Who: Orihime Inoue, Edward Elric, KITT, Tieria Erde, V, Alice Hartsen, Lelouch vi Britannia, Optimus Prime, OPEN!
What: Feeling rested and recovered, Orihime heads out to spend some time with her friends, or bump into others and MAKE new friends. >8E
* Edward Elric and Orihime get together for a sparring session
* KITT and Orihime go for a drive
* Tieria examines Wheeljack's statues
* V and Orihime celebrate spring
* Alice and Orihime meet in person for the first time and eat cake.
* Lelouch and Orihime practice opposed Bending, and she teaches him more about her powers
* Orihime and Ryan Reynolds Optimus Prime become better acquainted
Where: All over the place.
When: March 22nd - 27th (specify if you want anything specific, otherwise we'll just assume it's kind of in order)
Warnings: You might end up choking to death on derp.
Notes: Both third-person prose and [ACTION] tags are fine, just go for whichever you prefer and I'll follow suit. This is a VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY for her to follow up on old promises and obligations, like going driving with KITT, visiting the library with Arcee, etc.
Here's her to-do list from January if you need a soluble reason to hang out with her. Orihime was not the sort who was easily traumatized. She'd always been sturdy, in both body and spirit. It didn't mean she couldn't be hurt, and it took her time to get back to her feet on occasions where she was truly bruised, be it her health or her heart. The last reality storm had been rough on her, even she couldn't deny that, but she'd come away from it in a better state than she'd been before. She sincerely believed that. It gave her insight on how Isaac had been living his life for those past two to three years, haunted by the image of his late girlfriend. Now that she understood, she had a deeper appreciation for his courage and how he'd maintained his kindness and compassion for others in spite of his affliction. She saw people pull together for the sake of a common goal, and that was heartening.
What was more...and this one was the thing she was reluctant to express openly...she'd been able to see Sora again as if he were alive. Everything had seemed so familiar to her, the way he'd moved, or just the simple way he held his head. His quiet smile. The gentle eyes, touched with sadness. It hadn't been real, she understood that, but it has been over four years since she'd seen him like that. She hoped it wouldn't be that much longer before they met again in the city. If anyone deserved another chance at life, it was him. He'd given up everything for her sake, raising her without complaint, working hard to support a child that wasn't even his own. He had definitely earned a shot at real freedom and happiness, she thought, in a world that had no limits, where death couldn't really touch him.
Day by day, Orihime's spirits recovered. The subtle approach of spring had done a lot to improve her mood; she'd been thrilled to find daffodils sprouting in the southern district, and she didn't feel all that disappointed to find the icicles disappearing from the rooftops in the Northern. The daylight hours were growing, and so was the warmth of the sun. Soon the trees would start to bud and bloom, which she was very much anticipating.
But it was the kindness and consideration of her friends that had been the aloe to her soul. She loved her neighbors in Ground Zero and their good cheer -- Wing and the way his expression lit up whenever they met one another, Wheeljack's fatherly love that never failed to imbue her with a sense of belonging to a real home again, Johanna's gentle voice, Augie's enthusiasm and constant support, Skyfire's friendly banter... And then there were those who were outside, whom she couldn't possibly hope to list on one sheet of paper. Rukia and Ulquiorra, reminders of home, one being comfortingly familiar with the other experiencing changes one by one that led her not only to lose her fear, but to consider him a friend as well. V and KITT at the museum and the way they humored Orihime's impulses to try new things. Lelouch's steadfast patience. Tieria's understanding. Ed and Al's trust.
She smiled when she thought of Michael's cocky grin. He'd always been there for her when she needed him. Death and his army of cats still made her crack up, for he was so unlike the GRIM reaper that it absolutely tickled her. There was England, and his tree of limes and scones, who had always treated her with the utmost warmth and hospitality. And Aya and Kyle, both of whom she was secretly rooting for in their companionship and, hopefully, romance.
And Axel's performance, wow! She knew he had it in him, but she didn't know just how much he'd been willing to let it show. She was immensely flattered and greatly touched that he'd not only sung for her, but done so while allowing everyone else to see it too. That was incredibly thoughtful! She'd have to throw her whole heart into a return song, to show him just how greatly she appreciated his efforts.
There were good people all over the city. Despite Lelouch's claim that Nautilus could be cruel, it was something she just couldn't accept at heart. There were hardships to be weathered and endured, yes, but didn't she still come away stronger when it was over? Didn't she learn, and didn't her heart begin to better understand her neighbors? Was it really cruelty, or was it training, preparing her for something bigger...a real purpose that she'd longed for all these years?
Needless to say, there were people out there she wanted to see. She wanted to thank Enraku-chan too, if she managed to stumble across him/her/it. Surely Enraku must have been feeling better as well, now that the Marker was gone. And what about Zanith? Was he all right too?
Orihime dressed warmly for the crisp spring weather, shrugging on her jacket, and turning to the photograph of her brother which sat upon her dresser. "I'm off, Onii-chan! Please watch over things while I'm gone!" Beaming, she slipped on her simple brown flats, and darted outside to make a few social calls.