9 → [ video ]

[valdecet]

[ Oh hey, it's video-- but it might as well be voice since all the camera's focusing on is plantlife in a small garden. From behind the camera comes Angeal's voice and it's normal enough, if... a bit flat and closed off. Dull. ]

Unfortunately, I won't be able to take care of my plants for a while. If anyone with some sort of experience in gardening

Comments

[ video | PRIVATE herpaderp ]

[heartbetween]

[Here's Kaien, looking a bit concerned but resolute.]

Sure. On my way now.

[ video | private | sob late forever ]

[valdecet]

[ ... it takes a moment for him, but Angeal flicks the video feed on-- and the gaze that meets his friend's is tired, as tired as his gaunt face, and troubled. ]

Thank you, Kaien.

[ voice | private ]

[lonestray]

That's fine.

...Are you all right, Angeal?

[ voice | private ]

[valdecet]

I thank you, Scar. [ A heavy pause. ]

...I am not. I'm not sure if I ever will be.

[Video]

[sugaryoptimist]

I've never been good with plants. Otherwise, I'd offer.

[ text ]

[valdecet]

Thank you all the same. I didn't catch your name last time, miss?

[ text ]

[sugaryoptimist]

My name is Vanille!

[ text ]

[valdecet]

My name is Angeal. It's nice to meet you, Vanille.

[ text→ private to Angeal ]

[knows_it_all]

...Connection must have been faulty or something.
So then, what's the word, Angeal? Or, better yet, have I
got YOUR word?
You're not going to disappear, are you?
Promise me, man.
I'm not sure I could handle the backlash all on my own.

[ text→ private to Kunsel ]

[valdecet]

Consider this a fulfillment of my word, Kunsel. I'm going away for a while to sort things out with myself, and I'll be going someplace where I can't be found easily.

But I'm not disappearing. I have every intention of coming back.

Let Zack know. I sent him a message but I don't think he received it.

By the way, I've left it under my pillow. Please safeguard it for me.

[ text→ private to Angeal ]

[knows_it_all]

Angeal...
I can't stop you. I won't try, either, but you gotta tell
me something, man. When do you think this soul-searching quest
of yours will be over with? I need to know, because if you're
not back by a certain time, by the expected time, well...I'm
gonna come looking for you. To make sure that you're okay.
And, uh, in the meantime...keep in mind I'm always here for
you. Always. For anything, you know?
So don't forget that.

[ text→ private to Kunsel ]

[valdecet]

Kunsel, there's no need to worry about me. I can handle myself -- in every meaning of the word. Nevertheless, I... appreciate what you've said, very much so. Thank you. I won't forget.

As for the time limit, I am not sure myself. Give me a week at the least; I intend to get to the root of everything before returning. It might take a while.

And speaking of in the meantime, I expect you to watch out for yourself while I'm gone, both of you.

Voice | Private

[i_love_squats]

Hey, don't worry about it! Happens to the best of us, right? Time and life and everything...

Just means you need to make it up to me.

[ text | private ]

[valdecet]

Glad you understand, Zack. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it up to you for a while, though. I have to go away for about a week, sort some things out.

[ voice | private ]

[i_love_squats]

A week's nothing! I'll be waiting right here for you, don't you worry. And after, we'll have all sorts of fun, right?

[There's a pause, momentary, before he says quietly....]

You know, if you wanna talk...

[ text | private ]

[valdecet]

We will. Until then, you take care while I'm gone, all right? Nothing reckless.

We'll have a talk after I return, I think.

By the way, I've left something important with Kunsel. A-just-in-case sort of thing. Wanted to tell you myself, but didn't get a good chance to do so.