17. Final Goodbyes

Unified, everyone partook in the festivity held none other by the silver commander himself and had an absolute blast. Cachinnation and merriment were the two key components present, as you would expect with any other wicked party and memories of this little get-together were locked in their minds. Truly an unforgettable experience.

Unfortunately, it dawned on the crew that this couldn't be everlasting, much to their dismay. Besides, the expenditure for even preparing the party was sky high and Captain is not considered the wealthiest bean in the world. Luckily, the rest of the ensemble covered for him and shared the amount equally.

Soon thereafter, the following weekday arrived and Player spawned back in the vapid lobby. However, he appeared to bear a gloomy charisma, contrary to his upbeat counterpart. He trudged along coming to terms with reality as it metaphysically strikes him on his visage.

It only took approximately a second for Captain and Veteran to detect the iconic beanie before being filled with delight. Although the party was officially over, the familiar companion instantly cheered them up.

Veteran: Hey, what's up, Player, or should I say... "Winner"?

Captain: Heya, bestie! You were on fire last night! Not literally, though, because I would have had to douse you in water, and I do not want to be sued!

Veteran returned a sarcastic eye roll to the heroic leader, snarkily remarking his ongoing income issue.

Veteran: Yeah, it's not like you're still in excessive debt, pal.

Captain merely shook his head and proved Veteran otherwise by informing him of his newfound practical "solution", which left the crown wearer in incredulity.

Captain: Not a problem, anymore! I simply sold The Gentleman's tophats at a local auction. Turns out they were highly sought after by millionaires!

Veteran: Wait, so you just-

Captain: Yep, and he still hasn't noticed today! I just spray painted some cardboard tubes and glued them together! Because that's what a real best friend does!

Ignoring his technical methods and inner workings, Veteran crossed his arms forcefully and grumbled in vexation, continuing this bad blood between the white and yellow Crewmates, surrounding their friendship dilemma.

Player unintentionally eavesdropped on their conversation and it quickly became apparent that Captain inadvertently wasted his hard earned funds, considering the newest tophat he purchased cost a fortune.

The former Player would have released his pent up anger on Captain, for creating a horrific mistake and would blame his incompetence. However, this new Player had turned over a new leaf and instead bursted out guffawing in complete glee, appreciating Captain for who he is, not wanting him to change for the better.

The laughter soon dissipated and he reverted back to his melancholy, glum frame of mind letting out a depressed sigh. Veteran and Captain gazed upon each other, with extreme distress in their eyes and focused all their attention on the sulking coral Crewmate.

Veteran: Yo, why the long face? You didn't think that whole shebang was a dream, did you?

Player: No, it's not that.

Player couldn't fib to the group about his withheld information and decided to disclose the aforementioned bad news, bracing himself for the disappointment soon to follow from his fellow Crewmates.

Player: Guys..... I'm not gonna have time to play Among Us for quite a while.

Consecutive sonorous gasps filled the entire waiting area, and Player proceeded to hang his head in shame knowing his time to up and leave immediately did not sit well with the crew.

Stoner: Whoa... That's like, totally uncool, bro! You catch that Corona Beer, or whatever it's called, while we were out, killing it last night?

Mother: Yeah, what made you come to that conclusion? That's actually unlike you, Player. Normally, you're quite positive, even when you lose, but after you recently won, you're just gonna bail on poor old Mother and my children?

The whole lobby's interests progressively perked up as they awaited for Player's reasonings for his departure.

He proceeded to apologetically explain exactly why.

Player: I'm sorry, but I have to redo my entire college year all over again, and they're really setting down their foot on the workload that they give me. It's huge! As much as I would have loved to decline, I still have a real life that I need to keep on top of.

Everyone came to a mutual acceptance and didn't attempt to bargain with the beanie wearer. Player primarily wasn't a streamer, so he couldn't exactly procure a living from playing games every single minute of his career. He pictured them as his hobby, and even that is gradually deteriorating from the overwhelming college work.

Speaking of world-renowned streamers, Mr. Cheese approached Player, originally intending on pointing directly at him and teasingly giggling at him in his typical bullying fashion. However, he had other clear plans and expressed his sorrows, alongside the rest of the lobby.

Mr. Cheese: Player, as much as I would have loved to enjoy laughing at your misfortune, yet again, on a different situation, and even though my name Mr. Cheese, I'm still gonna miss you, you big dork.

The Gentleman stepped up and reprimanded his orange partner for blurting out his inaugural decision to mock Player at his current circumstances.

The Gentleman: Mr. Cheese, be respectful of Player's wise choices! But, likewise, I too will miss your crimson physique appearance!

Overflowing with tears, Captain proceeded to burst into a blubbery mess, howling with deep poignancy at the heartbreaking news. He proceeded to blow his nose with a spare singular paper handkerchief, much to everyone's disgust, lamenting on his planned out schedule that he can no longer arrange with Player.

Captain: I had so much planned for us to do together! We were gonna go Kite Surfing, and White Water Rafting, and even Mini-Golfing!

Veteran, akin to the fearless marshmallow leader, was on the verge of weeping for his best friend, in the recognition that he will never bear witness to his positive energy for a prolonged period of time.

He dedicated his final moments by returning the favour and switching roles to convince Player to be filled with perseverance for his future path he'll travel along.

Veteran: Player, you're the best friend a professional gamer could ever ask for! You've made me who I am today. I know that I was such an uptight jerk, when I first met you in Fall Guys, but deep down in my golden heart, I knew that our friendship would blossom into something bigger, something better! Even when you're gone, I want you to understand that you're not only a "Player", but you're also a winner, whatever lies ahead. Don't let others get you down (cough) Mr. Cheese (cough).

Veteran sternly eyed down a particular Crewmate, only to be met with a false sense of perplexity.

Mr. Cheese: What?

Turning his attention back to Player, Veteran placed a firm grip on his shoulder, staring into his pupils with confidence and finished off his heartfelt speech.

Veteran: Be the best Player that you can be! I believe in you.

The red wonder's mouth began to produce a wavy cartoony motion, and he gushed a waterfall of tears, acknowledging how remarkable a true best friend can be. He'd gone from being treated as an ill-minded noob to an extraordinary human being.

Veteran was bewildered by Player's abrupt outburst, considering it wasn't the reaction he was expecting. He then glanced over to the group and queried a peculiar thought that overcame him.

Veteran: Uh, Player? Did I say something horrible that brought him unspeakable memories, like... a ghost without a visor?

The entire lobby raised an eyebrow, surmising that Veteran may have become mentally unstable.

Veteran decided not to dwell and detail further on the description to avoid tampering his reputation.

Everyone, but Player and Veteran: What are you talking about?

Veteran: Never mind.

Draining the remaining liquid residing in his eyes, Player's droopy and dreary mood had completely vanished out of existence and he now possessed an effervescent attitude, specifically one which everyone was acquainted with.

He embraced the mustard coloured Crewmate in an eleventh hour hug, before his inevitable disappearance as a sign of gratitude of the experience that he got to share with before his very eyes.

Player: I'm really proud that I got to meet you, Veteran. It feels like forever, since I came across a group of welcoming people, but you're way more than that. You're like family to me, and I love you all.

Veteran: But, not in a weird-

Player: Not in a weird way, Veteran.

Touched by witnessing their final wholesome reunion, one by one, each individual Crewmate gathered around the condiment coloured Crewmates and linked their arms around the duo, joining in the hug.

Captain: Bestie...

Stoner: Bro...

The Gentleman: My dear boy...

Mother: Dearie....

All except one who utterly broke the moment, as per usual...

Mr. Cheese: Alright, enough of this mushy, lovey-dovey, crap! Let's take one last photo together before we send Player on his merry way out of here.

The group agreed in unison to the perfect memento to remember Player by.

Player: That's a brilliant idea, Mr. Cheese!

Mr. Cheese: Of course it is, ding-dong!

The Gentleman: I'll get the camera set up!

Without further ado, The Gentleman hastily exited and re-entered the lobby, equipped with a somewhat dilapidated, decaying vintage folding camera, conjugated by its attached rickety tripod stand.

Player: Um, is that functional? It looks kinda... damaged... and old-timey...

The Gentleman: Never underestimate modern technology, Mr. Player!

One distinguishing word peaked his curiosity through his alarming disagreement. The Gentleman notioned for Player to take a closer inspection upon the device.

Player: Modern?

The Gentleman: Indeed! The camera is just part of the latest smartphone that was developed, but I took the time to decorate the exterior, so it brings back nostalgic memories of when I was a school boy. It's both functional and fashionable!

For the first and practically last time, Player delivered a positive observation in regards to his pronounced fashion sense.

Player: That's actually pretty clever!

Captain: Everyone, scatter! Uh, I mean, line up!

Fuddling his command in the appropriate context, going so long without mentioning it, the whole lobby heeded his call and formed two elongated rows, preparing themselves for the photoshoot.

The Gentleman set the timer countdown before positioning into the small empty space beside his lover.

Mr. Cheese: Okay, everyone! Say "My name Mr. Cheese"!

Everyone: My name Mr. Cheese!

Everyone struck a manifold of poses to create an identity for themselves and the photo was officially taken, once the countdown expired. Unfortunately, all and sundry who have participated with the core group, had yet to make their appearance, the major downside to a maximum of 10 people granted permission to exist in the lobby.

Player raised his fists in the air, almost accidentally punching two of the Crewmates on the upper row.

Veteran folded his arms together and leant on Player with a smug expression.

Captain side hugged Player and gave a thumbs up.

Mr. Cheese held out two fingers above Player's oval head, resembling devil horns.

The Gentleman took off his topmost cardboard top hat, paying his respects in a formal manner. He gave a rather concerned look during the feel of the texture of the piece of clothing.

Mother held Timmy and Franklin separately in her hands showing them to the camera.

Stoner simply composed a peace sign with his two middle fingers.

Ninja struck a samurai warrior-esque pose, wielding his sword.

Sheriff dual wielded his two pistols pointing one of them at the screen and the other at the ceiling, keeping in mind his fingers being away from the triggers.

The camera zooms out, revealing the photo is currently on display in the lobby being attached using a drawing pin.

Player ensured he detailed the contacts of everyone, if ever he is granted the opportunity to catch up on certain details that he missed.

Player: Thanks for the fun memories, guys! I'll be sure to keep in touch with everyone. See you later!

Player stood before the crew in the final moments bestowed, merrily waving goodbye, to which the remainder of the lobby waved back collectively.

Veteran and Captain: You too.... Bestie.

Player left the game.

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