I'm Hotter Than I Thought

Waking up in a light sheen of sweat was not exactly how I planned to start my day, however it was certainly the way it began nonetheless. Throwing myself out of bed my stomach once again growls at me, and thirst calls out from my slightly aching throat.

But looking down at the sweat stained clothes from when I was still in the desert I come to the conclusion that I am going to need to do some laundry as soon as possible. Especially because this is my only outfit. Maybe I can ask Welt for some clothes. I'm not sure if anyone else even has clothes that would match my style or size on this train anyways.

Looking to the bathroom I enter, and take a quick shower. Washing off the final grains of sand and sweat that's mounted on my body over the past week. Though looking over to my clothes, perhaps I should have gotten some backups first before entering the shower.

With a sigh I dry myself off, the water barely reaching warm as I experience a future shower. Which is somehow worse than my shitty apartment, I guess someone else is just using the hot water right now. Speaking of which I need to get myself a phone, would also let me ask for help when I'm either too naked(like right now) or just generally unable to get in contact. Maybe I'll even get some games on it or something.

Damn, now I'm starting to think about gacha games again. I must shake away such dark thoughts lest I be corrupted in this world as well. The sin of gacha must not be underestimated. However if such a thing does not exist here I must take such a secret to the grave.

Throwing on the clothes I immediately feel unclean again while my rambling thoughts focus themselves, but at least much cleaner than before. A light steam moving throughout the room as I make my way out. I head first to the kitchen March showed me yesterday. However before I make it I spot Dan Heng relaxing with a cup of coffee. Something specific catching my eye in the Parlor Car before I can walk past her to avoid having a conversation on an empty stomach.

The sword I'd picked up in the desert rests upon the table. Her gaze pans towards me as she finishes her drink, her mouth opens with an admonishing tone.

"You should keep a better watch of your weapon, it could easily be stolen or used against you."

I nod my head simply. She's absolutely right, even if my state was less than stellar. Though, I suppose that's all the more reason I should have kept track of my only defense. However, she continues to speak.

"If you intend to walk the Path of the Trailblaze, I can show you how to store your weapon within the Path you tread." My eyes part slightly at the revelation, I'd assumed it was just a game mechanic but magically summoning your weapon is actually a thing here?

"That . . . sounds extremely useful, I'll take you up on that offer." I respond with a slight smile before pausing, didn't she not like me or something? Something to do with the Xianzhou?

"I'm not from the Xianzhou." I blurt out and her eyes part slightly before returning to her previous expression.

"This changes nothing, even if you hailed from such a place I would not treat you any differently." I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult.

"I'm gonna go grab some food, see you in a bit." She turns her head away and returns to her meditative state as I make my way to the kitchen. Entering, I spot Welt and Himeko going over some papers while eating some pancakes from a large stack. A pitcher of coffee is off to the side, an empty cup next to Himeko as she turns to me alongside Welt.

"Good morning," I say with a slight wave. Both nod to me before turning back to the papers they go over, its list long and complicated with many different items I assume to be useful for the crew. Managing a train like this most likely is a lot of work.

Pouring myself a cup of coffee I recall my secondary goal of finding Welt and ask him a simple question.

"Hey Welt, is it alright if I borrow some of the clothes you aren't using? I'll give them back once I can buy some for myself." Though as the words leave my mouth I ask myself another question.

How the hell do I get money? The man nods before returning to work after turning to me to speak.

"Of course, it's two rooms past March's, I'll unlock it for you. Just don't break anything." He pauses to tap his cane on the ground and release a pulse of energy, does he use magic to lock his door? Despite the maneuver, his curt tone indicates his immense focus on his current task. Does the Astral Express truly have to worry so much about its supply?

"Thanks Welt," his eyes flicker over as he smiles yet he quickly returns to his work and scowls slightly.

Are we- are we poor? No matter what universe I'm in, I can not escape a lack of finances. I allow them to focus as I eat my pancakes and drink my coffee in silence. Reading the paper it seems as though the crew is purchasing different medical supplies, food supplies, and tons of different technological supplies I don't understand.

I don't even know what is sci-fi tech and what's not. Never was much of an engineer. These pancakes are really good though. Compliments to the Conductor for whipping this up. Or at least I'm assuming Pom-Pom made these.

Mindlessly stuffing the pancakes in my mouth my fork hits porcelain as I realize I've eaten the entire stack. At the sound Himeko looks up at me, then back down, then up again in bewilderment before smiling.

"You must be hungry still, I'll ask Pom-Pom to make more." She sends a quick text as I blush, is this going to be the new normal for me? Himeko actually turns to a page and starts adding more food supplies for the crew, with a question mark next to it, presumably because me joining them is still unconfirmed. My embarrassment only rises and I wave my goodbye as I leave in shame after cleaning off my dishes in the sink.

Walking past Dan Heng again I give a casual wave and make my way to Welt's room, only for a sleepy March 7th to walk out of her room nearly bumping into me as she walks out of the door to her room. Not sure if it was the coffee or something else but I easily catch and rotate around her in a fluid motion. We both blink at my sudden action and she faintly blushes and smiles as her head rotates upwards towards my face. Drowsiness still softly lurking on her face.

"Good Morning!" Softly letting go of her I smile back with slight embarrassment.

"Good Morning March, Breakfast might be a while. I ate all of the pancakes." She freezes and looks at me with half lidded eyes, before smirking.

"Guess I'll just have to take my daily selfie with you on an empty stomach then. Let's capture this moment!" Pulling out her camera, and pushing herself back into me she takes a photo of the two of us. My embarrassed face accompanied her smile. After the photo she gently pulls off of me and gives a simple explanation.

"Little moments like these need to be captured forever, anyways I'm gonna go get some juice. I'll see you later Sam!" Spinning away she makes her way down the hall with brisk steps as I approach the door to Welt's room.

As I open the door she spots me and becomes frozen in place.

"Y-you're going in Mr. Yang's room?!" I blink, as she nearly teleports in front of me. Vibrating with anticipation.

"Is that not normal?" I mutter in confusion, also I guess I know Welt's last name now. Badass last name by the way.

"I've never even seen the inside before! Mr. Yang doesn't really let people go in his room or look at his stuff, why are you going in there?" Her eyes widening as she looks past my shoulder at the inside of Welt's room. Eyes gleaming as she slowly pulls out her camera.

However as she goes to take a picture I close the door. Looking up at me with shock and a dropped jaw she goes to speak but I cut her off.

"I'm just going in for some clothes, but if Welt doesn't want people going into his room I can't let you in either." She pouts, her face extremely adorable and my resolve waivers before her expression turns serious and she nods.

"Alright, but one day I'll take pictures of the elusive Mr. Yang's room!" She mutters something about juice before scampering off. She really wasn't that pushy, guess she was just a bit curious with a very strong desire to take a peek at his room. Or at least respects Welt a lot.

Opening the door I make my way inside, different posters of giant robots, and anime. Damn, he's got a nice place here. A desk with an open book, drawings on the page depicting various things. From mechas to a group of people. Welt among them. I don't really recognize half finished drawings of other people, but I think one of them is Himeko. There's also a bunch of anime characters in the corners too. Didn't know the guy could draw so well.

Turning over to the closet I grab two pairs of black slacks and white button up shirts. I also snag a belt with an infinity symbol on it, a light amount of dust gathered on it. So he surely won't miss its presence. I also snag a couple of pairs of underwear and socks. Gotta have the essentials. I really should pay Welt back for this, guess I should find a job or something at the space station if I have the time.

I bask in the glory of his mancave for a moment before stepping out of the room. Then I pause, where the hell is the laundry room? After questioning Dan Heng I got some Laundry started and change into my new outfit in my restroom after taking another shower.

Seriously, does the hot water just not work here? Also what's up with the steam? The future doesn't make any sense. Looking at the steamy mirror as I wipe off my face I spot the now familiar streak of pink through my hair. Makes me stick out like a sore thumb, maybe I should dye it?

Putting the towel on the rack I hear shuffling outside of the door and repeated knocks.

"Are you done in there? You need to get out here quick!" Walking over to the door I pull it open revealing a familiar face.

Stepping out of the room, March is waiting for me with excitement in her eyes. Nearly bouncing on her heels.

"Let's go, it's finally time!" Her hand reaches out and takes my wrist, dragging me along with her into the Parlor Car.

"Time for what?!" My body is dragged by the girl as she smiles and shakes me. The rapid movement surprisingly did not make me nauseous in the slightest.

"We're gonna warp! We're gonna warp!" My eyes widen as a voice comes over the loudspeaker.

"What? Where is everyone then?" I looked at the empty Parlor Car, finding no one but the two of us.

"Dan Heng is in her room, Mr. Yang and Himeko are probably doing the same. But, I have something much more fun in mind!" March makes her way to the center of the room and braces herself.

"Hello? Is everyone ready? All passengers, please remain seated!" Pom-Pom's voice crackles to life over a hidden loudspeaker. I rapidly fly into one of the leather chairs and hold on tight. As March's chants echoing out through the room.

"Don't fall over, don't fall over, don't fall over-" March? What is she-

"March, what are you doing!?"

"The train is about to make the jump, hold on everyone!"

"5" A blue film begins to wash over the train as it rapidly speeds up.

"I'm not going to fall over this time!" she calls out to my bewilderment. This time? Oh no.

"4" I tap my leg violently as I hold onto the chair for dear life. March's chanting only causes me to worry about her imminent safety even more. The film grows deeper in color and I make my decision.

"3" Diving from my seat I get next to March and brace myself against the Warp.

"2" March looks at me before taking out her camera and grinning wildly as my face pales. Her stance completely broken by the action.

"1" I hope I'm as durable as I think I am.

The momentum is nothing I've ever experienced before. I've felt the rush of wind on a jog, or bike, but this was completely different. Like the waves of an ocean crashing through your entire body, pulsing, pressing, and washing you away.

A body slams into me and I firmly grab it tight as the two of us go flying into the closed door at the end of the hall. Repeatedly barreling into it over the course of a few agonizing seconds. With all of the rotation I lose hold and find my head parallel to the ground.

After a few more moments I find myself coming to a stop. The blue fading away, and returning us to our regularly scheduled color palette.

"Ow," I mutter out. A head popping out from over me and looking down at my prone form. Her hand waving a camera around. The pressure of her body sitting on my side. She's soft.

"You're like a heated seat!"

. . .

I really hope I'm not in the Yamcha Pose.

"You really are an adventurous type, huh? I knew you would make a good fit for the Astral Express!" The picture in her hand depicts her sitting upon my prone form, in a pose Welt will never let me live down.

"March, I need to destroy that photo." My expression completely serious as I push her off my body. She gets off and up with a skip and slight pout. A twinge of sadness behind her eyes. Her hand tightening around the picture as she fully registers the words leaving my mouth, nearly causing her to freeze.

"Fun moments like this should be cherished, it would be wrong to destroy something fun you did with someone you care about." Her words make me pause, and make me think long and hard before I say something extremely stupid.

Why is this such a big deal to her? I mostly said it as a joke but now I feel like an asshole. Also she cares about me, but we barely know each other? It's not a bad feeling though, for someone to care about you. Shaking my head I think about March 7th.

From what I've seen in the game she's fun, bubbly, and is always with the protagonist as a sort of chaotic older sister figure. But I do recall some of her past, how she was trapped in a frozen prison and was freed with no memories. Always carrying her camera so she can at least have those eternally captured moments if she ever loses her memory again.

But past all of the 'lore' or what's said in a fucking gacha game(gacha should never be trusted after all), how does she actually feel in this moment? She's a person, with hopes, dreams, and fears. Then for a moment, I see a pair of emotions I am far too familiar with reflected in her eyes as they turn down and away from me. A twinge of fear, fear of rejection.

But more importantly, loneliness. Suddenly it all clicks into place.

Traveling with people probably twice her age that she shares practically no interests with. Dan Heng was a reincarnator or something right? So she's probably even older. These people care about her. They are her family. But she also wants someone she can just hang out with, someone who isn't constantly swamped with work to the point she's left to her own devices, simply waiting for the next big adventure so she can spend time with her family and meet new people.

She wants a friend. Someone she can take pictures with, enjoying those happy moments with. She doesn't just want to remember herself, but all the people she loves and cherishes. March deeply cares about the protagonist of the game and is very protective of them. Not only because of their shared experience of amnesia, but to March the protagonist is probably very lonely as well the moment they effectively came into this world.

The protagonist and March become great friends, family even. If one of them were ever to lose their memories again they would have hundreds, if not thousands of pictures to help remind them of the journey they shared together.

I let out a brief sigh, honestly just glad to have March as a friend. I wish making friends like her was this easy in my past life.

But suddenly my mind wriggles, as though worms storm in my brain for a moment nearly causing me to tense up slightly at the sudden rush that enters me.

A faint buzz echoes in the back of my mind as a symphony of wingbeats tell me she could also desire something else, something more than a friend, something more along the lines of a- But those thoughts fade for the moment, as my swarming mind is broken out its stupor from a voice cracking like ice as it tries to speak to me.

"Sam," Her expression twists in sorrow, "I can get rid of it." Her expression bordering tears, fuck I'm practically telling her to destroy a memory we shared together.

"Let's go show the rest of the crew. I'm sure Welt will get a kick out of it at least." Her relieved expression turning to a smile could melt snow. She slams into me with a hug.

"You're warm," her mutter still reaches my ears despite the fact that it's buried in my chest for a moment. Scarlet blooms upon my face at her words.

Look, there's only so many emotional moments one can have with such a cute girl before their face turns red and their heart starts to pound in their chest! I'm only human after all!

"Next time we should probably be more careful though."

"Is everything alright!?" Himeko slams the door open with Welt close behind. Dan Heng also peeking out of her room in concern.

"Yeah, sorry. I fell pretty bad during the warp." Himeko's concerned look turns to March before palming her face.

"March what did I say about being safe during warp? You should set a good example for our guest." March looks embarrassed and scratches her head slightly and takes a small step to the side, but presents the photo to Himeko, Welt, and the approaching Dan Heng. Dan Heng teleporting her spear away after summoning it during the panic.

Himeko gives a flat stare, while Welt snorts and looks at me with a knowing grin. Dan Heng lets out a breath of relief and starts to walk off towards some other room.

Fuck, I knew he was gonna hold this over me!

"Come on Yamcha, let's get you looked at." He speaks as he takes a closer look, to the slightly confused expressions of everyone else. A faint amusement behind his eyes

Dammit.

"Honestly, I feel fine."

Welt's face turns in confusion, then becomes thoughtful. Himeko doing the same, with March simply putting a hand on my shoulder.

"He's pretty tough!" I cross my arms with a confident smirk, I actually feel pretty good.

Dan Heng returns with medical supplies and practically drags me to the medical room I'd found myself in yesterday after briefly confirming I'm capable of moving without injury.

"Your body runs hot." She announces out, though that confuses me severely. I actually ran a little bit cold after all.

"What should normally be the level for a high fever seems to be your current normal, perhaps it aided in your survival on Taxus-II," She spots the confusion in my gaze and gives a succinct response.

"Your lack of injury is quite fortunate, I do have one question for you though." I didn't know she was keeping me here, but I guess listening to your doctor is important.

"Hm? Yeah, what is it?"

"Paths enhance our physical capabilities and can change our bodies in ways we do not fully understand, however I do not believe you follow the Trailblaze just yet. Have you recently tread upon a Path? " My heart squeezes in my chest as no words escape my mouth. A subtle tension begins to rise in the room as gives me a side eye glance and speaks.

"You don't have to tell me, I was just curious." I let out a grateful nod, I really don't want to open that can of worms yet. Especially because they'd be fully within their right as heroes that travel across worlds to execute me.

Dan Heng leaves and I follow shortly after collecting myself. Despite her standoffishness, she seems to care a lot. At the very least caring about the Astral Express Crew.

As I walk out March lets out a sigh of relief, clearly happy to see I'm doing alright. Welt and Himeko however are missing. Suddenly I hear Pom-Pom's voice as they stand in the doorway.

"We've arrived at Herta Space Station. Please disembark while Himeko, Welt, and I conduct the resupply!"

My eyes sparkle open, we've made it. To Herta Space Station. Not only is this place where the main plot begins, it's also filled with tons of super awesome technology! Which means I can finally get myself access to a Phone! Then I am reminded of a cruel and unfortunate truth.

I have no money!

"March, I'll be right back." Running out of the Train I hear a 'What? Where are you going?' from the pink haired girl. I can't just ask March for money! It would destroy my pride! Asking my friend for money barely even a day after meeting her?

Hopefully Welt can help me out, or maybe Himeko can. She seems to be one of the most responsible ones here after all.

Running outwards I spot the Herta Space Station in all of its glory, massive stairs leading all over. Thousands of boxes, and hundreds if not more employees trading with so many different people. A giant shutter door in the distance, and- I take a step back as the abyss of space treads just before me, a hand grabbing me by the collar as it tugs me back in a panic.

Spinning around is Himeko, who despite being a couple inches shorter than me seems to be ridiculously strong. She straightens out my collar after a moment as she looks up to me with a hint of worry in her eyes and a small smile on her face.

"You should be more careful Sam, but I needed to speak to you anyways." I nod gratefully at her help as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out something I love to see.

A phone, the blank black case not exactly my style but I can always change it later.

"Thank you Himeko, I really needed this" She gives me a pat on the shoulder and a smile.

"It's brand new so you'll have to get everyone's numbers on your own, but we could start with mine if you'd like."

At that exact moment March bursts through the door of the Astral Express with an aggrieved expression on her features.

"You can't just run away like that!" Dan Heng follows behind her without a word, but does have a slightly amused smile at my plight.

Turning towards the space station I smile, simply taking in the megastructure. The fear and uncertainty of what is to be my new life fading away for a moment as the splendor washes over me.

Himeko POV
"They seem to be getting along well, don't you think so Welt?" My friend stands beside me, his cane in hand as we take a brief break from our resupply in order to enjoy the moment.

"Their passion is something to strive for, it would seem they've bonded quite fast." A soft smile gracing his features.

"That's our March, always making fast friends." Welt nods, March just has that effect on people after all. She's quite a strong person too, being able to push forward so vehemently despite her amnesia. I see them exchange phone numbers as we watch the trio, Dan Heng also exchanging contacts despite her bored expression.

"I hope Dan Heng, and Sam will get along alright," Welt mutters as he leans on his cane ever so slightly.

"You're acting as though Sam is already a part of the crew." He doesn't tense at my words, simply pausing for a moment then letting out a small nod.

"I told you how we both come from the same place, but I also sense something odd in him. Perhaps he'll be able to discover whatever it is by traveling with us. You've seen his durability, and surviving in a desert with upwards of two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius for a week is impressive, so my concerns of his safety are drastically reduced. If the path he wishes to tread is with us, then I know the crew would love to have him." Dan Heng will warm up to him in time, but he's right about something else as well. That boy definitely has something strange about himself, but I trust Welt, and if Sam wants to become one of the Nameless then who am I to stop him?

Watching as March drags off Sam, the familiar sight of Dan Heng chasing March appears, yet this time having a new member. She holds his hand as she pulls him away, a small blush on both their faces as they move. Perhaps I'll have to give that young man a 'talking' too about treating March right.

"Himeko, you have quite the scary smile right now."

"I suppose we've lost our excuse to continue our break?" My smile dangerous as I look at the man, shutting down that line of conversation instantly. His expression morphs into one equally grim as he lets out a sigh.

"It seems we have."

AN: I have returned! The third chapter descends upon the world and with it our hero gets quite a bit closer with March, with the seeds of something more being planted! The personal desires of Sam mixing with the Path of Propagation forcefully thrust upon him! In other news I've seen some comments about people curious about the IPC and their reaction. I personally believe the IPC have some connection to the Propagation that isn't revealed yet, but honestly we'll see. All their blabbering about the amber lord could refer to someone who is sealed in it after all . . . but enough about my crackpot theories. Instead our boy finally has a PHONE so he can actually message people and play games. Will he be able to resist the sin of gacha in this new world? He's also gotten completely side tracked and forgotten that the space station is about to explode. Mom Himeko and Dad Welt watch the kids have fun as they get back to the most boring part of their job, RESUPPLY. Especially because the Astral Express is constantly in a state of being in poverty. Maybe Sam can help with that somehow?

Also for those wondering about the title, he is both conventionally attractive, and physically warm. Gotta get those double meaning titles whenever I get the chance!

On an unrelated funny note I actually re-downloaded the game so that I could get the angles I needed to see for this chapter, specifically when Sam first walks into the Herta Space Station! So that was interesting lol.

As always I love you're guys' comments and support! If you have any grammar corrections feel free to send them my way! Someone had spotted some errors I'd made and I went back and fixed them! So I really am thankful for the help! Thank you for reading and I hope to see you next time!