[Voice] Floor 05

[flutterbyfool]

[There's a soft sigh on the other line, one that sounds surprisingly tired.]

Looks like I disappeared for a little while, there. Sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate Christmas with you guys.

[Even if nobody can see it, her smile is soft. Haruka sounds so tired that it's unusual for a girl who used to have so much energy.]I hope you guys had

Comments

[lockandkeyblade]

[Oh, Sora notices that tired smile all right. And he's pretty worried.]

Sure I'd like to spend New Years with you, Haruka!

Just lemme see what kinda plans Riku and Kairi have. Would it be okay if they came along too?

[flutterbyfool]

[She's actually resting up in her room, and hoping that she's not tired for the New Year's celebration.]

I don't mind at all! The more the merrier, right?

How was your Christmas, Sora?

[lockandkeyblade]

[A sad smile.]

One of the best [And worst.] Christmases.

What about you, Haruka? How come you were gone for a while?

[flutterbyfool]

They say Christmas is a time of pain and joy for some people. I'm glad that you had a really good holiday.

[She hums softly.]

I think it was because I was needed back home. We...had a very important battle to overcome, and I guess I'm still tired after it.

[Still tired...and she has a suspicion as to why. An echo of what happened, perhaps.]

[lockandkeyblade]

[Now, the full force of Sora's worry comes through. He's never been good at hiding his feelings anyway. Heart on his sleeve and all that.]

... How'd it go? You guys get out okay?

[flutterbyfool]

[Haruka can't help but smile. It's been a long few months since she's seen any of her friends in Vatheon, and the girl's just glad to have the opportunity to see them again.]

We won, don't worry. It was tough, but we did it. The bonds you make with people...that's a power that can overcome anything.

[She takes a moment to think. She can't lie to Sora, but at the same time she doesn't want to worry him.]

We got out just fine, but there was a price that came with it.

[lockandkeyblade]

[Sora nods, knowingly. If anybody should understand the power of friendships and the connections between them, it's Sora.]

That's good isn't it? You won, and everybody got home safe.

Just... whaddo you mean by price?

[flutterbyfool]

[Hell, it saves the world twice it's so powerful.]

Yeah, you're right.

[There's a moment of silence before she reaches a decision. It's not right to hide it from Sora, who deserves to know as much as any of her friends.]

Mind coming over to my apartment? I'll tell you when you get here.

[Video]--> [Action] 1/2

[lockandkeyblade]

[Something that can't be said over the SFC maybe? He hopes it isn't serious.]

... I can come over. I'll be there soon.

[Action] 2/2

[lockandkeyblade]

[Soon after Sora cuts the feed, he shows up at Haruka's place, knocking lightly on the door.]

[Action]

[flutterbyfool]

Okay, thanks.

[She cuts her side of the transmission, and waits tiredly on the couch. Once she hears the knock, Haruka walks over to the door, opening it for him. The brunette's a little...surprised to see that Sora honestly hasn't changed much since she last saw him, but perhaps that was something about Vatheon's time. Haruka smiles at him, standing to the side to let him enter.]

Hey, Sora. Long time, no see. For me, anyway.

[Action]

[lockandkeyblade]

[At first he's smiling as he comes in, his present for her tucked under his arm.]

Welcome back, Haruka. It's only been a couple days for me, actually. Shame you missed Christmas.

[He stops, and notices her tired complexion. She... she looks worse than he thought. His thoughts are probably clear as day in his expression.]

[Action]

[flutterbyfool]

[Haruka grins back at him.]

It's alright. Looks like my presents got delivered to you and everyone alright, though!

[She sees that and motions for him to follow her. The girl sits down on the couch, and pats a spot next to her.]

There are some things I can say, but a lot that I can't, so...bear with me, okay?

[Action]

[lockandkeyblade]

Yep. They got to me just fine. Thanks for everything. Riku and Kairi love the cookies and me and Chie wanna try out some recipes in the cookbook.

[He follows and obliges her, settling in the spot next to her. The question still nags at him.]

... But how come you look so tired?

[Action]

[flutterbyfool]

I'm glad they liked them, and you're certainly welcome. [She giggles.] If you want, I can come over and teach you guys the basics.

[Despite being tired, Haruka still wants to help. She takes a moment to think about how to put it gently.]

After that fight...I've been gradually getting sleepier and sleepier. It's March, now, in my world, Graduation Day. My friends and I promised to meet up on the roof of our school on that day. I fell asleep 'cause my eyes just wouldn't stay open.

[She pauses.]

I knew...that I would never wake up again, but I was glad to have been surrounded by my closest friends. My only regret was to not see the friends I have here before I had to leave.

[Action]

[lockandkeyblade]

Never? Whaddo you mean never?

[Never... is an awful long time, Haruka. In fact, something like that doesn't sound like sleep at all. It sounds like...]

Maybe you just need to take it easy for a little while and you'll feel better.