♔ Absence makes the heart grow fonder

[singularjustice]

Characters: singularjustice and vatheon
Location: Plaza
Time: Mid-day
Style: [ Action for the lazy girl. ]
Status: OPEN.

[ A roar like that of a jet engine starting up sounds throughout the Plaza. Near the coral comes a flash of fire, and then a wall of heat that makes the ever present streams of water sizzle.

A snarl came from the giant dragon from which the flame

Comments

[lunateclock]

[When he hears the roar, regardless of the kidnapping by Aniki, he has to go see what's up. Considering how restless Vatheon has been lately, he can't exactly leave something be--even if he does have a cold.

So he slips out of the pirate ship Aniki had taken as his own and makes his way to the plaza at as fast a pace he can manage, breathing rougher than usual and shoulders hunched under the sweater he wears to ward off the chill, but otherwise doing just fine.

Until, of course, he spies who it is.

He freezes, breath rasping in his throat, and for a moment says nothing.

...He hadn't actually expected him to...come back--]

[singularjustice]

[ N takes off his hat, brushing his hair out of his face. It is Zoroark who announces they are being watched, turning her eyes on Minato. N's soon follow, and he looks confused at Minato's expression. ]

Minato? Was I gone? I feel weird. ...and damp.

[lunateclock]

[He stares for a moment longer--and then shakes his head and responds, voice somewhat hoarse.]

You were gone for two weeks.

...Red really missed you.

[singularjustice]

Two weeks?

[ N's eyes widen. ]

I'm sorry! What's happened? Is Red all right? Are you all right?

[ A beat. ]

You don't look very all right.

1 / 2

[pristinestar]

[... He knows that voice. He knows that voice. Maybe even all too well.

From inside the Welcoming Committee's walls, he could hear that familiar echo slide through his ears. For a moment, all Red can do is freeze.

So, N did come back... Of course, as an initial reaction, a warm feeling envelops Red. His dear one is here. He's back.

But at the same time, Red's wary of showing himself. With his wounds, these bandages; In and out. He's already slowly healing. He's already accepted the loss of both Green and N, so why? Why now?]

[pristinestar]

[. . .]

[Despite all these internal conflicts, Red's desire to see and feel N again... It surpasses all of it. He steps out bravely from the Welcoming Committee, facing the plaza before him now.

... It's not a guarantee that N will remember him again, however. What will become of today?

Quietly, Red starts to smile, and with his usual welcoming tone, as a Greeter:]

Hey. Are you all right?

[singularjustice]

Red!

[ N turns towards the other trainer with a smile, though it quickly disappears as he looks at him. ]

What happened? Are you okay?

[ He instantly invades Red's personal space, gingerly taking his hand and trying to inspect all the bandages. ]

[pristinestar]

[N seems to remember him. For a split second, Red's eyes water slightly. But he quickly blinks them to prevent the water from forming further. His heart immediately feels that warm ease. But he has to focus.]

-No, don't worry... I'm all right.

[They're nothing serious. Aside from body pain, there aren't any threatening injuries. He gazes at N reassuringly, trying to calm the other boy.]

There was just a little misunderstanding. It'll be fine.

[More importantly...]

[Red returns the hold on N's hand, squeezing it a little as his smile only gets softer.]

Come on. We should get everyone dried up properly.

[andyellow]

[Huh?

What was that?

Well, he would be thinking that if he weren't freakin' startled by that entrance. More like "oh my god hey what the hell oh my god what?" Collecting his thoughts and realizing he can still breathe, Hilbert finally says:]

Huh? What was that?

[He's still trying to get used to this new Greeter job, so bear with him. It's a bit scary to hear a noise like that and wonder what kind of horror it can be--]

N!

[Hilbert is peering behind the Great Lamufao, eyes wide and locked on the appearance of his friend. Yeah, he'll make a big deal about Reshiram later. He's back!]

[singularjustice]

Hilbert! Hi!

[ N gives a grin and a wave, as if he just saw Hilbert yesterday.

Which, to N, he did. ]

[andyellow]

[aowkaowf!]

You... [He steps out.] You can't just smile and wave at me like that!

[Okay, a brief moment of silence before runs up to N, scooping him up high into a hug. Hopefully no one ever had doubts about his strength, because they might as well be wrong about that.
And squeeeeeze~ He's obviously very happy to see you.]

[singularjustice]

[ ...

Squeak.

Hi there, Hilbert. N flails a bit, before managing to hug him back. ]

Why not?

[kings_thief]

[Well, he wasn't expecting that from the coral. Locke stands there, staring at it, Starly egg in his arms. However, when he sees who it is, he instantly breaks into a grin. If it weren't for the egg, he'd be hugging you right now, N.]

N! You're back!

[singularjustice]

Locke! I am! Well, I don't remember being gone, but --

You have an egg!

[ Someone is easily distracted. ]

[kings_thief]

[He's very happy with this egg, so, he doesn't mind right now.]

I do! Cheren gave it to me. Been carrying it ever since.

[singularjustice]

It's from a Flying type, right? He told you all about how to take care of them?

[chivalrygrudge]

[Have a notkid running towards the plaza, dog leash and attached puppy in one hand and wishing he didn't leave his spear at home. There's also an Eevee running next to him, but he stops when he spots N.]

Well, you didn't have to make such an entrance.

[singularjustice]

[ N glances up and blinks, before giving Ken a sheepish shrug. ]

Reshiram doesn't like being wet.

[chivalrygrudge]

[Hee. Eevee runs up to N and nuzzles his leg.]

I think Aki likes you.

['Vri! Yes!']

[singularjustice]

Aki? Is that your name? It is wonderful to meet you.

[ N offers his hands for inspection, then scoops the Eevee up to give more proper pets. ]