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[theprobator]

[one might consider a creature that is more or less a shadow of another-- and enough of just a shadow to pick up on the emotions of whoever's light they're standing behind-- an unfortunate soul. unfortunate or not, for the majority of his existence, Vanitas has been trying with everything in his being to keep every single schmoopy wisp of affection

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action;

[linkings]

[Well, someone missed the memo on the network. At least Vanitas' memo. She's been keeping away from the new trees on her own accord now.

But when she spots a head of familiar shaped hair, she stops immediately only to pick up the pace to catch up to him from behind. He looks a bit different --something feels off-- but she tries to brush that feeling aside.]

Sora?

action;

[theprobator]

[Vanitas stops cold-- for a moment he stares straight ahead, and the fact that he stopped at all is the only acknowledgment Naminé gets.]

[but then he turns slightly, golden eyes searching her face for some sort of recognition. ... right. that girl who wound up in Sector 7. Vanitas doesn't even bother trying to correct her on misidentifying him.]

What do you want?

action;

[linkings]

[Namine backs up almost immediately at his eyes. The reaction and the tone were so anti-Sora, and she remembered someone with that same tone saying some rather unpleasant words when she first arrived and was chilling with the cows.

She does take a few steps back, just for some distance.]

S-sorry? I thought... you were someone else.

action;

[theprobator]

Right, Sora.

[if Naminé had caught him on just about any other day, he would be spending his time trying to convince her that he is Sora-- but there go those pangs again; Ventus' desire to help those who need it.]

I'm not him. I don't know where he is.

action;

[linkings]

...R-right, um...

[She could have sworn that he was more abrasive when they talked when she arrived. She doesn't know him well, but from their past conversation (and some choice pieces of memories she once found in Sora), she wasn't expecting something so complacent.]

Sorry. You just... look like him a little. I didn't mean to waste your time. [Turning on her heel to leave now.]

action;

[theprobator]

I know I do.

[ugh, ugh, why is this happening to him.]

You're not lost, are you.

action;

[linkings]

[Stopping, and slowly turning around to face him, completely confused.]

N-no. Why?

action;

[theprobator]

I was just--

[the most awkward of pauses. like Vanitas isn't even sure why, either. finally, he resorts to mumbling.]

Making sure.

action;

[linkings]

[She's quite for a few minutes, just trying to process this all. He didn't give her the impression of being a concerned person last time.]

Are... you okay?

action;

[theprobator]

[he pauses again, but doesn't think on it too much.]

No.

action;

[linkings]

[THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BAD IDEA THIS IS A BA--]

...Do you want some help?

action;

[theprobator]

[but look at this face, Naminé.]

I guess. What are you going to do?

action;

[linkings]

[S-she doesn't need to be reminded of his Sora face.

She looks away a little uncomfortably, rubbing one arm at the elbow with the other.]

Nothing... that I know of. [A beat.] I don't know...

action;

[theprobator]

... Don't worry about it. I'll be fine.

action;

[linkings]

[She stares at him for a minute, not quite believing his words.]

I, um... I-I never got your name before.

action;

[theprobator]

[trust him, Naminé, he doesn't believe it either.]

Vanitas. [and... back off into silence he stumbles.]