's why he was so keen on telling everyone what had happened. He felt pressure, he felt as a quasi boyfriend, he should be pushing or at least matching that desire to develop their relationship. He felt that's what he should do, but in reality he didn't know Jack shit about relationships. Everything with Kurisu since that summer had been natural, something he took immense pride in, there was no book or advice he was taking on how to be... what he was to her, but that call... that call put a lot if things in perspective. Where was there relationship? A year has pass and he still couldn't refer to themselves as a couple and he couldn't even tell his close friends he liked her. It was pathetic. He wanted to go beyond what they had going on now and take a step forward with their relationship, and while he didn't mean marriage or living together he wanted something more. Something solid, something more blatant in a way, something hard to describe yet so clear and focused.

And it started with being more open about their relationship and feelings toward one another with their friends .

"She...she invited me to New York." The words were plain and straight to the point but they were enough to literally turn Mayuri's frown upside down.

"Really!? Wow you and Kurisu must be getting serious!" As she said that Mayuri began jumping up and down in joy while Okabe looked on uncomfortably.

The words of 'yes I hope so' were processed in his brain and sent to his vocal cords and while it might not have seemed like much, just acknowledging his and Kurisu's relationship was a step in the right direction.

All he needed to do was take that step.

"Ye-I-It's not like that!" And as the words left Okabe's mouth he gave a low internal chuckle. "My assistant was in peril from the organization, no doubt due to her own clumsiness and carelessness that airhead!"

Of course with that being said what was simple in concept was extraordinarily hard in practice.

December 20, 2012 20:36:49

He was jittery.

The next day would be the day he embarked on his journey to New York and to kurisu.

Or at least that's what the ticket said.

It was as nerve racking as much as it was exciting.

The prospect of seeing Kurisu again was counter acted with the weight and anxiety that plague him since yesterday when his mind was able to wonder free and loose. In fact after Daru and Mayuri left the lab the rest of the day up to this point had been spent researching New York, from time differences, trivial history to famous landmarks and must do's. And while it was informative it mainly was just a distraction from his anxiety about the trip. It was a never ending swirl of emotions in his mind of what could happen and what might happen, he was nervous from the fact he was traveling without his friends to the fact he was going to be alone with Kurisu in America.

But more specifically to get the elephant out of the room he was more nervous of the possibility of...

Sex.

It was weird to even think of, but somehow it had crossed his mind the other night and plagued him ever since. Granted it's not like he never thought about it, however hard he claimed he didn't, but now it seemed more...realistic. It was an unspoken thing between him and Kurisu, a topic neither really brought up or cared to, but nevertheless it was a topic that hung over there heads. With the fact they were going to spend the holidays together and presumably alone the prospect was dangling in front of Okabe's face mockingly. One would think he would be excited beyond belief, chomping at the bits but he wasn't.

He was intimidated.

Like... giving a presentation in class kind of intimidated. It was the dread of screwing up or getting something wrong in front of other people that he felt. And no matter how many times he tried calming himself by saying he wasn't going on a sexcapade or if it happened it happens that's what two people in love do, the anxiety lingered and persisted. But even so there was no place he wanted to be more than by her side.

He even wondered what Mayuri and Daru would say if he would have told them that. As it was he told them a lot regarding his trip and how it transpired, which they each handled it in their own special way.

Daru was still upset and really didn't say much which was an oddity considering he thought Daru would just be spewing out perverted nonsense the entire time.

Mayuri on the other hand was... Mayuri was more like happy for him but not actually happy. It was hard to explain as to the naked eye Mayuri seemed ecstatic about it and Okabe thought so to until he clarified the trip was meant just for him and no one else. It was hard to notice but after knowing each other their entire lives her eyes for a brief second gave her true feelings away.

She wasn't exactly upset or sad, but she wasn't happy or neutral that was for sure.

Okabe had several theories of why she would feel like that and on top of that list was the plain fact she felt left out, straight forward and to the point.

The other theory was more dour and well instigated by his mom.

About two hours ago his mom had unexpectedly came and visited him almost exactly and too quickly to be coincidentally when Daru and Mayuri left the lab to talk to him.

"So you're really going." She had simply said standing at the doorframe of his lab. It was unexpected to say the least as he had almost tumbled out of his chair hearing her voice.

"Yeah." Okabe had simply answered adjusting himself upright on the chair while his mom deeply sighed and made her way around the lab. As she walked aimlessly her face was plastered with a somber tone examining one thing after another in the lab, but it didn't feel like she was intruding rather it felt more like she was searching for words to say. That is until she had stopped by the couch and grabbed Mayuri's oopa pillow that was positioned in the middle of the couch.

Without looking up she sadly gazed at the oopa before she uttered, "I remember when you were a kid, you always use to play around and make believe." After the words left her mouth she finally turned to look at Okabe with glassy eyes and a tight smile that was anything but cheerful. "You know, when Mayuri's grandma died, I thought something bad was going to happen her. She changed from an upbeat innocent child to a miserable grown-up filled with regret. But you were always there for her."

Recalling the scene Okabe never did look directly at her when she spoke instead his eyes shifted focused to the floor, the walls and the ceilings, but his mom didn't seem to mind or at least say anything.

"That's when I knew you're life would never be easy. You have a big heart Rintaro, one that will stop at nothing to help others and the ones you love. But the biggest of hearts always carry the heaviest of burdens." She had sadly stated though why she said it was still a mystery to him. "I'm sorry for getting side tracked."

She had said with a low chuckle as she dropped the oopa pillow down on the couch and took a seat next to it.

"It's just, time is passing by and... well it's hard sometimes when you think about it. You know when I met your father I never thought I would spend the rest of my life with him? I was young and had my whole life in front of me, there was so much to do and so much to see, the world seeme like an endless adventure waiting to happen, I thought settling down would only hinder my life. But before I knew it I was married and had you. But you know what the funny thing about life is Rintaro? I never got to explore the world, or see and do everything I thought I wanted, but I lived a life I'm proud to call my own. But I think the hardest part of it is watching someone you bring to this world start their own." She gave a small warm smile when she had finished speaking and even though her intent was to be more upbeat her eyes were as glassy as ever. "But enough of that you want to look good for this girl of yours right? Here I brought some of your clothes from high school you never wear anymore give it a try."

The clothes in question were his black blazer, black slacks along with a black button down shirt and his super dark green sweater vest. An ensemble he was still wearing.

He looked different.

Gone was the persona of a mad scientist with disheveled hair and a dirty lab coat, now he was the persona of a man with his life and future ahead of him. And that is where his second theory came from.

Mayuri thought he was leaving her.

They had been almost inseparable since childhood, like an older brother and a kid sister wherever he went she followed, whatever hijinks he got into she was there beside him, but now was different this time she couldn't be with him. This time life was taking him to a place he wanted to be and that was with Kurisu. And even though with all his being he wanted to be with Kurisu there was a tinge of guilt when he thought of the possibility that Mayuri was hurt over his decision. He couldn't and wouldn't ever hurt Mayuri in anyway, but if she did really feel that way he... he would...

...It never dawned on him that it had been two years since he reached Steins gate.

What was once seven years for Suzuha to be born was now five almost fours years.

He wasn't eighteen anymore but in his twenties.

His time leaps, SERN, alpha, beta worldlines were a thing of the past retained only by himself and no one else.

Days that seemed to be endless were now lost to the abyss of time and memory.

And here he was going to see his assistant in America because they were in love with one another.

Maybe Mayuri was right, things were changing between him and Kurisu, but if they did what did that mean? What would it mean to truely live with another human being as your partner, to wake up every morning and see the same face you're in love with? Was it an ecstasy that fluttered your stomach or would it dull and become commonplace? Would her precious laugh became dull and monotone or would it always resonate with warmth?

He thought he knew the answer. He wanted believe he knew but... he still didn't know what he would do it if his decision hurt Mayuri.

She had to understand what this meant to him.

She had to know how much Kurisu meant to him, she had to. But yet she looked...

Maybe it was because she felt left out.

Maybe she thought he was leaving her.

Maybe he was overthinking it and it meant nothing at all.

But whatever the case was he still didn't want to hurt Mayuri.

And if for whatever reason being with Kurisu hurt Mayuri in anyway it...it would suck plain and simple but he hoped Mayuri would understand one day if that was the case, but he doubted that was even the case. Though the thought still lingered in his head.

Then his phone rang.

As he looked at his phone he simply read the caller ID and gave a small relieved smile. "Kurisu."

It was all he said as he answered the phone while his worries of a few seconds ago washed away and was replaced now with flutters of anxiousness.

"Ah what's with the serious tone?" She teased out, but her voice was anything but self assured. "Not that I don't mind it, Hououin Kyouma is an annoying person so-n-not that you aren't! You're just less annoying when you act like yourself."

He was grinning stupidly now listening to her talk as he uttered playfully,"Ever the tsundere I see."

"I am not a tsundere!" She hurriedly shouted before adding fiercely. "It's just I was being-honest! The lesser of two annoying acts is how I see it and I just stated the obvious! It's called honesty!"

"Well if I'm being honest then well...I'm... a little nervous." He would be lying if he said there weren't a million other things he wanted to say, but those words just escaped his lips before he knew it.

"The great mad scientist nervous?" She said with mock intrigue as a small laughed echoed through the phone. "While I don't really care, what's got you all nervous?"

She was the same as always. Hiding behind her mask of indifference and carelessness a true tsundere to the bone. But she was willing to listen to his problems whenever and wherever, he knew that for a fact.

"About tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She questioned and again with mock sincerity she hummed dumbly in thought before saying, "Let me guess, the rent was raised and if you don't have the money by tomorrow is gonna kick you out!"

"Haha, Mr. Braun wouldn't kick out the only source of joy in his life." As Okabe answered back a true smile graced itself on his face as for once in the two hours since he mom stopped by he felt perfectly at ease.

"You and joy do not mix." Kurisu jabbed back before saying. "So I guess it's not rent so then I guess since I don't know and I don't want to be here all day what's got you so anxious?"

"My trip tomorrow."

"What trip?" Of course Makise could play her little games as well as anyone so with a sigh Okabe elaborated.

"To America."

"What?!" She spat out as Okabe could make out the sound of a thumb in the background. "W-what do you mean to America?"

"Don't play dumb Assistant!" Okabe exclaimed smiling ear to ear. "You were practically begging me to come, nearly in tears I might add!"

"I never-what are you talking about!" She stuttered out quickly.

If she was joking she was really stretching it way too long.

"C'mon Christiana! You paid for my ticket, saying you couldn't live another day without being held in my embrace."

"What!" Kurisu loudly stammered. "Okabe I'm being serious I have no clue what you are talking about."

"I know you're just embarrassed of your true feelings for the mad scientist Hououin Kyouma!" Okabe proclaimed while he mentally swore tsunderes could be real hassle jeez.

"Okabe I'm not playing. You're going to have to explain what you are talking about, and please let Okabe explain not Hououin Kyouma."

She sure was taking this joke a bit to far or it was possible she could be dead serious.

Sighing Okabe began going through different possibilities of why she couldn't remember, if that was really the case, and most of them led to the same conclusion.

She had been drunk.

Kurisu rarely if ever indulged in the alcoholic substance though if she was offered she would take a swig, unlike him who steered cleared from it like the North and South poles of magnets. Okabe could recall the one and only time she drunk called him, an event he would never forget, but even then she had a vague recollection of what had happened. It was during the middle of the day and he was studying in the library minding his own business when his phone began vibrating like crazy so it being a library he quickly reached for his phone to hang up till he noticed it was her. On instinct he answered and to his surprise she was...giddy to say the least. As soon as he answered he immediately tried telling her he couldn't talk because he was in a library but all that did was send her on a tangent that seemed to go on and on forever which essentially boiled down to her sobbing accusing him he didn't love her.

Okabe could also vividly remember he was frozen in place listening to her with the dumbest expression possible garnering a few stares as her sobbing was loud enough others nearby could hear her so reactively he apologized and told her he could talk.

And talk they did. And by talk he meant phone sex.

It was awkward and with the added factor she demanded he stay in the library because as she put it, 'made it more dirty' and go along with her unsavory plans it was atrocious. It sounded exactly how you would think two virgins with no sexual experience would sound talking dirty. Now Okabe wasn't experienced enough to deem what was good dirty talk and what was bad dirty talk, but he felt league's above her especially considering she was using words and metaphors only a neurologist could understand and appreciate.

Now what was truly memorable was the fact he also participated in said dirty talk whilst roaming the libraries empty book rows. It was as nerve racking as it sounded and looking back Okabe should had just left the library and lie to her he was still in it, but hindsight is twenty/twenty, as he could still remember the face of utter shock a librarian helper had when she overheard him.

But back to the point at least she remembered it, albeit vaguely, as she called the next day apologized and then chastised him for not stopping her, then explain what had happened which was she didn't know hard lemonade was alcoholic. So her not remembering what had transpired a day ago was concerning, if that was truly the case. And while he focused his attention on why she might not remember what had happened or was just playing around, he was too scared to even think of the other possibility.

His memory was again getting mixed up in other world lines.

Sighing and hoping for the best Okabe began seriously saying, "You called me and said you wanted me to go to New York so we can spend the holidays...around each other." The last part came awkwardly as Okabe couldn't find in himself to seriously say together, however Kurisu didn't notice or say anything as she remained silent for a few seconds.

"But...I never called you."

She was dead serious wasn't she? As Okabe came to the realization a flat silence fell between them while his mind began hitting panic button after panic button. It was-

"Ahh!" But before Okabe could have a literal mental breakdown on the possibility that what had happened a year ago was happening again she let a yell in frustration. "Okabe... I did technically call you and I also technically didn't call you."

"Wha-"

"Before you get started are you aware of artificial intelligence?" Okabe could only muster an 'umm' before she hurriedly continued. "Well in my lab we've been researching the topic and have come up with an A.I. more advanced than what was previously thought possible. We call it Amadeus."

"Amadeus?" Okabe worded out unsure what the composer had to do with anything.

"Yes. Essentially it's like the time leap machine you explained to me once, where you transfer your memory and it sends it to the past, but instead of the past you receiving it, a computer A.I does." Okabe stiffened a bit hearing time leap machine but he stayed quiet as she explained. "To put it in simple terms the program after receiving your memories breaks them down into binary and codes, from there into patterns and then runs those patterns through a serious of equations recreating events which the computer responds with it's own until it zeroes on almost an identical match close to ninety nine percent based on what the memories provided. After that we fine tune it where it can recreate thoughts and actions of what that person would do and act as if the person themselves were reacting to an event themselves."

Wow his assistant could be really amazing at times and right now was one of those moments as he just sat there smiling like an idiot. She was a genius no doubt about that and hearing her display that intelligence was beyond incredible, but even though he was blown away he did actually pay attention to what she had to say which led to an even stupider grin.

"Oh I think I understand." Okabe started before maniacally laughing through the phone. "Hahaha! So Christiana, what I assume is, this Amadeus needed a test subject and you being the Perverted Experiment Loving Girl volunteered. Thus this robot was implanted with the memories and personality of you meaning while you may not have called me, your inner most deepest desires did!"

"Will you be quiet!" She shouted quickly putting an end to his enthusiasm before adding. "Besides Amadeus wouldn't do that because I wouldn't do that."

That last sentence, that little throwaway line, hit him like a sucker punch. Maybe it was her tone or maybe it was how she worded it but for some reason everything she said before began fading away while his sole focus dwelled on those last words.

because I wouldn't

"Les...arghargh!" But before Okabe could dwell further on those words Kurisu loudly growled inhuman sounds before coming to her senses and clarifying what those inhuman sounds meant. "Amadeus wouldn't do that but a certain professor would."

It immediately registered in Okabe's mind who she was referring to as not even a second later he yelled, "Doctor Charon!"

"This is serious!" Kurisu fired back effectively shutting him up. "He's always pulling pranks, but to impersonate me and trick you with Amadeus is another thing. If he didn't have tenure I would-"

It was strange.

The world seemed to be fading and fading as Okabe began piecing everything together. Everything up to that point was a lie. She never called him. She never bought that ticket. She never wanted him in New York. But most importantly she never wanted him with her. Everything had been a lie.

Everything was made up by some bored college professor with a conveniently smart A.I who had the voice and personality of Kurisu. It was twisted and it was cruel, but he was sure the professor was having a grand time because Hououin Kyouma would be laughing his head off right about now. He should have known something was off, when Kurisu called it usually lasted an hour or longer, the call he recieved yesterday was less than five minutes, it was blunt and it was to the point. And looking back he felt like an idiot.

And maybe to the professor it was all a joke, but he heard from someone long ago for every joke there is a little bit of truth to it.

And that truth was he had a real ticket to America. He had an opportunity to be with her. And more than that, he wanted to be with her.

"Kurisu." Okabe began with a gravity of seriousness that was missing for most of the conversation. "What happened, happened. But I still have a ticket to America. If-if you don't want me to go I won't."

There was a sense of disappointment and obligation in his voice as he added that last bit. Sure he was anxious, sure the sudden trip to New York disrupted his plans for the holidays, sure it only made sense that they would cancel the plans set up by some professor but somehow waiting for that inevitable outcome knotted his stomach more than he would have liked to admit.

"Well... it was unexpected for me and for you..." She began slowly unsure of what to say before tenderly she said, "...W-what do you want?"

It would have been better if she outright told him no. Truthfully he wanted to see her, but he would be lying if he said the sudden revelation made him less than gung-ho. While it was nice, no better than nice, having her in his lab surrounded by their friends, whether being idle or busy it didn't matter as long as they were together it was moments he would cherish forever. And in concept going to America with her should have been the same, as long as she was there right? But in practice it is far more complicated.

It was like the beginning of a new chapter, but to begin one you first must close one.

His mom made that abundantly clear today. She was once young and had dreams of her own. But then she met his dad and her dreams vanished.

But he didn't mean it in a bad light, far from it.

It's just time was passing by and things were changing.

For example he never thought about it but his parents had friends of their own and once in a while as a child he remembered when his mom or dad would bump into them at the store. They exchanged greetings and swapped stories, sometimes even reminiscing about high school and their youth. Maybe one day seeing Daru came by chance at some store. Maybe one day he'll tell his kids about the guy who was more beautiful than any girl or the girl who was more wacky than he was. Perhaps one day he'll takes his kid to the park and there's Mayuri with a kid of her own?

Those outcomes were possible, but they weren't set in stone, but regardless change was bound to happen. In the near future Daru would have Suzuha and a family of his own and his wasting of days in the lab most certainly would come to an end. It was a selfishly depressing thought, but it was a sentiment he felt everyone felt once in a while when they thought about the future. He enjoyed the time he had now, from Daru spending all day lounging around playing hentai games to Mayuri sitting idle on the couch making a cosplay in the lab those moments so commonplace now would one day become nostalgic.

And it knotted his stomach.

In a way life was easier two years ago, fresh off of time leaping into the perfect world he and Kurisu fought so hard to get to, now that perfect world was just his life. It became normal and while he tried his best to maintain that sense of perfection it never lasted.

In other words, perfection became reality.

But he still felt the same about Kurisu as he did when he first saw her in this world. He would never ever lose her no matter what. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to see the glint in her eyes as she got lost explaining some theory or push back a straid of hair caught in the wind. He wanted to share her silence.

But he also wanted to be in his lab, listening to Daru rhythmically type away on the computer or Mayuri hum along as she put together a cosplay. He didn't want to lose that either.

And while advancing his relationship with kurisu wasn't going to take that away today or tomorrow, life and time eventually would, it was just a byproduct of the future.

And maybe he was being melodramatic.

Maybe he was overthinking it.

Maybe his mom's words still rang in his head.

But change is a part of life or more appropriately change was a part of growing up.

While childhood dreams may never become a reality and life might not be how you pictured it and the present becomes the past...

"...Okabe."

... and led to a future made up of infinite possibilities...

"Kurisu."...One where Mayuri is that friend at the store... "I...I want to be there. With you."

"Eh!".

...One where time separated everyone...

"How about you?"

...and friends became strangers...

"Well, I...I would...like it to, even though this entire thing was an accident. "

...It also could have been a future he always wanted...

"It wasn't an accident. It was the choice of Steins gate."

...But as long as they were together any future was good enough for him.

A/N

Before I start on the A/N I wanna thank everyone who read, favorite, followed and reviewed my other story, you don't know how much it meant to me seeing all your support and interest in my little story and hopefully all of you will enjoy this one.

Also I wanna say something to my first six reviewers ever on this site.

drak3n- You were the very first review I ever got and I wanna say thank you for that, it was a surreal experience and made me feel like I accomplished something to be proud of.

Shanagan- Thank you it was nice seeing you mention Kurisu's rollercoaster of emotions and Maho's jealousy as those were two things I wanted to portray in this story and on a side note Overseas is part of Shanagan's C2!

Void242- Leskinen was super fun to write and to me was the highlight of the story, but for reals thank you for pointing out the spelling and grammar mistakes, once you mentioned them I immediately went to go look for them and well they weren't hard to find. This story should have way better spelling, but grammar well some of it is intentional, some not all.

Tia da Fanfic- You made me smile like an idiot I remember throughout that entire day I kept thinking about what you said and it made me smile. It really made me feel like I knew what I was doing and gave me a boost of confidence in my writing.

Guest- Whoever you are your review came at the tailend of a really shitty week and day, I got home late and right before I went to bed I got a notification from FFN. I was expecting it to be bad news since it was that kind of week, but to my pleasant surprise it was a rather sweet and exciting review that helped me out a lot. Whoever you are I hope you see this.

Tropicallight- No you are great! But for reals your review pushed me a to get this chapter done because I was going at a snail's pace editing and revising this chapter.

Ok now for the author notes, but trust me this is gonna be a long one because I have a lot to say, so if you read it that's up to you, if not I hope you enjoyed the story and hopefully see you again in the next chapter, adios.

I ain't gonna lie this chapter was a monster, both in terms of length and writing it. My original plan was to have it between six to ten thousand words and have it posted in two weeks, but yeah I knew that wasn't happening when the rough draft was six to seven thousand words, but I was going at a steady pace and firgured it'll be out in a month. Then life happened and my free time was drastically cut short and when I did have free time I was tired and had to wake up early. Another thing about that I have a weird hang up where, when I write it's usually when I'm about to go to bed, I don't know why, but I just feel more comfortable writing that way so yeah. Then of course coronavirus happened and I found myself with more time and well I essentially rewrote the entire chapter top to bottom then edited and revised it which led to another month and a half making everything to my liking.

But don't get me wrong I enjoyed every minute of it for the most part. I wanted to write this story since I was writing Overseas and explore more of the after. Like there are tons of story of the beginning of a relationship, but I wanted to explore more of building upon that relationship and try to make it as genuine as I could. I mean it's easy to fall in love with someone, but it's another story to be in a relationship even if you love that person. And I guess that's where I'm getting at especially since in this case these two characters are tsunderes. But don't get me wrong this story will be more lighthearted then serious, I think this chapter just encapsulated the how the tone of the story will occasionally shift between lighthearted fun to dramatic stuff.

Now back to the actually story. I think why it took me so long to get everything the way I wanted was because I threw in Daru, Mayuri and Okabe's parents. From day one that was always the plan, but oh my God it was hard writing them. I mean Daru was easy to write at first because in the first draft he was just being a pervert about the whole thing, so it wasn't that hard then I decided to go a totally different direction in that scene and boy was it challenging. Don't get me started on Mayuri for some reason I had a hard time writing her in, I mean writing her was easier than Daru, but making her fit was another thing. Literally at first her appearance was literally just Tutturu and boom next scene, then I decided to expand on that and the scene became stupidly long overtaking everything. Then when I rewrote it I ended up cutting out all that and replaced it with a rough version of the final product. As for Okabe's parents they were similar to Mayuri in the sense they retained their basic roles and personalities, but their scene was the hardest to write. It was essentially writing OC's and while in steins gate 0 Okabe's mom had a brief cameo everything about them was headcanon. There scene took the most out of me, as I rewrote their scene like five times

As for why I decided to rewrite the entire chapter and I guess basically the whole story was because the first version was way too serious and drama filled where I felt it took away from the tone I had established in Overseas. I was about half-way to three quarters done when I went over it and was like, nah I don't like this. And then with the way I started I had to sort out a lot of stuff to make it align and went through constant change before I settled on one that I really liked and felt good about.

Another thing I don't know if that joke about Okabe's parents thinking he said ass when he cut himself off would happen in Japanese or not, but when I wrote it I knew I had to keep. I mean I don't know why I even had an issue with that I'm writing this in English not Japanese, but oh well sometimes you overthink things like that..

Finally let's wrap this up. The next chapter should be shorter than this, should but I really don't know, just don't expect it to be longer that's for sure. As for when it'll come out there is no timetable, earliest is two to three weeks latest could be a month to two months or more, but once again take all that with a grain of salt this is fanfiction and schedules are as consistent as modern art. So that's all I gotta say thanks for reading this chapter and hope you enjoyed it, adios.