[64] [action]

[offallingsnow]

[An experiment is going on. Nephry knows this and has known for days. She's been in the jungle again, in the desert, and trapped in the same room, going through the exit only to come in through the entrance again. It makes almost no sense at all, and that made it so easy to remember that it wasn't anything real.

This morning she wakes up in her room

Comments

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist had come across quite a few monsters and odd scenarios over these past few days. Most of them were relatively harmless, but today, he came across something or...someone he's have rather not come across on any day. He never, ever wanted to see her--it ever again. Thankfully, the simulation ended once he stumbled out of the library, but still.

He was on his way home, pale and shaken and ready to lock himself in his room and pray this entire ordeal ended without him having to relive that again in his own home. Dist stopped the moment he heard the all too familiar crunch of snow under his shoes and looked around curiously, wondering what this new scene would be. Seeing Keterburg, the snow, the buildings and people he knew...it was strange. He was back, right

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

[The office is certainly there, along with the rest of her spacious home. She will stand from her chair when he opens the door, almost expecting - but no. Of course he isn't here. It's Saphir, instead,, and once she gets a good look at him...]

Forgive me for saying so, Saphir, but you look as though you're being haunted.

[It takes her no time and no hesitation to cross the room to him. This is her territory, after all, and she's very serious with her concern for him now.]

What happened to you?

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

Nephry?

[It was like Dist just emerged from a trance. He blinked, stared at her, then rubbed at his eyes, removing his glasses to do so. Right, right...he had walked here, hadn't he? The trek seems so distant from his mind, and now that Dist was actually here, he didn't know what to say or do. What had he been expecting? Or even hoping for?]

...It's nothing, I'm fine. I apologize for the interruption.

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

You're as pale as the snow.

[Taking his arm by the elbow, she leads him to the room's sole other chair, to sit. And she won't hear protests.]

...It's shocking, isn't it? [The city. The detail.]

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[For once, Dist doesn't protest. His legs felt like they were nonexistent, and he really did need to sit down and take a breather. As fake as it, she, everything was...the memories were real. Was it a coincidence that Dist came across the replica Nebilim and then so soon came upon Keterburg? Was it some kind of sick, cruel irony?

He barely hears Nephry, and lifts his head to nod silently. Ha...shocking. yes, that's one word for everything. For how they could bring back things not meant to be brought back, not wanted to be brought back.]

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

Saphir?

[Looking at him now, she's not sure he hears her at all. She puts the front of her wrist against his forehead briefly - not ill, at least - and then takes her seat behind the desk, folding her hands under her chin and looking at him.]

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist blinks again, and stares first at Nephry's wrist, then her face. Haha...she must think he's crazy. Dist sighs, pushes back his hair, then his glasses. How should he even begin to explain? Dist doesn't even really want to. Not to Nephry...she'd know, and she's try to help.

Dist doesn't want to talk about it. He doesn't want help, and he especially doesn't want comfort. He just wants to forget. That's easier.]

I'm all right, Nephry...I'm fine. R-Really. This place is simply...off putting...that's all it is.

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

[of course she doesn't think he's crazy. She does think he shouldn't feel the need to lie outright like this.

It must be something particularly jarring, then. And she can only think of one thing that would bring this kind of reaction from him.]

Was she here?

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[There are just some things Dist would rather not talk about. Things better left buried in the ice and snow forever. Though, with Nephry confirming it, Dist flinches. What an idiot he was...to bring that thing into existence. An act of desperation, that's what it was. With no other means to bring back the Professor, Dist turned to that monster in a futile hope.

...What an idiotic way of thinking.]

It was, yes.

[That thing doesn't deserve a title.]

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

[the only one in this room judging you right now is you, Dist]

It is clear you don't wish to say any more about it. As long as you aren't hurt, I will respect that.

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist looks up again, unable to keep from,looking stunned for a second. It only lasts that long, thankfully, before he lets out a long and deep breath. Oh, Nephry, sometimes you know exactly what to say, and not to make him say. Dist closes his eyes, leaning back to rest his head against his chair. He suddenly felt so exhausted. This experiment was just that, though - exhausting.]

...Thank you, Nephry.

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

You're welcome.

[He had better not be hurt. Tired she can deal with. Hurt would prompt her to do the one thing that might give him a fit - call the Professor.

He gets his silence for a while as she goes through some of the papers (are they really just simulated?) on her desk. When she does look up at him again, her tone of voice is much more conversational.]

There is a small sofa in the next room, if you would prefer that.

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[No, Dist isn't hurt. He's just pretty stirred up, and feeling just a tad sick. Luceti's darker side is certainly beginning to get to him. He can deal with all the other things, but when it becomes personal, things he'd rather not drag to the surface, dealing with them becomes all the harder.

He just needs a breather, that's all. A few minutes sitting down and relaxing his mind should do the trick.]

This will do, Nephry. [So don't worry. He closes his eyes again, just listening to the familiar sounds he recognizes so well. Like this...it almost felt like he was home, really home, back in Keterburg.] ...I want to check on something. If you'll excuse me, Nephry...I shouldn't be more than a minute or two.

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

You are excused. [looking up from whatever she's reading with a raised eyebrow and a smile. As though he needs to ask.] Don't get into trouble.

[Action]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist waves his hand dismissively, though he does frown a little bit. He'll be fine...hopefully. One can't be sure in a place like Luceti. Besides, if the land is still there, even covered in the snow, Dist would like to pay his respects. He stands up, opens the door hesitantly, and exits, nodding to Nephry as he goes.

Dist won't return for some time - close to two hours. He obviously found what he was looking for, and brushes off the snow from his hair and coat as he renters. He sniffles, but not only because of the cold.]

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

[And Nephry is there to greet him at the door.]

I was beginning to worry. [The sniffle and one good look at his face are all she needs to figure out where he's been, as she puts a full steaming mug into his hands] I thought you could use something warm.