016; [video/action for goldenrod-- backdated to early morning]

[newhero]

[around 4 or so this morning, Sora had been lying in his bed in the pokécenter, awake, not very comfortable, and bored out of his mind. not a whole lot was going on over the network, and Sora didn't want to wake Hope or Rise or Puddles or anybody else nearby. there were, however, two people he had no problem bothering: Riku got a smattering of text

Comments

[uses_metaphors]

[Raven watches, quietly respectful. The action seems to hold much meaning for the young man.]

An unusual, but surprisingly effective method of communication.

I have had little chance to pursue any romantic inclination in my world.

[newhero]

You think so? I hope it reaches her soon. And-- well, maybe you just haven't found the right person yet, sir.

[uses_metaphors]

Messages written with care and entrusted to the sea have a special protection. The Powers That Be are romantics, like that.

[He smiles at the boy's encouragement.]

If such a person were to be written in my fate, they would be found here. My life's story is over in that place.

[newhero]

I agree! I think if you wish for something with your heart, it'll--

[-- and then the implications of that last statement hit him like a ton of bricks.]

... What do you mean by that? Are you...

[Action]

[seasalttwilight]

[Who knows why Roxas is up so early. He just is. Maybe he sensed something was up with Sora. Maybe he just woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. Maybe he just likes the quiet of the city in the morning. Maybe he had to take his little growlithe for a walk. Either way, he's sort of watching Sora, Sparky the Pikachu asleep on his head, and Axel the Growlithe sniffing at a lamppost]

[Action]

[newhero]

[it's the Dratini who notices Roxas first, and the one who nudges Sora's shoulder slightly-- he'd been watching the ocean, trying to pick out the bottle to see if it was drifting in the right way. he turns, and smiles slightly.]

Hey, Roxas! Usually up this early?

[Action]

[seasalttwilight]

[Roxas shakes his head]

Not really. But, he [indicating the Growlithe] had to go out.

[Action]

[newhero]

He's cute! What's his name?

[there's a Togepi with a pokégear waddling over to inspect Axel curiously-- bonk Axel with the 'gear curiously-- hey there, puppy!]

[action]

[restardom]

[ Rise was out like a light, worn out from giving her leader the rundown and fretting that's finally been (mostly) relieved, so Sora sneaking out didn't rouse her at all. Until Himiko, the first one to rise in the morning, did so, realized Trainer's friend wasn't there, and woke her up.

It says something when a normally put-together idol only stops to grab a jacket, doesn't give a damn about putting her hair up, and forgets her shoes when she dashes out of that Center in a panicked rush (also in pajamas). She was supposed to be taking care of Sora, and he'd gone and vanished and what if he was lying hurt somewhere or--

She finally stops, though, having checked almost every nook and cranny and spotting a familiar head of hair by the tower. After a minute of a silent OH THANK GOD, she steps closer, enough to hear the question. But first things first. ]

Sora...

[action]

[newhero]

[Sora knows he's probably in trouble-- that's why he looks extremely sheepish when he turns to face Rise. he doesn't really have much of an excuse, either, so he just.. stands there silently.]

[Bell's plenty talkative, though, and tosses the 'gear aside to chirp up at Rise cheerfully. good morning!]

[action]

[restardom]

Morning, Bell. [ her tone is casual in regards to the Togepi, but the look on Rise's face continues to state that yes. Sora is indeed in for it. In fact, she's closing the distance between them, setting her hands firmly on his shoulders, opening her mouth for a blistering lecture--

... and then very very gently and carefully pulling him into a hug. ]

Don't you ever scare me like that again.

[action]

[newhero]

[he was expecting to be lectured until at least next week, but when he's pulled into Rise's arms instead, the hurt of Kairi leaving a second time coupled with his frustration with the state he's in and the fact that he broke his promise to Ven by apparently fighting Vanitas last week, and the fact that everybody's hurting in some form or another spills over and he just... breaks down completely and clings to Rise. give him a minute.]

[video]

[bakaitoukid]

I already told you everything I know about dates.

[video]

[newhero]

I didn't forget! Dinner, a movie, flowers and compliments! Right?

[video]

[bakaitoukid]

Exactly! I bet Puddles is excited, isn't he?

[video]

[newhero]

I think he is! I got him a bow tie and everything.

[and Puddles is even wearing it, too-- he'd been chilling off in the corner fretting during the video feed, but now that he's the subject of conversation, he trots on over to bleat a greeting. lookin' pretty sharp there, Puddles.]

action

[airwinged]

[Hope's face is not amused. Especially when he saw Sora missing from his room.]

I think Puddles can wait a little longer.

action

[newhero]

[please don't scold him too much, shotabro.]

He's got his bow tie on, though. See?

action

[airwinged]

[:|]

Sora, what are you doing up?

action

[newhero]

[his expression falters, and Sora turns away to look at the ocean.]

Kairi went home.