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sparkstrikes) wrote2023-01-01 12:11 pm
sparkstrikes) wrote2023-01-01 12:11 pm
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[ About a week or two after the flower festival ends in true heinously backdated fashion, Lightning will receive a special delivery!
Well, it's actually not very exciting. A white card with gold emboss print on the front in an envelope the colour of robin egg blue, edges sharp, paper uncrinkled. The ink on the note inside the card is fresh and dark still; it's clear that Pyrrha did this as soon as the facts were revealed to her.
When Lightning opens the card, she'll get a quick message. Pyrrha's script is neat, almost polite looking, but easy to read, no unnecessary flourishes.
She doesn't get a choice in the matter, apparently. :D ]
Well, it's actually not very exciting. A white card with gold emboss print on the front in an envelope the colour of robin egg blue, edges sharp, paper uncrinkled. The ink on the note inside the card is fresh and dark still; it's clear that Pyrrha did this as soon as the facts were revealed to her.
When Lightning opens the card, she'll get a quick message. Pyrrha's script is neat, almost polite looking, but easy to read, no unnecessary flourishes.
Dear Lightning,
Jaune told me you were the one who got two day passes to the spa for us. Thanks to your effort, we had a lovely day together and I wanted to express my gratitude.
Sincerely,
Pyrrha
P.S. When are you coming over for dinner? We would love to have you.
She doesn't get a choice in the matter, apparently. :D ]
[ At the Hearth, just before Lightning starts her shift, Jaune had left her a fun scavenger hunt. For no reason!! None whatsoever!!! In fact, he doesn't even tell her that it's from him, and on his way out as his own shift ends, he never once hinted that he knows what day today is.
Nevertheless, an unsuspecting Lightning is about to get her first clue when she opens the kitchen fridge to find a note addressed to her. ]
[ ...He tried to rhyme anyway.
If she chooses to follow it, and if she's clever enough to figure it out, it will lead her to a plush toy sitting somewhere on its own in the restaurant. Does she pick it up? ]
Nevertheless, an unsuspecting Lightning is about to get her first clue when she opens the kitchen fridge to find a note addressed to her. ]
[ ...He tried to rhyme anyway.
If she chooses to follow it, and if she's clever enough to figure it out, it will lead her to a plush toy sitting somewhere on its own in the restaurant. Does she pick it up? ]
[It's a short, midday shift for Lightning today – just a bit of prep work to help Li out in the kitchen considering she'll be out of here by the time the evening rush comes in. She's prepared to make some decent headway on the specials for the day and opens the fridge to grab what she needs...
She pauses, though, when the first thing she sees is a note.
Glancing over both her shoulders once, then twice for good measure to make sure no one's watching, Lightning squints and carefully peels it from the shelf it's stuck to.]
... Under something that rings.
[Her first thought is a phone, but this universe doesn't need them and therefore, neither does the Hearth. What else is there that rings? She repeats it again under her breath, and even flips the note over as if there would be more answers on the back... but of course there's nothing. So, she begins to wander...
Checking in the cupboards and the drawers yields her nothing, and the shelves above the stove and inside the pots have no sign of any kind of note. This is frustrating, but she's going to figure this out!!! Huffing, she leaves the kitchen and meanders out to the bar, greeting whoever is working that day before rummaging through it with an apology.
... Nothing here, either.
Out to the restaurant she goes – she's headed to the front when she spots something through the corner of her eye. Sitting on a chair, all alone, is a.... a what?]
The hell?
[Upon closer inspection, it's a small stuffed rabbit with a bell around its neck. Ah, this is the something that rings, isn't it? She picks it up and gives it a little shake, and the bell gives a happy jingle.]
Hm, cute.
[And underneath it, there's another note!?]
She pauses, though, when the first thing she sees is a note.
Glancing over both her shoulders once, then twice for good measure to make sure no one's watching, Lightning squints and carefully peels it from the shelf it's stuck to.]
... Under something that rings.
[Her first thought is a phone, but this universe doesn't need them and therefore, neither does the Hearth. What else is there that rings? She repeats it again under her breath, and even flips the note over as if there would be more answers on the back... but of course there's nothing. So, she begins to wander...
Checking in the cupboards and the drawers yields her nothing, and the shelves above the stove and inside the pots have no sign of any kind of note. This is frustrating, but she's going to figure this out!!! Huffing, she leaves the kitchen and meanders out to the bar, greeting whoever is working that day before rummaging through it with an apology.
... Nothing here, either.
Out to the restaurant she goes – she's headed to the front when she spots something through the corner of her eye. Sitting on a chair, all alone, is a.... a what?]
The hell?
[Upon closer inspection, it's a small stuffed rabbit with a bell around its neck. Ah, this is the something that rings, isn't it? She picks it up and gives it a little shake, and the bell gives a happy jingle.]
Hm, cute.
[And underneath it, there's another note!?]
[ Definitely a note! Orange this time. Are they all going to be a different colour? ]
[ The next one, she'll find by the coathanger!! Specifically in the pocket of her own coat, which will be filled with hundreds and hundreds of tiny marshmallow bunnies. The whole pocket?! This seems like more of a nuisance than a pleasant thing to find, oops.
There's also a note buried in it - does she find it? :) ]
[ The next one, she'll find by the coathanger!! Specifically in the pocket of her own coat, which will be filled with hundreds and hundreds of tiny marshmallow bunnies. The whole pocket?! This seems like more of a nuisance than a pleasant thing to find, oops.
There's also a note buried in it - does she find it? :) ]
[Oh. This one is easy! After avoiding the stares of a few customers sitting nearby, Lightning takes the note and carries it off with the rabbit tucked safe under her arm. To the back she goes, where the staff keeps all of their personal belongings, including their coats!
Hers is somehow buried beneath all the others so getting to it proves to be difficult with the bunny and the first note, but she maneuvers it enough to pull hers out from its hook. Unfortunately, she tugs a little too hard and pulls a couple others along with it, and between her surprise and her attempt to catch everything before it all falls, there's an explosion of marshmallows from her coat pockets!?]
What—!?
[... They litter the floor along with the pile of jackets and the note flutters out last, conveniently falling on top of hers. Sighing, she picks it up along with a marshmallow to inspect it. It's a bunny.]
Hers is somehow buried beneath all the others so getting to it proves to be difficult with the bunny and the first note, but she maneuvers it enough to pull hers out from its hook. Unfortunately, she tugs a little too hard and pulls a couple others along with it, and between her surprise and her attempt to catch everything before it all falls, there's an explosion of marshmallows from her coat pockets!?]
What—!?
[... They litter the floor along with the pile of jackets and the note flutters out last, conveniently falling on top of hers. Sighing, she picks it up along with a marshmallow to inspect it. It's a bunny.]
Edited (just fixing some wording) 2018-05-26 03:36 (UTC)
[ It's a bunny indeed, and the note is once again a different colour. It's violet, as promised. Are they going through the colours of the rainbow? It might be a clue on whose identity this could be from. Don't forget to eat some candy!
As for the note-- ]
[ She got a toy, some candy, and next up... is a drink! By the bar, Lightning will find only one blue bottle of wine, magically transformed into that colour through the use of Dunamis. As for the contents, the liquid tastes like generic wine... except it's non-alcoholic! Gross!
If she picks it up, there will be a blue note underneath! Why not pour herself a glass for now? ]
As for the note-- ]
[ She got a toy, some candy, and next up... is a drink! By the bar, Lightning will find only one blue bottle of wine, magically transformed into that colour through the use of Dunamis. As for the contents, the liquid tastes like generic wine... except it's non-alcoholic! Gross!
If she picks it up, there will be a blue note underneath! Why not pour herself a glass for now? ]
[She's yet to put the pieces together, too flustered to realize what the rainbow colours might mean! Lightning still has no idea about his obsession with Pumpkin Pete, so the rabbits are making very little sense to her right now, too. While she reads it, she pops the marshmallow in her mouth and her face scrunches a little at the sweetness. Well, to the bar it is!
But first, she tries to sweep the explosion of marshmallows off to the side, but leaves the rest of it on the floor.
... She'll clean this up later. Sorry to the owners of these coats!
Her search for the blue bottle doesn't take her long, because among all the regular coloured (???) ones, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Lightning will pour herself a glass, though, now that she's here! A little bit – enough for a single small sip – which is a probably a good thing because when she sips it, she has to make a face at it. The hell is this? It just tastes like generic grape juice.
(It's like when you go to take a sip of water and it turns out to be flat soda. Eww! Not a fun surprise.)
She sets the glass on the counter and rummages through the shelf to find the note, and she does! However, Lightning pauses and stands up straight, with her brows knitting together in a fit of confusion. At the same time, a customer had been passing, probably on their way to the bathroom, and is startled by her sudden appearance from behind the bar! Oops...
She gives what she can see of the restaurant a scan for anyone who might be watching her, and for a sign of who might be doing this, but she sees no one.]
Hm...
[So she turns the note over and reads it...]
But first, she tries to sweep the explosion of marshmallows off to the side, but leaves the rest of it on the floor.
... She'll clean this up later. Sorry to the owners of these coats!
Her search for the blue bottle doesn't take her long, because among all the regular coloured (???) ones, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Lightning will pour herself a glass, though, now that she's here! A little bit – enough for a single small sip – which is a probably a good thing because when she sips it, she has to make a face at it. The hell is this? It just tastes like generic grape juice.
(It's like when you go to take a sip of water and it turns out to be flat soda. Eww! Not a fun surprise.)
She sets the glass on the counter and rummages through the shelf to find the note, and she does! However, Lightning pauses and stands up straight, with her brows knitting together in a fit of confusion. At the same time, a customer had been passing, probably on their way to the bathroom, and is startled by her sudden appearance from behind the bar! Oops...
She gives what she can see of the restaurant a scan for anyone who might be watching her, and for a sign of who might be doing this, but she sees no one.]
Hm...
[So she turns the note over and reads it...]
[ Is she enjoying this child's game so far? We got two more notes to go until the epic conclusion of this cheesy birthday. ]
[ She doesn't need to actually run, that's just there for added drama. As for where the next clue is? Perhaps Lightning has already glanced in that direction when a customer walked out of it.
(Wait, did Jaune go to the ladies washroom??)
On the mirror, there will be a piece of paper attached to it, with the following message: ]
Have you smiled yet today?
They say that making yourself smile in front of a mirror will improve your mood.
I know your smile always makes the Hearth a warmer place!
[ That was his next gift... just a smile!! Once she has done that, she may turn over the piece of paper for the final piece of note. It's green, to nobody's surprise. ]
[ She doesn't need to actually run, that's just there for added drama. As for where the next clue is? Perhaps Lightning has already glanced in that direction when a customer walked out of it.
(Wait, did Jaune go to the ladies washroom??)
On the mirror, there will be a piece of paper attached to it, with the following message: ]
Have you smiled yet today?
They say that making yourself smile in front of a mirror will improve your mood.
I know your smile always makes the Hearth a warmer place!
[ That was his next gift... just a smile!! Once she has done that, she may turn over the piece of paper for the final piece of note. It's green, to nobody's surprise. ]
[SHE'S NOT GOING TO RUN!! In fact, she takes her time getting there, afraid of what might happen if she does! Her initial thought is along the lines of someone accidentally flooding the women's restroom and this is just their elaborate plan to not admit to it, but she quickly realizes that it's probably way too much work to get out of telling someone.
Nevertheless, she opens the door a crack and peers through. No sign of a flood so far, or anything else, but she can see the paper taped to the mirror from here. What strange land is this one going to take her to next?
As soon as she reads the note, she observes herself in the mirror across from her. Despite this wild goose chase, she's still able to smile through it. The message this friendly stranger has left certainly helped, and Lightning even cracks a smile – although it's been biding its time, waiting for the right moment to come out and when it does, she can't stop it.
... That is, until someone else comes into the bathroom and sees Lightning smiling at herself in the mirror! The woman greets her with an awkward smile, and she responds with an equally uncomfortable wave back, but that wipes it right off her face. She clears her throat, pushes her hair behind her ear, and takes that note and the green one underneath and runs out, catching sight of her red face on the way.
It's not until she's back in the safety of the kitchen that she rereads the first note... and it's the second read-through when she gets an inkling of an idea of who might be behind this. There are only a few people who would be cheesy enough to write something like that... and process of elimination narrows it down even further.
And now that she thinks about it, these coloured notes give her a pretty good idea, too. Speaking of, what does the green one say!?]
Nevertheless, she opens the door a crack and peers through. No sign of a flood so far, or anything else, but she can see the paper taped to the mirror from here. What strange land is this one going to take her to next?
As soon as she reads the note, she observes herself in the mirror across from her. Despite this wild goose chase, she's still able to smile through it. The message this friendly stranger has left certainly helped, and Lightning even cracks a smile – although it's been biding its time, waiting for the right moment to come out and when it does, she can't stop it.
... That is, until someone else comes into the bathroom and sees Lightning smiling at herself in the mirror! The woman greets her with an awkward smile, and she responds with an equally uncomfortable wave back, but that wipes it right off her face. She clears her throat, pushes her hair behind her ear, and takes that note and the green one underneath and runs out, catching sight of her red face on the way.
It's not until she's back in the safety of the kitchen that she rereads the first note... and it's the second read-through when she gets an inkling of an idea of who might be behind this. There are only a few people who would be cheesy enough to write something like that... and process of elimination narrows it down even further.
And now that she thinks about it, these coloured notes give her a pretty good idea, too. Speaking of, what does the green one say!?]
Edited (lmao icon) 2018-05-26 05:08 (UTC)
[ The green one says this: ]
[ What the hell is a leprechaun? Well, don't worry about that! Her next treasure will indeed be underneath the only table with sunflowers on them. This one is fitting for a final boss, because Jaune the idiot has sticky taped a yellow envelope on the bottom surface of a public table. Let's hope it's not currently occupied, or she'll be waiting hours to retrieve it!
Good luck, birthday girl! ]
[ What the hell is a leprechaun? Well, don't worry about that! Her next treasure will indeed be underneath the only table with sunflowers on them. This one is fitting for a final boss, because Jaune the idiot has sticky taped a yellow envelope on the bottom surface of a public table. Let's hope it's not currently occupied, or she'll be waiting hours to retrieve it!
Good luck, birthday girl! ]
[Uh-huh. By the time she finds the sunflowers, she's sure that her hunches are getting warmer. The only problem is that the table decorated with them is currently occupied... by a couple, no less. They seem to be enjoying themselves, holding hands and probably commenting on how lovely this singular table is thanks to the flowers!
She's standing a few tables away, watching them and drumming her fingers impatiently against its surface. She could wait for them to finish their meal and leave, but their food hasn't even come out yet. Probably because she's supposed to be cooking it... Well, no matter. Lightning Farron is a woman on a mission, and there's very little that can stop her from achieving the goal. She doesn't see a note on the table, so it must be around there somewhere.
Returning from the kitchen a few minutes later in her chef's coat thing and a pitcher of water, she wanders over to the table. She typically doesn't do this EVER, but she puts on her most friendly smile as she approaches the couple, and to any normal person, it probably looks disgustingly unnatural. Can't blame a girl for trying, right?]
Uh, hi. [This is off to a great start. They both look up at her, not saying anything.] Tough crowd. I'm... the... are you two okay?
[SOMEONE STOP HER. They both nod, confused, but Lightning powers through. There's a dish towel slung over her arm and as she goes to pour the water, she lets it fall to the floor. Whoops? Except now she can take a look around the floor, and she kneels down to pick it up. First, she checks under the man's chair with a hand, and then moves on to the woman's, and both of them are offended at such an inappropriate display!]
Sorry, just... looking for the towel.
[It's right there!? Okay, but the note isn't, so she keeps checking and lo and behold, it's taped underneath the table โ eureka!! But as she grabs it, she bangs her head against the bottom of it so hard that it knocks over the glasses of water as she comes back out, and she's splashed by some of it!
Lightning takes her leave for now with the customers complaining behind her, but not before she grabs that vase of sunflowers!!! She'll come back later and offer them a free lunch on the house. RIP her paycheque...
For now, it's yellow note time as she rips open the envelope in the safety of the break room!]
She's standing a few tables away, watching them and drumming her fingers impatiently against its surface. She could wait for them to finish their meal and leave, but their food hasn't even come out yet. Probably because she's supposed to be cooking it... Well, no matter. Lightning Farron is a woman on a mission, and there's very little that can stop her from achieving the goal. She doesn't see a note on the table, so it must be around there somewhere.
Returning from the kitchen a few minutes later in her chef's coat thing and a pitcher of water, she wanders over to the table. She typically doesn't do this EVER, but she puts on her most friendly smile as she approaches the couple, and to any normal person, it probably looks disgustingly unnatural. Can't blame a girl for trying, right?]
Uh, hi. [This is off to a great start. They both look up at her, not saying anything.] Tough crowd. I'm... the... are you two okay?
[SOMEONE STOP HER. They both nod, confused, but Lightning powers through. There's a dish towel slung over her arm and as she goes to pour the water, she lets it fall to the floor. Whoops? Except now she can take a look around the floor, and she kneels down to pick it up. First, she checks under the man's chair with a hand, and then moves on to the woman's, and both of them are offended at such an inappropriate display!]
Sorry, just... looking for the towel.
[It's right there!? Okay, but the note isn't, so she keeps checking and lo and behold, it's taped underneath the table โ eureka!! But as she grabs it, she bangs her head against the bottom of it so hard that it knocks over the glasses of water as she comes back out, and she's splashed by some of it!
Lightning takes her leave for now with the customers complaining behind her, but not before she grabs that vase of sunflowers!!! She'll come back later and offer them a free lunch on the house. RIP her paycheque...
For now, it's yellow note time as she rips open the envelope in the safety of the break room!]
Edited (shh) 2018-05-26 05:39 (UTC)
[ !!! ]
[ As for what's inside the envelope, it's a birthday message, of course! The last piece of the whole birthday ritual! ]
Happy Birthday, Light!
I'm sorry, I tried not to make a big deal of it. Figured you're not too crazy about them.
Wanna know a secret? Neither am I! I like celebrating others, but it's weird when I gotta do it for myself.
I think you probably feel the same way, so maybe it's best we didn't do this in person.
Lucky for you, you have a very pushy sister! I hope you're not too mad at her, that's just how sisters are.
Thanks for everything, Light. I hope you don't put me through hell at training.
~Jaune Arc
PS: Technically I didn't get you anything! :O
[ Aside from the toy, the candy, the juice and the birthday feels. Nothing at all!!!He totally tricked her into having a birthday thing. ]
[ As for what's inside the envelope, it's a birthday message, of course! The last piece of the whole birthday ritual! ]
Happy Birthday, Light!
I'm sorry, I tried not to make a big deal of it. Figured you're not too crazy about them.
Wanna know a secret? Neither am I! I like celebrating others, but it's weird when I gotta do it for myself.
I think you probably feel the same way, so maybe it's best we didn't do this in person.
Lucky for you, you have a very pushy sister! I hope you're not too mad at her, that's just how sisters are.
Thanks for everything, Light. I hope you don't put me through hell at training.
~Jaune Arc
PS: Technically I didn't get you anything! :O
[ Aside from the toy, the candy, the juice and the birthday feels. Nothing at all!!!
[For as much trouble as all of this was, there's something admirable about its execution. Sure, a breakfast was nice, and she'll get to go on a hunt later (still under the assumption that he has no idea!), but this is without a doubt the most creative birthday surprise she's had, despite being tricked into doing a birthday thing!
She sets the sunflowers down on the table once she's finished reading the note, and folds the piece of paper neatly so that it'll fit in her pocket. It's a real shame he's gone home for the day, but sometimes... sometimes these crystals come in handy.
In that moment, Jaune will feel the equivalent of a shock, but through his crystal (please don't ask me to explain further because I don't know). Actually, it feels more like a tickle than anything else. That's it... that's all he'll get. For now.
His next shift, however, Lightning won't be working! What he will find will be little marshmallow bunnies hidden around the restaurant in all the places he'd normally go in a regular day at the Hearth. Some may even find their way into his coat pockets over the next few days โ how did they get in there?
Near the end of the week, closer to their next training session, he'll find a note in there instead of a marshmallow!]
Hey. Got all those birthday notes.
Training's coming up this weekend โ hope you're prepared.
โก
PS: Thank you.
She sets the sunflowers down on the table once she's finished reading the note, and folds the piece of paper neatly so that it'll fit in her pocket. It's a real shame he's gone home for the day, but sometimes... sometimes these crystals come in handy.
In that moment, Jaune will feel the equivalent of a shock, but through his crystal (please don't ask me to explain further because I don't know). Actually, it feels more like a tickle than anything else. That's it... that's all he'll get. For now.
His next shift, however, Lightning won't be working! What he will find will be little marshmallow bunnies hidden around the restaurant in all the places he'd normally go in a regular day at the Hearth. Some may even find their way into his coat pockets over the next few days โ how did they get in there?
Near the end of the week, closer to their next training session, he'll find a note in there instead of a marshmallow!]
Hey. Got all those birthday notes.
Training's coming up this weekend โ hope you're prepared.
โก
PS: Thank you.
[Sometime in the mid-morning hours, Lightning is going to find a very large box at her house. Daisy is probably hopping all over it so no way to miss it. On it is a note with the following words:]
Caught a good haul this morning and thought this big guy would be perfect for you to try. Bet you can make a feast out of it!
— Rokurou
[When we say this box is very large, it is very large because inside not only is she going to find a good number of trout and other fish, but there's also this monster:
.
Enjoy.]
Caught a good haul this morning and thought this big guy would be perfect for you to try. Bet you can make a feast out of it!
— Rokurou
[When we say this box is very large, it is very large because inside not only is she going to find a good number of trout and other fish, but there's also this monster:
.Enjoy.]
Edited 2018-07-04 07:59 (UTC)
Lady Lightning, are you busy?
[There's something very important Machina needs to ask her. Because no matter how much they butted heads a few months ago, Lightning remains the one person he trusts above anyone else to see it done.]
There is... something important I need to talk to you about.
[There's something very important Machina needs to ask her. Because no matter how much they butted heads a few months ago, Lightning remains the one person he trusts above anyone else to see it done.]
There is... something important I need to talk to you about.
[UGH, why aren't there ringers or warnings for telepathic messages like there are phones? Lightning groans to herself, and it'll take her a few moments to recompose herself after the surprise of receiving one to answer. She almost feels the need to remind Machina to drop the title, but ultimately decides against it for several reasons, one of them being wanting to get this "call" over with as quickly as possible.]
Important enough that you gotta send me a message this way? ... I'm not, what is it?
Important enough that you gotta send me a message this way? ... I'm not, what is it?
[She's not the only one who's not fond of voices in the head. But without a COMM, this is the easiest way to reach someone.]
Yeah, it is. Is there somewhere I can meet you?
Yeah, it is. Is there somewhere I can meet you?
[Her eyes narrow in the brief silence that follows his question, as if he can see it, but she can already feel her stomach turning. What in the world could be this important? Guess there's only one way to find out.]
Yeah. You can come to the house. Just don't try anything funny while you're here.
[Because remember last time? Yeah, she still does.]
Yeah. You can come to the house. Just don't try anything funny while you're here.
[Because remember last time? Yeah, she still does.]
[He remembers. He doesn't have any emotions tied to that memory any more, but Machina does remember. But no snarky retort is forthcoming, no attitude, not even an annoyed snort. Lightning's house is safe from a repeat of before.
Flying over would be faster, but Machina opts for the mortal route instead, riding his work bike to the house. Once there, he stands at the front door spending his time thinking of the last time he was here. It was months ago. Before Snow left. Before Hope left. Remembering that they're gone just shores up his resolve to follow through on the course he's set his feet on. He's done with this world screwing with them and taking away friends and family.
Knock knock, someone at the door.]
Flying over would be faster, but Machina opts for the mortal route instead, riding his work bike to the house. Once there, he stands at the front door spending his time thinking of the last time he was here. It was months ago. Before Snow left. Before Hope left. Remembering that they're gone just shores up his resolve to follow through on the course he's set his feet on. He's done with this world screwing with them and taking away friends and family.
Knock knock, someone at the door.]
[The door opens almost immediately. Lightning had seen him coming up the front steps but waited for him to knock, all while wondering what had taken him that long to finally do it. When they're face to face, she looks neither thrilled nor upset to see him. She'll wait until he tells her what he has to say before she decides which one it is.]
Took you long enough.
[To knock, not to get here. That's her greeting as she steps aside to give Machina room to enter if he still wishes to.]
Took you long enough.
[To knock, not to get here. That's her greeting as she steps aside to give Machina room to enter if he still wishes to.]
Sorry. I guess I spaced out.
[He does that a lot under normal circumstances, and it's only become worse in the recent months. Thinking too hard has always been a problematic behavior, but now he often drifts out of thought into emptiness. Waiting for a voice that doesn't come to him here. Even now, he's struggling to keep a grasp on who he is, at least enough to make his request.]
I won't be long.
[Can't take long. Same difference, yes? So he steps in the house but doesn't make a move to go past the entry. Instead, he just launches off with the pertinent information first before he drifts again.]
I want to ask you to look out for my brother. Please.
[He does that a lot under normal circumstances, and it's only become worse in the recent months. Thinking too hard has always been a problematic behavior, but now he often drifts out of thought into emptiness. Waiting for a voice that doesn't come to him here. Even now, he's struggling to keep a grasp on who he is, at least enough to make his request.]
I won't be long.
[Can't take long. Same difference, yes? So he steps in the house but doesn't make a move to go past the entry. Instead, he just launches off with the pertinent information first before he drifts again.]
I want to ask you to look out for my brother. Please.
[She's already making her way down the hall to the kitchen by the time he blurts out his request, and when she turns on her heel to find that he isn't following behind her, she pauses mid-step and raises a brow.]
... You gonna come in, or you wanna have this conversation at the door?
[They will get back to his brother in a hot second, but no way is she standing around in the foyer like this. She's got a feeling there's more to it than just looking out for Izana and she fully intends to find out what it is.]
... You gonna come in, or you wanna have this conversation at the door?
[They will get back to his brother in a hot second, but no way is she standing around in the foyer like this. She's got a feeling there's more to it than just looking out for Izana and she fully intends to find out what it is.]
[Lots lots more to it and these days, Machina doesn't have much of a need to hide things. Or, he's got less fear and distrust driving being a sneak, anyway.]
Uh, yeah. Sorry.
[He'll pick up the pace to catch up. Still weird being here again.]
Uh, yeah. Sorry.
[He'll pick up the pace to catch up. Still weird being here again.]
[Once in the kitchen, she pours him a glass of water which she slides across the counter towards him before grabbing a container of fruit from the fridge should he want to help himself to a snack, too. They have an abundance, so why not? She doesn't pour herself any, nor does she make a grab for the fresh strawberries. Instead, Lightning drums her fingers once on the counter.]
So, you gonna tell me why you want me to look out for your brother?
[Getting right to the point.]
So, you gonna tell me why you want me to look out for your brother?
[Getting right to the point.]
[The water he takes with a grateful nod, while the fruit gets a curious glance. It's certainly tempting but what he's here for is more important than indulging the bottomless pit of his teen stomach.]
I...I might have found a way to keep him here, and Lady Serah. I don't know if it'll work, but I have to try.
[He looks Lightning square on in the face with the same intense seriousness as always. What Machina's not saying is what he plans to do is potentially very dangerous, but he doesn't care. Consequences be damned.]
I know you out of anyone will understand: I will do anything to keep Izana alive. And... there is no one on the island I trust more with him than you.
[Because more than Sora or Hizumi or even Regis, there's no one he knows who can understand the need to keep a beloved sibling alive, and have the strength to see it done.]
I...I might have found a way to keep him here, and Lady Serah. I don't know if it'll work, but I have to try.
[He looks Lightning square on in the face with the same intense seriousness as always. What Machina's not saying is what he plans to do is potentially very dangerous, but he doesn't care. Consequences be damned.]
I know you out of anyone will understand: I will do anything to keep Izana alive. And... there is no one on the island I trust more with him than you.
[Because more than Sora or Hizumi or even Regis, there's no one he knows who can understand the need to keep a beloved sibling alive, and have the strength to see it done.]
[Something else flickers across Lightning's expression โ curiosity, with maybe a little bit of fear. For so long, she had been searching for an answer as to why people would come and go the way they did, and why some returned with their memories and others didn't. After Serah and Gladio returned without theirs, she had given up the search and concentrated her efforts on making the most of her time with them instead. All of that stopped mattering... until now.
There's one thing about this that concerns her, though... but first things first.
She folds her arms. Forgive her if she seems a little... distrustful.]
What is it? This idea you have?
There's one thing about this that concerns her, though... but first things first.
She folds her arms. Forgive her if she seems a little... distrustful.]
What is it? This idea you have?
We're going to kill the Arehtei.
['We', meaning Machina has an accomplice in this act and their plan is to take them all on. Probably insanely arrogant of them but Machina doesn't care. Not anymore. Not that he can exactly feel caring, but he. is. Done. Friends have nagged him for months now to just enjoy life here and what's that gotten him? More people come and gone, more loss. Standing still and doing nothing, pretending everything is just fine? No. Not anymore.]
They can go too loving and freeze the damn island, or think there's some spiffy lost toy they want in a temple and for our help, we get to relieve horrific nightmares from our lives. Porom adored one and she's gone now too. They can't be trusted. They're monsters and we intend to force them to stop screwing with us.
['We', meaning Machina has an accomplice in this act and their plan is to take them all on. Probably insanely arrogant of them but Machina doesn't care. Not anymore. Not that he can exactly feel caring, but he. is. Done. Friends have nagged him for months now to just enjoy life here and what's that gotten him? More people come and gone, more loss. Standing still and doing nothing, pretending everything is just fine? No. Not anymore.]
They can go too loving and freeze the damn island, or think there's some spiffy lost toy they want in a temple and for our help, we get to relieve horrific nightmares from our lives. Porom adored one and she's gone now too. They can't be trusted. They're monsters and we intend to force them to stop screwing with us.
[The kitchen lights buzz and flicker and if her hands had been anywhere but folded over her chest, a red spark might have crossed the counter towards his glass and perhaps shattered it.
That hadn't been where he was expecting to go with this – she thought that maybe it meant that he had found someone who could answer those questions. Going so far as killing an Arehtei, it's almost laughable. She doesn't laugh, but it earns a scoff out of her.
Like hell she actually believes it.]
Tch. Yeah, you and what army?
[AKA: who are the other idiots in on this genius plan?]
That hadn't been where he was expecting to go with this – she thought that maybe it meant that he had found someone who could answer those questions. Going so far as killing an Arehtei, it's almost laughable. She doesn't laugh, but it earns a scoff out of her.
Like hell she actually believes it.]
Tch. Yeah, you and what army?
[AKA: who are the other idiots in on this genius plan?]
A woman I met and some of her friends. Her name is Velvet.
[Any other time Machina would be having a hissy fit at having his capabilities questioned in the slightest. Instead, he's just eerily calm about it. Frank and honest because he sees no purpose in lying or hiding anymore.]
You're welcome to help or not. That's not what I came here for anyway. I want to make sure that Izana is safe and unharmed.
[He looks directly at Lightning, with empty eyes but there's an intensity behind the action of not looking away, being unflinching.]
Unharmed by anyone or anything.
[Machina knows, he knows that the greatest potential threat to his brother's life is himself. Without a Crystal or seize control of him, jerk his leash, force him to act... it's a far lesser threat. But as his brother pointed out months ago, he's a danger to everyone from Rubrum now.]
Please.
[Any other time Machina would be having a hissy fit at having his capabilities questioned in the slightest. Instead, he's just eerily calm about it. Frank and honest because he sees no purpose in lying or hiding anymore.]
You're welcome to help or not. That's not what I came here for anyway. I want to make sure that Izana is safe and unharmed.
[He looks directly at Lightning, with empty eyes but there's an intensity behind the action of not looking away, being unflinching.]
Unharmed by anyone or anything.
[Machina knows, he knows that the greatest potential threat to his brother's life is himself. Without a Crystal or seize control of him, jerk his leash, force him to act... it's a far lesser threat. But as his brother pointed out months ago, he's a danger to everyone from Rubrum now.]
Please.
[Velvet... Lightning commits that name to memory, tucking that piece of information away for later in the event that she needs it. Even with that, she's having a hard time believing that any of this is true or that they could pull it off if it is. That still doesn't stop her from taking a warning step towards Machina, and although she tries to maintain a calmer demeanor, the light above their heads flickers again.]
I don't know what you think you're doing, but it's stupid. [Ah, here comes the Real Talk.] I've seen people do a lot of stupid things and this is right up there, so if you think you can take on an Arehtei and come out of it long enough to see your brother stick around, then you're out of your mind.
... I'm not getting involved in whatever plan you've got, but I keep my word. I'll keep an eye on your brother, but what do you think'll happen to you?
I don't know what you think you're doing, but it's stupid. [Ah, here comes the Real Talk.] I've seen people do a lot of stupid things and this is right up there, so if you think you can take on an Arehtei and come out of it long enough to see your brother stick around, then you're out of your mind.
... I'm not getting involved in whatever plan you've got, but I keep my word. I'll keep an eye on your brother, but what do you think'll happen to you?
[Maybe it is stupid, but it's all he's got right now, and doing nothing at all is driving him mad. Although surprisingly enough, Machina doesn't get huffy or pissy or anything at being called out on his crap. There's nothing from him in response, because he's so far gone, over two years since he was branded, that his feelings have finally surrendered as payment for power.]
I don't know. That's the problem. Maybe I get killed in the process and he jumps in to try to stop it. He has done stuff like that before. Or...
I am a White Tiger l'Cie. Izana is the only person left here from Rubrum. I've been ordered to kill my own people before and I've done it. I couldn't stop myself.
[It was horrifying to move as a living weapon and be powerless to stop himself.]
It might not matter. The Crystal isn't here; I would know if it were. But I know that I almost killed Sora once because I lost control.
I don't know. That's the problem. Maybe I get killed in the process and he jumps in to try to stop it. He has done stuff like that before. Or...
I am a White Tiger l'Cie. Izana is the only person left here from Rubrum. I've been ordered to kill my own people before and I've done it. I couldn't stop myself.
[It was horrifying to move as a living weapon and be powerless to stop himself.]
It might not matter. The Crystal isn't here; I would know if it were. But I know that I almost killed Sora once because I lost control.
[She jabs a finger at him.]
Then don't think for a second that I won't come for you if it really does come down to it. If you want me to protect your brother, that means protecting him from your l'Cie ass, too.
[Not that she thinks they'll succeed at all, of course. Or will even go through with the planha ha she's in for a surprise! but Lightning expects him to take that warning (more like threat) very seriously. She means every word.]
Then don't think for a second that I won't come for you if it really does come down to it. If you want me to protect your brother, that means protecting him from your l'Cie ass, too.
[Not that she thinks they'll succeed at all, of course. Or will even go through with the plan
That's what I'm counting on, and why I came to you.
[He doesn't doubt for one moment that Lightning will follow through. And that's what he needs to know, that she's willing to stop him if Izana is put at risk. Sora won't, and there's very few others on the island even capable of the attempt.]
Thank you.
[He doesn't doubt for one moment that Lightning will follow through. And that's what he needs to know, that she's willing to stop him if Izana is put at risk. Sora won't, and there's very few others on the island even capable of the attempt.]
Thank you.
[With her face so close to his, Lightning's eyes narrow further before she stands up straight. She doesn't want his gratitude or reassurance that anyone is doing the right thing. She isn't doing this to be heroic, but because it's the right thing to do. If what Machina says is true, then there will be a lot more in danger than just his brother, but Lightning will believe it when she sees it.
Nothing in this conversation is giving her the answers she wants or needs, but it's too damn early for this.]
Don't thank me. Not yet.
[There's just one more thing...]
You so much as snap a hair on the heads of anyone I care about, you'll be dealing with something worse than the Arehtei.
Nothing in this conversation is giving her the answers she wants or needs, but it's too damn early for this.]
Don't thank me. Not yet.
[There's just one more thing...]
You so much as snap a hair on the heads of anyone I care about, you'll be dealing with something worse than the Arehtei.
That's what I want. But I won't. I gave you my word that I'd protect them.
[Unfortunately for Machina, asserting that he wants to be stopped pushes up against his Focus in a dangerous way. Not enough to turn Cie'th, but certainly a way to subvert the will of the Crystal. And it wouldn't be the first time he's been brainjacked for skirting disobedience.
His eyes glaze over, empty but at the same time, haunted. He remembers too well what he was doing when he was brought to this place. The sound of the Crystal demanding that he kill. The feel of his limbs moving to obey against his dwindling heart screaming out not to. The blood, the screams, the sick sensation of ending a life, pulling their phantoma from their bodies.
It's from that distant place, that that Machina's true self lingers. The too kind and earnest boy, overwhelmed and desperate grabbing for anything he could to not be alone. That child's been effectivly smothered, except even now he's railing against the inevitable.]
I don't want to hurt anyone else.
[He's blank-faced and not present in the here and now, but his iron will asserts itself in the grip on his glass. It tightens and tightens until the glass shatters, slicing his hand open. Machina doesn't flinch. Hell, he doesn't even realize he's cut himself and he's bleeding.]
[Unfortunately for Machina, asserting that he wants to be stopped pushes up against his Focus in a dangerous way. Not enough to turn Cie'th, but certainly a way to subvert the will of the Crystal. And it wouldn't be the first time he's been brainjacked for skirting disobedience.
His eyes glaze over, empty but at the same time, haunted. He remembers too well what he was doing when he was brought to this place. The sound of the Crystal demanding that he kill. The feel of his limbs moving to obey against his dwindling heart screaming out not to. The blood, the screams, the sick sensation of ending a life, pulling their phantoma from their bodies.
It's from that distant place, that that Machina's true self lingers. The too kind and earnest boy, overwhelmed and desperate grabbing for anything he could to not be alone. That child's been effectivly smothered, except even now he's railing against the inevitable.]
I don't want to hurt anyone else.
[He's blank-faced and not present in the here and now, but his iron will asserts itself in the grip on his glass. It tightens and tightens until the glass shatters, slicing his hand open. Machina doesn't flinch. Hell, he doesn't even realize he's cut himself and he's bleeding.]
[Lightning doesn't flinch at the sound of the glass breaking, but she does cast it a very lacklustre look. Another one bites the dust... this isn't the first time a dish has been broken so that isn't the part that makes her uneasy. What does is the fact that he seems impassive about it. She rips a napkin free for him and holds it out, her gaze not once straying from his face.]
Then don't. You don't have to hurt anyone to find answers.
[If Machina's hand hasn't moved away by now, she'll nudge it so she can start cleaning up the shards of glass.]
It makes you no better than them, and I know you don't want that either.
Then don't. You don't have to hurt anyone to find answers.
[If Machina's hand hasn't moved away by now, she'll nudge it so she can start cleaning up the shards of glass.]
It makes you no better than them, and I know you don't want that either.
[It's only when Lightning nudges his hand does Machina startle enough into awareness to look at his hand. He holds it out, looking at it, yet not seeing it or really registering that he's gone and cut his hand. The sound of glass being pushed together to be cleaned does register with him and he glances to Lightning, then the hand. A napkin for... oh.
He presses it into the cut hand and casts Cura on it. But it's still just working through the motions.
But lest Lightning think he hadn't heard her...]
It wasn't so bad at first, being a l'Cie. I used it to walk behind enemy lines with impunity, brought intel back to my country.
[Great news, Lightning, the teenager in your house isn't just a l'Cie, he's a spy!]
But then he Crystal forbade me from taking action against Milites. So I ditched on deployments. Let everyone think I was a flake. Then... it demanded I defend the capital. Ordered me to kill my own people. And I did. It... I couldn't stop myself. I butchered them.
What I want doesn't matter anymore. I'm better than no one.
But, I have to try. While I've got will left to myself, I have to do something.
He presses it into the cut hand and casts Cura on it. But it's still just working through the motions.
But lest Lightning think he hadn't heard her...]
It wasn't so bad at first, being a l'Cie. I used it to walk behind enemy lines with impunity, brought intel back to my country.
[Great news, Lightning, the teenager in your house isn't just a l'Cie, he's a spy!]
But then he Crystal forbade me from taking action against Milites. So I ditched on deployments. Let everyone think I was a flake. Then... it demanded I defend the capital. Ordered me to kill my own people. And I did. It... I couldn't stop myself. I butchered them.
What I want doesn't matter anymore. I'm better than no one.
But, I have to try. While I've got will left to myself, I have to do something.
Edited 2018-08-26 06:23 (UTC)
[Something about becoming a l'Cie 'not being so bad' makes her jaw tense, but Lightning remains silent, listening as she sweeps the broken glass off the counter and into the trash. When he finishes, the lid of the bin slams shut.]
You butchered your people back home. What makes you think this is different?
[Her words are sharp, meant to cut through whatever wall he's putting up between them. They may be Arehtei, and some people might think they're false gods, but there is nothing safe about this plan of his. People are inevitably going to get hurt, whether that's Machina, the Arehtei, or those who try to protect them...]
Your line's looking a little blurry.
[She breathes a tired sigh because they're just talking in circles now. No matter what he says to her from here on out isn't going to change how stupid she thinks he sounds, or the fact that he can or will even go through with it in the end. She wants to believe that he'll do the right thing and make the choice that won't hurt others, but she'll be keeping a closer eye on things starting now.]
You should go. [But she gives him one last warning before he can so much as turn to walk away.] People are gonna get hurt no matter what you do. It's tough, but that's life. We all have to learn to live with it.
You butchered your people back home. What makes you think this is different?
[Her words are sharp, meant to cut through whatever wall he's putting up between them. They may be Arehtei, and some people might think they're false gods, but there is nothing safe about this plan of his. People are inevitably going to get hurt, whether that's Machina, the Arehtei, or those who try to protect them...]
Your line's looking a little blurry.
[She breathes a tired sigh because they're just talking in circles now. No matter what he says to her from here on out isn't going to change how stupid she thinks he sounds, or the fact that he can or will even go through with it in the end. She wants to believe that he'll do the right thing and make the choice that won't hurt others, but she'll be keeping a closer eye on things starting now.]
You should go. [But she gives him one last warning before he can so much as turn to walk away.] People are gonna get hurt no matter what you do. It's tough, but that's life. We all have to learn to live with it.
I'm sorry about your glass. I'll replace it.
[And he will, in the form of a whole new set purchased from his income. His humanity is lost, but there remains a stern sense of right and wrong. Unfortunately that sense is easily manipulated by others.]
But thank you. I mean it.
[And he will, in the form of a whole new set purchased from his income. His humanity is lost, but there remains a stern sense of right and wrong. Unfortunately that sense is easily manipulated by others.]
But thank you. I mean it.
[ something in Eos house has been going bump in the night, and it's starting to bother Steven. he hadn't given much thought to the slight noises waking him up at first, but now that they're happening consistently, he's starting to wonder who could be making them at such a ridiculous time of night. he's been experimenting over the past week with slipping out of his and Ignis' bedroom on the pretense of getting a glass of water to hone his senses and try to find an answer - his first few attempts yielded no results but a couple of nights ago had revealed two familiar, hushed voices speaking at the top of the staircase. that much is enough to confirm it, and a brief bout of eavesdropping a few days later all but confirms it.
so, as is natural upon learning information about a friend that could be used to tease them, he plans to have a bit of fun.
on this particular night, when Lightning heads to the kitchen on her way to leave the house, she'll be greeted with a flick of a light turning on. ]
Good evening, Ms. Farron.
[ leaning on the door frame is a certain Steven Stone, looking uncharacteristically casual in a housecoat and lounge pants. he's being stiffly courteous on purpose, and it's not without a coy smile. someone's been caught..... ]
Or should I say "good morning"? I can't say we were expecting company this early...
so, as is natural upon learning information about a friend that could be used to tease them, he plans to have a bit of fun.
on this particular night, when Lightning heads to the kitchen on her way to leave the house, she'll be greeted with a flick of a light turning on. ]
Good evening, Ms. Farron.
[ leaning on the door frame is a certain Steven Stone, looking uncharacteristically casual in a housecoat and lounge pants. he's being stiffly courteous on purpose, and it's not without a coy smile. someone's been caught..... ]
Or should I say "good morning"? I can't say we were expecting company this early...
[As soon as the light flicks on, the glass she's trying to very quietly fill with water drops into the sink with a loud clatter that could wake even the sleepiest behemoth, and she whips around like she's ready to fight whoever it is that's found her, only to find herself face to face with none other than Steven.
Her hair is tousled and messy, like she'd just rolled right out of bed, and the buttons on her shirt don't quite line up.]
S-Steven.
[Her voice has gone up several pitches, surprise getting the better of her, but she quickly composes herself with the clearing of her throat.]
Good, uh... What're you doing up so early?
[Lightning reaches behind her and turns off the tap.]
Her hair is tousled and messy, like she'd just rolled right out of bed, and the buttons on her shirt don't quite line up.]
S-Steven.
[Her voice has gone up several pitches, surprise getting the better of her, but she quickly composes herself with the clearing of her throat.]
Good, uh... What're you doing up so early?
[Lightning reaches behind her and turns off the tap.]
[ he cringes a bit when the cup hits the sink, but doesn't move. most of the house does tend to be deep sleepers, so hopefully he isn't bringing on something more than he intended. he looks her over, silently taking note of how she looks. it doesn't take an ace detective to connect the dots. ]
Fortis has been stirring from noises it's been hearing around this time over the past week or so. I thought it would be prudent to finally humour it and investigate.
[ he's not accusing her of anything, but his smile does speak volumes. ]
I could ask you the same thing, of course.
Fortis has been stirring from noises it's been hearing around this time over the past week or so. I thought it would be prudent to finally humour it and investigate.
[ he's not accusing her of anything, but his smile does speak volumes. ]
I could ask you the same thing, of course.
Oh...
[She combs her fingers through her hair, feigning shock and pretending like everything is A) normal, and B) she isn't the source of said noise. Her hands are a little wet from the splash of water in her glass when she dropped it, and when her bangs stick to her forehead, she wrinkles her nose.]
Noise, huh...? That's weird.
[But she's not going to ask him any further questions about that because she has a feeling she knows what Steven is going to say.]
I was just heading out, but I was... thirsty. [Well, that much is true. She picks up her empty glass from the sink. Still totally normal.] Drink?
[She combs her fingers through her hair, feigning shock and pretending like everything is A) normal, and B) she isn't the source of said noise. Her hands are a little wet from the splash of water in her glass when she dropped it, and when her bangs stick to her forehead, she wrinkles her nose.]
Noise, huh...? That's weird.
[But she's not going to ask him any further questions about that because she has a feeling she knows what Steven is going to say.]
I was just heading out, but I was... thirsty. [Well, that much is true. She picks up her empty glass from the sink. Still totally normal.] Drink?
[Lightning should know better that no one would buy anything she's saying, but that tiny part of her that hopes he believes her prevents her from telling herself that she's being ridiculous. She'll just keep on denying it until she can't wiggle her way out anymore!
When he approaches the sink, Lightning takes a step away, although she smiles at him before turning on the tap and filling it with water. As if being in close proximity of Steven will somehow reveal her secrets further...]
You an ice kinda guy?
[The water keeps going and going and going, and she's yet to realize that it's spilling over the top of the glass and down the sides.]
When he approaches the sink, Lightning takes a step away, although she smiles at him before turning on the tap and filling it with water. As if being in close proximity of Steven will somehow reveal her secrets further...]
You an ice kinda guy?
[The water keeps going and going and going, and she's yet to realize that it's spilling over the top of the glass and down the sides.]
[ though Steven is naturally observant, it doesn't take an ace detective to see that Lightning is very off. that could also be phrased as "being ridiculous", but he'd much rather give her the benefit of the doubt. he watches her silently for a few moments, turning off the tap for her when he realizes that she isn't noticing the overflow. ]
Regular is fine, thank you.
[ he's biding his time, of course. unfortunately, it's very obvious as to why she's here, and he has to wonder how long they can keep up the dance around the subject. once he has his glass, he hands her a nearby tea towel for her wet hands. ]
You seem distracted.
Regular is fine, thank you.
[ he's biding his time, of course. unfortunately, it's very obvious as to why she's here, and he has to wonder how long they can keep up the dance around the subject. once he has his glass, he hands her a nearby tea towel for her wet hands. ]
You seem distracted.
What?
[Oh dear, her throat is dry. Cue some quiet, nervous laughs. She isn't sure how much longer she can dance around it, either โ she was caught red-handed in what she thought would be a triumphant escape once again... but really, how much longer could it have been before someone found her? That question was answered tonight. Or this morning? It's morning.
Lightning accepts the towel but doesn't dry her hands on it. Instead, she starts wiping down the already impeccably clean counter.]
What makes you think that?
[Oh dear, her throat is dry. Cue some quiet, nervous laughs. She isn't sure how much longer she can dance around it, either โ she was caught red-handed in what she thought would be a triumphant escape once again... but really, how much longer could it have been before someone found her? That question was answered tonight. Or this morning? It's morning.
Lightning accepts the towel but doesn't dry her hands on it. Instead, she starts wiping down the already impeccably clean counter.]
What makes you think that?
[ at this point, he's simply waiting to see how long it takes for Lightning to crack. he knows that her strength of will is no doubt on par with her strength on the battlefield, but an awkward moment is enough to make most people falter. ]
Just a hunch. I take pride in my intuition; it's rarely wrong.
[ he takes a sip of his water, innocently. :) ]
Just a hunch. I take pride in my intuition; it's rarely wrong.
[ he takes a sip of his water, innocently. :) ]
[As strong as she likes to think her outer shell is against in any situation, Steven is well on his way to cracking this egg... if he hasn't already. The tension that seems to loom in the kitchen as she continues to wipe the counter is enough to press down on her until she inevitably breaks.
Which is in three... two...]
Don't tell anyone you saw me.
[UGH, SHE HATES THAT IGNEOUS ROCK INTUITION. >:(]
Which is in three... two...]
Don't tell anyone you saw me.
[UGH, SHE HATES THAT IGNEOUS ROCK INTUITION. >:(]
Edited 2018-10-07 00:38 (UTC)
[ there we go. he maintains his innocent expression as she all but confesses, but there's nothing malicious behind it. as enjoyable as teasing a friend can be, he knows the limits. ]
You know I wouldn't. What you do in your private life is no business of mine.
[ he'd expect her to offer him the same respect, of course. still, there's something oddly nostalgic about this context, in this space, at this particular hour. ]
To tell you the truth, it wasn't so long ago that I was doing the exact same thing.
You know I wouldn't. What you do in your private life is no business of mine.
[ he'd expect her to offer him the same respect, of course. still, there's something oddly nostalgic about this context, in this space, at this particular hour. ]
To tell you the truth, it wasn't so long ago that I was doing the exact same thing.
[She breathes out a sigh, relieved, and finally โ finally โ goes for a glass of water for herself. It's as if that confession has flipped a switch and turned her brain back on! And knowing that Steven had been in her shoes before helps, too... although this is news!]
You? Sneaking around?
[She finds it a little hard to believe, but then again, he and Ignis have been together for a while now. Lightning can barely remember the time they weren't.]
You ever get caught?
You? Sneaking around?
[She finds it a little hard to believe, but then again, he and Ignis have been together for a while now. Lightning can barely remember the time they weren't.]
You ever get caught?
Ignis reassured me that I had no reason to hide away, but I did feel anxious about making my presence known early on.
[ especially when the implication in "staying over" speaks for itself. it's more than a little embarrassing, especially for someone like Steven who puts decorum above most things. ]
Once, by Noctis. [ he sighs as he says it, looking a bit embarrassed. ] His memory of it was lost once he left and returned, but I'm afraid I remember it with perfect clarity.
[ especially when the implication in "staying over" speaks for itself. it's more than a little embarrassing, especially for someone like Steven who puts decorum above most things. ]
Once, by Noctis. [ he sighs as he says it, looking a bit embarrassed. ] His memory of it was lost once he left and returned, but I'm afraid I remember it with perfect clarity.
[Lightning is silent for a while, blinking at Steven with wide, disbelieving eyes. Not only does it seem so unlike what she knows about him, but there's something more to it than that. Then, out of nowhere, she breaks into laughter โ it's gentle and queit, so as not to wake everyone in the house, but genuine. At least it helps to relieve more of the tension.]
Of all the times we could've caught each other back then... and we never did.
[She would sneak in and out of the house back then, too, before Gladio left the first time and not once did it ever occur to her that someone else could be doing the same thing.]
Guess it seems kinda stupid to be sneaking in and out like this, huh... [She's so glad there is at least one other person who understands.] It's hard when his dad's around all the time.
Of all the times we could've caught each other back then... and we never did.
[She would sneak in and out of the house back then, too, before Gladio left the first time and not once did it ever occur to her that someone else could be doing the same thing.]
Guess it seems kinda stupid to be sneaking in and out like this, huh... [She's so glad there is at least one other person who understands.] It's hard when his dad's around all the time.
[ her laughter makes him chuckle as well, even managing to bring a slight blush to his cheeks. it's something of a personal confession, but it's one that he feels comfortable in confiding to Lightning. ]
Such are the advantages of a bedroom on the main floor.
[ the memories are by no means bad ones, but he likes not having to sneak around at odd hours of the night. ]
I'd imagine so. His sister, too... [ he smiles. ] You have an entire family to impress.
[ though in a way, Steven did as well. he knows that Noctis, Gladio and Prompto are as close to him as brothers. ]
Such are the advantages of a bedroom on the main floor.
[ the memories are by no means bad ones, but he likes not having to sneak around at odd hours of the night. ]
I'd imagine so. His sister, too... [ he smiles. ] You have an entire family to impress.
[ though in a way, Steven did as well. he knows that Noctis, Gladio and Prompto are as close to him as brothers. ]
[It isn't so much that she's afraid of not impressing them โ she likes to think she's done a good job of leaving a good impression on the Amicitias so far, save for the Great Coffee Mishap of 2018 with the Pops. She's more nervous about that family knowing she's canoodling the son/brother... which is a confession she is not even comfortable making with herself.
Which is why she turns it around on Steven.]
Don't think you got off the hook that easy.
[She raises a finger at him.]
You had to get through me first.
Which is why she turns it around on Steven.]
Don't think you got off the hook that easy.
[She raises a finger at him.]
You had to get through me first.
[ the chide makes his smile turn up into a smirk. though his friends from Eos were the most obvious to earn respect from, it's no secret that Ignis and Lightning had a friendship that was equally as strong. ]
Oh, I remember. [ their first meeting was tense, but it set positive groundwork for the friendship they have now. ] And did I not pass with flying colours?
Oh, I remember. [ their first meeting was tense, but it set positive groundwork for the friendship they have now. ] And did I not pass with flying colours?
[There's a long pause, meant to be suspenseful, while she takes a drawn-out sip of her water. Eventually, she'll answer with an entirely straight face.]
I'm still making a decision.
[Although if this conversation is any indication, he certainly has passed with flying colours. Honestly, despite being rather close with the others, she'd rather Steven be the one to discover her sneaking around than Noct, Ignis, or Prompto... even Crowe.]
I probably can't keep this up for long, huh... Everyone'll find out eventually.
[She says, as if everyone doesn't already know.]
I'm still making a decision.
[Although if this conversation is any indication, he certainly has passed with flying colours. Honestly, despite being rather close with the others, she'd rather Steven be the one to discover her sneaking around than Noct, Ignis, or Prompto... even Crowe.]
I probably can't keep this up for long, huh... Everyone'll find out eventually.
[She says, as if everyone doesn't already know.]
[ he can read between the lines of that much, hence his smile remaining. they seem to understand each other in a way that's a bit different than others in the house, and he appreciates that relationship. ]
I have a feeling they won't be particularly surprised if you're forthright. It's clear from the way that Gladiolus speaks about you that you two are close.
[ translation: it's obvious, girl. get over yourself. ]
I have a feeling they won't be particularly surprised if you're forthright. It's clear from the way that Gladiolus speaks about you that you two are close.
[ translation: it's obvious, girl. get over yourself. ]
[Her water begins to bubble and upon drinking it to try and stifle the reaction, she discovers that it's warm and promptly spits it back into the glass. She tries to be discrete about it, but there is absolutely nothing graceful about how it looks.]
Ugh.
[She wipes her lips clean on the back of her sleeve. So refined.]
I guess so. Still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that we're... he's my, uh...
[DON'T MAKE HER SAY IT.
they're totally gonna kick Igneous Rock's asses at Newlyweds.]
Ugh.
[She wipes her lips clean on the back of her sleeve. So refined.]
I guess so. Still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that we're... he's my, uh...
[DON'T MAKE HER SAY IT.
they're totally gonna kick Igneous Rock's asses at Newlyweds.]
[ of course he notices her oh-so-graceful reaction, but indicates nothing to acknowledge it. he's teased her enough for one night, and he'd rather have a proper moment rather than ruining it with flippancy. ]
But you're glad that you are, aren't you?
[ she gets a pass this time!! ]
But you're glad that you are, aren't you?
[ she gets a pass this time!! ]
[She's as sure about it as she knows Steven is about Ignis, even if they haven't made it quite as far. Lightning still has a long way to go before she can even admit that, but it's something that they both make known through actions rather than words. That's just her style.
The moment is appreciated because it's at least a push in the right direction. That, and thank you for not bringing attention to the fact that she spat out her drink.]
I am.
[And Lightning sounds certain about that.
She dumps her warm water out into the sink and sets it down.]
I should probably go... before the rest of the house wakes up.
The moment is appreciated because it's at least a push in the right direction. That, and thank you for not bringing attention to the fact that she spat out her drink.]
I am.
[And Lightning sounds certain about that.
She dumps her warm water out into the sink and sets it down.]
I should probably go... before the rest of the house wakes up.
Then that's what matters. You should move at your own pace, and not feel pressured to do otherwise.
[ he finishes his own glass, placing it next to hers. a part of him wonders if he should be lecturing on the values of pacing when his own relationship has been something of a whirlwind, but it feels like the right thing to say in the moment. ]
If anyone asks, I'll cover for you.
[ he finishes his own glass, placing it next to hers. a part of him wonders if he should be lecturing on the values of pacing when his own relationship has been something of a whirlwind, but it feels like the right thing to say in the moment. ]
If anyone asks, I'll cover for you.
[ It's Milkshake Day, the day you give a milkshake to a female friend you care about!
Lightning will find hers at the Hearth, with her name and note attached to it. It's strawberry marshmallow flavour, because that's what Lightning is. ]
Dear Light,
Side by side or miles apart,
dear friends are always close to the heart.
Thanks for everything.
Enjoy!
-J
Lightning will find hers at the Hearth, with her name and note attached to it. It's strawberry marshmallow flavour, because that's what Lightning is. ]
Dear Light,
Side by side or miles apart,
dear friends are always close to the heart.
Thanks for everything.
Enjoy!
-J
[Well, this is a pleasant surprise!]
Yeah. What's up?
Yeah. What's up?
Are you busy? I was wondering if you... [A long pause.] Wanted to play a game!
[That long pause makes her more curious than the prospect of a game.]
What kind of game? Cards?
[She never played a lot of games back in the old days, so her selection of ideas is pretty thin.]
What kind of game? Cards?
[She never played a lot of games back in the old days, so her selection of ideas is pretty thin.]
Nah, not cards.
[He's chuckling a little.]
It's a game of choices! But don't worry, it's really easy.
[He's chuckling a little.]
It's a game of choices! But don't worry, it's really easy.
Sounds easy enough.
[She's played a couple of games like this, most of them introduced to her by the Chocobros, but she doubts that Sora of all people is going to have a game in mind along the same sort of lines as Never Have I Ever. At least, she hopes he doesn't??? He's like, ten.
Nevertheless, Lightning will humour him. She's also curious to know why he's picked her to play it with, of all people.
IS THIS A TRICK? Like that evil kiss weed?]
Alright. How do I play?
[She's played a couple of games like this, most of them introduced to her by the Chocobros, but she doubts that Sora of all people is going to have a game in mind along the same sort of lines as Never Have I Ever. At least, she hopes he doesn't??? He's like, ten.
Nevertheless, Lightning will humour him. She's also curious to know why he's picked her to play it with, of all people.
Alright. How do I play?
[Well ain't she going to be pleasantly surprised..........
Sora's motives are completely innocent! For the most part!]
Okay! I'll give you two options and you have to pick one of the options no matter what the options are. So, it would be what you would rather do between two things. Got it? I'll ask you something first.
[WOULD YOU RATHER...]
It's all just 'what ifs' so you don't have to worry about it getting too scary.
Sora's motives are completely innocent! For the most part!]
Okay! I'll give you two options and you have to pick one of the options no matter what the options are. So, it would be what you would rather do between two things. Got it? I'll ask you something first.
[WOULD YOU RATHER...]
It's all just 'what ifs' so you don't have to worry about it getting too scary.
Edited 2018-11-16 04:38 (UTC)
[The fact that he even has to warn her about it getting "too scary" makes her nervous, but Lightning tilts her head in half a nod.]
Lay it on me.
Lay it on me.
[Don't worry, Lightning. It's going to be really dumb.]
Okay. Would you rather... [...] Be an amazing dancer or an amazing singer?
Okay. Would you rather... [...] Be an amazing dancer or an amazing singer?
[Oh, she's already going a little pink in the cheeks, even as she answers without a beat of hesitation.]
Dancer.
[SHE HAS HER REASONS!!!]
Do I have to ask one next?
Dancer.
[SHE HAS HER REASONS!!!]
Do I have to ask one next?
[So. She likes dancing better!! Sora will remember this.]
Yup, you can ask one for me to pick now.
Yup, you can ask one for me to pick now.
[Their line of communication goes silent for a moment, save for the brief thoughtful hum that comes from Lightning while she tries to think of a good question for him.]
Would you rather... see a random point in your future or change a specific point in your past?
[is that too deep]
Would you rather... see a random point in your future or change a specific point in your past?
[is that too deep]
[THAT'S TOO DEEP .............]
Uhhh ... Err ...
[Sora wasn't expecting such a thinky question. Here he'd been thinking about asking her about unicorns next.]
I think I'd change something about my past. I think I'd go back and try and help a friend sooner than I actually did.
[And of course he's talking about Riku.]
Uhhh ... Err ...
[Sora wasn't expecting such a thinky question. Here he'd been thinking about asking her about unicorns next.]
I think I'd change something about my past. I think I'd go back and try and help a friend sooner than I actually did.
[And of course he's talking about Riku.]
[Just... give her a couple more rounds before she's able to "read the room", so to speak! She'll get there, eventually.
Lightning laughs at his answer — not to make fun of him, but because it feels like a very Sora thing to want to do. She's just going to ignore the repercussions of changing the past for the sake of the game because while she may not be the greatest at coming up with questions, she's no spoil-sport!]
A pretty bold answer.
[His turn!]
Lightning laughs at his answer — not to make fun of him, but because it feels like a very Sora thing to want to do. She's just going to ignore the repercussions of changing the past for the sake of the game because while she may not be the greatest at coming up with questions, she's no spoil-sport!]
A pretty bold answer.
[His turn!]
[Sora takes her laugh as maybe he said the wrong thing at first. He laughs too, getting a sheepish colour of pink on his cheeks.]
It's true, though! If I could go back in time and do a better job, I would! ... I was kind of an airhead back then.
[If only he could have saved Riku before all the things that spiralled out of control because of Riku falling into darkness could of happen... Gosh. It's a lot to unpack.]
Anyway- Would you rather want to live as a mermaid? Or a lion?
[See how PG13 this is...]
It's true, though! If I could go back in time and do a better job, I would! ... I was kind of an airhead back then.
[If only he could have saved Riku before all the things that spiralled out of control because of Riku falling into darkness could of happen... Gosh. It's a lot to unpack.]
Anyway- Would you rather want to live as a mermaid? Or a lion?
[See how PG13 this is...]
[Ah, Sora's follow-up question is much more simpler than hers... but before Lightning answers, she has one very important question first.]
What's a mermaid?
[As far as I know, they don't exist in the crystal universe so I'm making an executive decision and going with it.]
What's a mermaid?
[
What's- What's a mermaid? You've never heard of a mermaid before? Or read about them in stories?
[That's so strange! Even in other worlds that Sora has been to people have heard about mermaid stories!]
Mermaids are creatures that look like half human and half fish! They're really magical and live deep in the oceans!
[He accidentally leaves out which part is half fish--]
[That's so strange! Even in other worlds that Sora has been to people have heard about mermaid stories!]
Mermaids are creatures that look like half human and half fish! They're really magical and live deep in the oceans!
[He accidentally leaves out which part is half fish--]
No. I don't know that we've had them on Cocoon, or even Pulse.
[That does raise an eyebrow, though, because she's getting the worst possible image in her head. Yes... it's exactly what you think. This is the most horrific image.]
So, a human with a fish's head?
[Because that's the only logical way that they could breathe underwater, of course?]
[That does raise an eyebrow, though, because she's getting the worst possible image in her head. Yes... it's exactly what you think. This is the most horrific image.]
So, a human with a fish's head?
[Because that's the only logical way that they could breathe underwater, of course?]
[Sora bursts out laughing as expected.]
No, it's one leg and arm is human and the other leg and arm are fish fins.
[Sora...........]
No, it's one leg and arm is human and the other leg and arm are fish fins.
[Sora...........]
[Her confusion is so pungent that the awkwardness can be felt in the lingering silence throughout their connection. Why would anyone want to live out a life with a leg and a fish tail? How does that even make it easy to swim? It's hard enough with two legs in some situations, but having to do it all the time?
Well, at least that makes Lightning's answer easy.]
A lion.
[She's going to go on thinking that's exactly what a mermaid is because she moves on to her question next!]
Would you rather have the power to be invisible... or to fly?
[Is she getting it now???]
Well, at least that makes Lightning's answer easy.]
A lion.
[She's going to go on thinking that's exactly what a mermaid is because she moves on to her question next!]
Would you rather have the power to be invisible... or to fly?
[Is she getting it now???]
[He figures that one would be a pretty obvious choice with how sora twists his explanation. But he laughs anyway.]
You'd make a great lioness, Lightning.
[Alright. This is a good question but Sora has actually flown before so this makes it a pretty easy pick.]
I think I'd pick to be invisible. But only if I can pick to turn it on or off. If not, I'll take the flying.
You'd make a great lioness, Lightning.
[Alright. This is a good question but Sora has actually flown before so this makes it a pretty easy pick.]
I think I'd pick to be invisible. But only if I can pick to turn it on or off. If not, I'll take the flying.
[She cocks a brow, but there's the subtle twitch of a smirk at the corner of her lip.]
You can't make the rules on the powers. That's cheating.
You can't make the rules on the powers. That's cheating.
What? I can't!?
[Sora snickers under his breath.]
Okay, okay. That's fair. I'll take flying then! Because who wants to be invisible all the time?!
[He'd probably go crazy.]
[Sora snickers under his breath.]
Okay, okay. That's fair. I'll take flying then! Because who wants to be invisible all the time?!
[He'd probably go crazy.]
Dunno. It'd be good for pranking your friends, but pretty useless otherwise.
[Is this what Lightning would use powers of invisibility for? Absolutely.]
But flying is the better answer anyway. Don't have to deal with traffic.
[Unless everyone else flies, but that would just defeat the purpose???]
[Is this what Lightning would use powers of invisibility for? Absolutely.]
But flying is the better answer anyway. Don't have to deal with traffic.
[Unless everyone else flies, but that would just defeat the purpose???]
Hah! That's a great way to use invisibility. Imagine everyone thinking they were haunted by ghosts or something.
[Nod nod. Alright time for a new question, right?]
Okay, Lightning. Would you rather... Would you rather put a dirty sock on Auron's face? Or Snow's?
[Nod nod. Alright time for a new question, right?]
Okay, Lightning. Would you rather... Would you rather put a dirty sock on Auron's face? Or Snow's?
I— [Wait.] What kind of question is this?
[This shouldn't even need to be asked??? The answer is simple.And who's to say she hasn't done it already? jk]
Snow's.
[This shouldn't even need to be asked??? The answer is simple.
Snow's.
It's a good question.
[No it's not.]
You'd really do that to Snow?
[No it's not.]
You'd really do that to Snow?
I could do a lot worse than putting a dirty sock on his face.
[Like her fist!!! Just kidding, they're past that now, but she is so not past putting his own smelly socks on him.]
[Like her fist!!! Just kidding, they're past that now, but she is so not past putting his own smelly socks on him.]
[Special delivery to Lightning! It's a decent sized package and inside she'll be greeted with a face she knows so well. That of a particular starfish, its eyes staring up right into her soul. Along with the costume is a bottle of sand with a starfish inside, made to be like a Christmas ornament, and there's also wool hat not in the shape of a starfish, but a moogle. Or close to one, anyway. More like a white cat with a pom pom attached to it, but close enough. There is at least one real nice thing in there, and it's a sword maintenance kit.
Attached to the costume is a card:]
Want a turn?
[MERRY CHRISTMAS, LIGHTNING.]
Attached to the costume is a card:]
Want a turn?
[MERRY CHRISTMAS, LIGHTNING.]
[ For Christmas, Noctis will give Lightning this apron. Because he thinks he's funny. Har har har. On a more serious note, he'll gift her a camping cooking set for when Gladio drags her outdoors. ]
[ It's been about a week since Lightning turned into a crystal, although it has been several weeks more since they last met up in person. Unsure how long she's going to stay frozen this way, he requested to see the statue today. ]
Hey Light... it's, uh, Jaune here. I... don't think you can hear me right now, but... I think if you were here, you would want me to check in, so. Here I am! Heh. You'd be happy to know that I'm still keeping up with my training, but it doesn't feel the same without you. I got your holiday present, too! [ He flashes her the Saviour badge, which he proudly wears on him. ] I just wish I had the chance to thank you before... well-- maybe I'll save that for when you come back.
[ He pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts for why he's really here. ]
I... after we took down the leader of the rebels, I went back to Verens, and tracked down the man we apprehended back at the hospital. I don't even know why. To find answers? It turns out he's in a maximum care facility, and he's quite the entertainment attraction, heh! Every week, he puts on a magic card show for the other patients. You should see the smiles on their faces...
... You were right, you know. I was irrational with the Lady in Red. Maybe... she can do something good, too. I don't know...
[ He shakes his head, trying to wrap this up now. ]
Selenium's coming up. I'm... not sure if I'm gonna go. Last year was hard, but I found my strength in being there for others... for Pyrrha, for Nora, for you. I... don't think I'll be much good for that this year. Maybe I'm the one who's lost.
...heh! Must be nice being wherever you are at this time of the year. I hope you're having nice dreams. All the people you lost since last time, they're here now, waiting for you, and... they miss you a lot. I miss you, too. So... don't sleep too long, okay?
[ A moment of silence again, as if he's hoping he'll hear some kind of response. Naturally, nothing happens. ]
Right. Well... later.
Hey Light... it's, uh, Jaune here. I... don't think you can hear me right now, but... I think if you were here, you would want me to check in, so. Here I am! Heh. You'd be happy to know that I'm still keeping up with my training, but it doesn't feel the same without you. I got your holiday present, too! [ He flashes her the Saviour badge, which he proudly wears on him. ] I just wish I had the chance to thank you before... well-- maybe I'll save that for when you come back.
[ He pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts for why he's really here. ]
I... after we took down the leader of the rebels, I went back to Verens, and tracked down the man we apprehended back at the hospital. I don't even know why. To find answers? It turns out he's in a maximum care facility, and he's quite the entertainment attraction, heh! Every week, he puts on a magic card show for the other patients. You should see the smiles on their faces...
... You were right, you know. I was irrational with the Lady in Red. Maybe... she can do something good, too. I don't know...
[ He shakes his head, trying to wrap this up now. ]
Selenium's coming up. I'm... not sure if I'm gonna go. Last year was hard, but I found my strength in being there for others... for Pyrrha, for Nora, for you. I... don't think I'll be much good for that this year. Maybe I'm the one who's lost.
...heh! Must be nice being wherever you are at this time of the year. I hope you're having nice dreams. All the people you lost since last time, they're here now, waiting for you, and... they miss you a lot. I miss you, too. So... don't sleep too long, okay?
[ A moment of silence again, as if he's hoping he'll hear some kind of response. Naturally, nothing happens. ]
Right. Well... later.
Edited 2019-01-07 15:03 (UTC)
| | [Not having her sister around was something she was sadly used to. She had gone three years (plus whatever was added with her jumping along the timeline) and some handful of days before the thirteen days leading to the whole Pulse l'Cie branding and all when she had been doing her PSICOM thing, but while that was bearable to a point, this was not for whatever reason. She had put on a happy face for so many people to try to comfort as many as she could between her own memories becoming manifest and showing her things she missed, things she longs for, and things that have happened. So regardless of wherever Lightning turned into a crystal, Serah slips in in the early morning, approaching silently in the sunlight filtering in to wrap her arms tight around her sister to cry. She had kept it together pretty well, but few got to see the tears. Lightning? She could trust Lightning. She could trust her not to tell her to cheer up or to be happy and smile through it all. No, she knew Lightning would let her cry it out, to sort out her feelings so she could go back to spreading joy and happiness as she would normally do. Nothing gives Serah more joy than to see all of her friends and family and everyone she cares for (read: everyone ever except like... the Orphan and Bhunivelze once she knows what happens) to be happy too. Once she calms down from her initial outburst, through tears, she wants to tell Lightning what's happened.] Light, I... I'm sorry. I saw-- I saw Snow. No, well, I saw his ghost. Here. The holiday, Selenium. It showed me Snow. He laughed and smiled and it was like he never left like he did to look for you, and I-- I told him I still had his necklace. The one that matches mine, you know? When he comes back [for her, it's never an if: she knows he'll find his way back] I told him I'd give it to him. Do you think-- do you think he knows? Like he heard me even though we're here and he's back in our world looking for you for me? He knows I'm here waiting for him to come back? [She had been doing so well to keep it together long enough to explain to her big sister, one she had teased during Christmas that was the brattiest big sister but one she loves unconditionally, about what she talked about with the ghost of her hero. It takes its toll though, and Serah starts crying again. It's not as bad as it was when she first came into cling to the rocky silhouette of her sister, but it's there.] I miss him so much, Claire. I saw him so briefly in the Waterscape and then he left me behind again, and then... then he was here but then he was gone before I came back. It feels so long since I've seen him or I've been able to hold him. It hurts so bad. [She knows Lightning can't properly comfort her, and Serah's not even sure that her sister can even hear her. But being able to pour out her true heart and its feelings is nice. The housemates may hear something, but she can chalk it up to... something else. She won't admit to crying her eyes out on her sister's shoulder. Lightning will know, maybe. She'll understand her little sister's heart and tears that hadn't been this bad since Lightning was suddenly gone after Etro had released all of them from their crystal sleep, with her losing Snow in the Waterscape coming in second to that. For now, though, she'll keep crying to keep her own emotions and feelings in check for later, and slip out as quietly as she had come in to bare all in emotion earlier.] I hope you wake up soon, Light. You're here, but you're not here. I can endure it, I have before, but... I just want you to wake up. ... I love you, sis. |
[ The most wonderful thing Lightning could ever hear coming into her mind, the voice of Kain Highwind Just kidding she could never be that lucky. It's Caius. Caius was invading her mind this late at night. ]
We need to talk.
We need to talk.
[Of. All. The. People.]
What the hell!?
[If it wasn't for her needing to scold him for contacting her via telepathy, she would have torn her crystal and its chain from her neck. Fortunately (???) for Caius, he gets an answer in the form of that as well as a spark of electricity through their link.]
Can't you knock on the front door like a normal person?
[She hates this telepathy stuff.]
What the hell!?
[If it wasn't for her needing to scold him for contacting her via telepathy, she would have torn her crystal and its chain from her neck. Fortunately (???) for Caius, he gets an answer in the form of that as well as a spark of electricity through their link.]
Can't you knock on the front door like a normal person?
[She hates this telepathy stuff.]
[ He makes a soft sound of irritation to the little spark sent his way. Perhaps surprising her this way wasn't really the best idea, but this way he knew she couldn't ignore it. ]
I didn't realize you would get so fired up. I was beginning to think your spark has gone out.
I didn't realize you would get so fired up. I was beginning to think your spark has gone out.
[Ha ha, very funny Caius. Anyone contacting her via the amulet is sure to "light her spark" again, so to speak, Caius most of all.]
... What do you want?
... What do you want?
[ He thought it was pretty clever. ]
I need to talk to you about something, though I am uncertain if it would be easier for you in person or not.
I need to talk to you about something, though I am uncertain if it would be easier for you in person or not.
[She rubs at her temple, groaning.]
Anything is better than this.
[But what the hell is it that he wants to talk about that it would warrant contacting her so suddenly this way? She'd like to know that, at the very least.]
... Where do you wanna meet?
Anything is better than this.
[But what the hell is it that he wants to talk about that it would warrant contacting her so suddenly this way? She'd like to know that, at the very least.]
... Where do you wanna meet?
I assumed you wouldn't want me near your home, so pick a place and I'll meet you there.
[He assumes right.]
Meet me outside the Hearth, then.
[She has no idea how long it'll take him to get there from wherever he currently is, but it won't take Lightning long at all. So if she arrives before he does, she'll be waiting for him, leaning up against the wall of the restaurant, arms crossed, and her sword strapped to her shoulders...]
Meet me outside the Hearth, then.
[She has no idea how long it'll take him to get there from wherever he currently is, but it won't take Lightning long at all. So if she arrives before he does, she'll be waiting for him, leaning up against the wall of the restaurant, arms crossed, and her sword strapped to her shoulders...]
[ Caius makes a sound, but thats the last thing he does before ending their connection and heading off to the meetup spot. It takes him about fifteen minutes to get there after Lightning, and much like her, he had his own weapon strapped to his back. He didn't really go anywhere without it. ]
So you did show.
So you did show.
Tch. The last thing I need is you bothering me over the stupid crystals until I did show up.
[She pushes herself away from the wall and in Caius' direction. The restaurant is still open, and she's not going to do whatever this is with its clientele still around. No, this was just a convenient location to meet. There are some nice benches across the street and thankfully, it's late enough that the city is mostly empty.
Once they're there, she won't sit. Not yet, anyway.]
Out with it.
[She pushes herself away from the wall and in Caius' direction. The restaurant is still open, and she's not going to do whatever this is with its clientele still around. No, this was just a convenient location to meet. There are some nice benches across the street and thankfully, it's late enough that the city is mostly empty.
Once they're there, she won't sit. Not yet, anyway.]
Out with it.
[ With his arms folded across his chest, he follows behind Lightning with a quiet hm. Of course she wouldn't want to be seen with Caius near her. And this probably wasn't something either of them wanted to talk about where others might hear anyway, so he doesn't mind following her. He doesn't sit either, just standing there until she finally had enough. ]
You've seen the outcome of what happens afterward. I thought after everything that happened, that would be the end of it, but it seems your story lasts longer than that... so what happens?
You've seen the outcome of what happens afterward. I thought after everything that happened, that would be the end of it, but it seems your story lasts longer than that... so what happens?
[So here are two grumpy losers with swords standing at a park bench. This probably doesn't look strange at all.
The question that he does ask comes as a surprise to her, but she hides it well enough behind a scowl.]
What happened after what? After you got exactly what you wanted and destroyed everything?
The question that he does ask comes as a surprise to her, but she hides it well enough behind a scowl.]
What happened after what? After you got exactly what you wanted and destroyed everything?
[ That causes Caius to give her a raised eyebrow. She's not wrong, but the way she said it just reminded him of her sister so much. They really were similar without even trying that's for sure.]
Ah, so you did bring out the spark of life. I thought this place dulled it, but it seems you reserve it for me.
Ah, so you did bring out the spark of life. I thought this place dulled it, but it seems you reserve it for me.
Don't flatter yourself.
[Please, she's always had her spark!!!! It's never dulled! ... Right? Unless he's saying these things because he takes pride in ruffling her feathers, because they are certainly ruffled right now. Lightning bristles, however her sigh is defeated — she's not going to have made this trip all the way here to meet him for nothing.]
How much do you already know? Last I heard, it was right up 'til Noel ended it.
[Please, she's always had her spark!!!! It's never dulled! ... Right? Unless he's saying these things because he takes pride in ruffling her feathers, because they are certainly ruffled right now. Lightning bristles, however her sigh is defeated — she's not going to have made this trip all the way here to meet him for nothing.]
How much do you already know? Last I heard, it was right up 'til Noel ended it.
[ He frowns thoughtfully as he looks off into the night. His hand raises to touch his chest over where his heart "was". How was he even still going on. With Etros' heart stabbed, it didn't make sense for him to be here, unless this place took him at his last breath... He will never understand this world. ]
Yeul didn't say much, but she mentioned at selenium that... I was able to free her. Other than that, I don't know anything. My last memories are.. as you said.
Yeul didn't say much, but she mentioned at selenium that... I was able to free her. Other than that, I don't know anything. My last memories are.. as you said.
[So he knows the ending, but none of the middle details leading up to it... She's not sure if knowing all of it will make it more or less confusing.]
I'm not even that far in the timeline. I don't know how you free her.
[Or what the circumstances of that moment are.]
Last I saw you, you'd made Etro's temple your new home.
I'm not even that far in the timeline. I don't know how you free her.
[Or what the circumstances of that moment are.]
Last I saw you, you'd made Etro's temple your new home.
[ That gets a bitter laugh out of him, his hand still over his "heart". ]
So even I couldn't free myself from Etro's hold.
So even I couldn't free myself from Etro's hold.
No. The Chaos had its claws in you.
[In ways that it did no one else.
Lightning removes her sword and sets it down on the bench, her shoulders suddenly feeling heavier. It feels strange to be talking to Caius about this, of all people, but she knew that the day would come when she would have to. She just didn't think it would be so soon.]
The Chaos infected the human world. Time stopped, and the cycle of life and death were broken. Bhunivelze wanted to create a New World where all of humanity would be reborn, and I had thirteen days to save as many souls as I could.
[She fixes him with a firm stare.]
I tried to save you, too.
[In ways that it did no one else.
Lightning removes her sword and sets it down on the bench, her shoulders suddenly feeling heavier. It feels strange to be talking to Caius about this, of all people, but she knew that the day would come when she would have to. She just didn't think it would be so soon.]
The Chaos infected the human world. Time stopped, and the cycle of life and death were broken. Bhunivelze wanted to create a New World where all of humanity would be reborn, and I had thirteen days to save as many souls as I could.
[She fixes him with a firm stare.]
I tried to save you, too.
[ none of this really surprises him. He knew something bad would happen to the rest of the world. He knew the chaos would do something horrible, but he didn't care. It's that last thing she said that surprised him.
His eyes widen briefly, a look of actual surprise on his face. ]
Why? It sounds as if I was getting what was deserved. So why would you try?
His eyes widen briefly, a look of actual surprise on his face. ]
Why? It sounds as if I was getting what was deserved. So why would you try?
I was doing it for Yeul.
[Her answer comes quick, before Caius can get the wrong idea. More than that, it's just what the Saviour was supposed to do โ save as many souls as possible. There were no other reasons past that (or so she'll keep telling herself.)]
I knew she'd want you to be free... and she did, but... it was complicated. Over the years, Yeul's soul became fragmented. All of those times she'd died and been reborn โ they were all there.
[Her answer comes quick, before Caius can get the wrong idea. More than that, it's just what the Saviour was supposed to do โ save as many souls as possible. There were no other reasons past that (or so she'll keep telling herself.)]
I knew she'd want you to be free... and she did, but... it was complicated. Over the years, Yeul's soul became fragmented. All of those times she'd died and been reborn โ they were all there.
That... I do not find hard to imagine.
[ He frowned thoughtfully as his gaze turns to the ground. Slowly he moves to sit down on the bench with his sword pressed flat against his back. ]
You said that the chaos had it's claws in me... I can only assume it was for her... If she was stuck in that chaotic realm then there is no doubt in my mind I would ignore everything else to be with her...
[ He frowned thoughtfully as his gaze turns to the ground. Slowly he moves to sit down on the bench with his sword pressed flat against his back. ]
You said that the chaos had it's claws in me... I can only assume it was for her... If she was stuck in that chaotic realm then there is no doubt in my mind I would ignore everything else to be with her...
That wasn't what she wanted.
[For Caius to be stuck in the Chaos with her. Well... that isn't entirely true. Lightning folds her arms and shifts so that she's facing away from Caius as he sits.]
Or what one Yeul wanted. Others wanted you to stay, to take care of her. She was a living paradox. Even if you wanted to die, her wish to be with you brought you back.
[Which is partly why Lightning still isn't sure she trusts Yeul to know what she wants without guidance. She may have been freed from the Chaos by Caius, but she's still young and naive, and some kids just don't really know what's best for them.]
[For Caius to be stuck in the Chaos with her. Well... that isn't entirely true. Lightning folds her arms and shifts so that she's facing away from Caius as he sits.]
Or what one Yeul wanted. Others wanted you to stay, to take care of her. She was a living paradox. Even if you wanted to die, her wish to be with you brought you back.
[Which is partly why Lightning still isn't sure she trusts Yeul to know what she wants without guidance. She may have been freed from the Chaos by Caius, but she's still young and naive, and some kids just don't really know what's best for them.]
To "live" forever in the chaos for all eternity... it would make sense that she would feel lonely without some guidance.
[ Caius seems oddly quiet throughout this. Thinking on everything. ]
Wanting me free, but not wishing to be alone... that is very like her.
[ Caius seems oddly quiet throughout this. Thinking on everything. ]
Wanting me free, but not wishing to be alone... that is very like her.
[She isn't even sure how much more detail she should delve into with Caius. From what she knows and has experienced herself, there isn't a whole lot else that relates directly to him. She's heard the stories of what comes after from Hope, except for the fate that awaits the man next to her. Does he, too, free himself from the Chaos? Or does he stay behind? Just another piece of the puzzle that Lightning is missing.]
Yeah...
[It's all she says at first, and she casts him a quick glance over her shoulder.]
Did Yeul tell you her role in the Chaos?
[She's here, and telling him all of these things, might as well give him as full a picture as she can.]
Yeah...
[It's all she says at first, and she casts him a quick glance over her shoulder.]
Did Yeul tell you her role in the Chaos?
[She's here, and telling him all of these things, might as well give him as full a picture as she can.]
She did not, and I didn't ask... The words she gave me were merely an attempt on her part to comfort me. I... at that time I honestly couldn't begin to think about what else was going on.
[ With his legs now crossed, he leans forward and wrings his hands a little as he stares out to nothing in particular. He didn't want to look at Lightning and deal with her cold looks. ]
She has already been through enough, I felt it was inappropriate to worry her with questions.
[ With his legs now crossed, he leans forward and wrings his hands a little as he stares out to nothing in particular. He didn't want to look at Lightning and deal with her cold looks. ]
She has already been through enough, I felt it was inappropriate to worry her with questions.
[Just as Caius leans forward, Lightning takes a seat at the edge of the bench, making sure to leave some room between them. Contrary to him, she folds her arms and leans back, but doesn't look his way either.
So is this why he came to Lightning instead? To find out the things he didn't want to ask Yeul? At least she can take it, even if this conversation was completely unexpected, and is awkward at best for the two of them... Something like this wouldn't be easy for Yeul to talk about, she figures as well. She didn't take it well when Lightning told her.]
Each time Yeul died, her soul was splintered. The Chaos that infected our world was... it was her love for you. Each reincarnation only made it grow...
So is this why he came to Lightning instead? To find out the things he didn't want to ask Yeul? At least she can take it, even if this conversation was completely unexpected, and is awkward at best for the two of them... Something like this wouldn't be easy for Yeul to talk about, she figures as well. She didn't take it well when Lightning told her.]
Each time Yeul died, her soul was splintered. The Chaos that infected our world was... it was her love for you. Each reincarnation only made it grow...
Is this your way of saying that forming bonds with myself is a toxic experience?
[ Caius was joking... for the most part, but he doesn't turn his head to face Lightning. Knowing what the chaos really was, that was like a big striking pain to the heart for him. Every single Yeul and their love for Caius, it binds them to that place... a place she never should have been trapped in. ]
[ Caius was joking... for the most part, but he doesn't turn his head to face Lightning. Knowing what the chaos really was, that was like a big striking pain to the heart for him. Every single Yeul and their love for Caius, it binds them to that place... a place she never should have been trapped in. ]
If that's what you got out of it.
[Lightning is mostly sarcastic as well, but it feels weird to be joking around with him like this, so time to kill the moment!]
I couldn't save you... in the end.
[There is some sadness there, but more spite than anything else. She had tried, and had failed, and that's what bothers her the most.]
[Lightning is mostly sarcastic as well, but it feels weird to be joking around with him like this, so time to kill the moment!]
I couldn't save you... in the end.
[There is some sadness there, but more spite than anything else. She had tried, and had failed, and that's what bothers her the most.]
You wouldn't be able to.
[ Caius lets out a soft laugh, but it was mixed with some other emotion. it wasn't really sadness. It was hard to explain but... it almost felt like he was done. In general. ]
Even if the equation of Yeul was out of the picture, you couldn't have done anything for me. I wouldn't want to be saved...
[ Caius lets out a soft laugh, but it was mixed with some other emotion. it wasn't really sadness. It was hard to explain but... it almost felt like he was done. In general. ]
Even if the equation of Yeul was out of the picture, you couldn't have done anything for me. I wouldn't want to be saved...
Can't save someone who doesn't wanna be saved.
[She had said those words to him then, too. If he didn't want her help, then why would she waste her time on him? That's what she thought, anyway. There were plenty others who wished to be, and her time was better spent saving them instead. So why does she have that sinking feeling in her stomach when she hears it? Why does it hurt to be reminded that she couldn't do it? She thinks on it for a moment but can't come up with an answer.]
Why?
[She had said those words to him then, too. If he didn't want her help, then why would she waste her time on him? That's what she thought, anyway. There were plenty others who wished to be, and her time was better spent saving them instead. So why does she have that sinking feeling in her stomach when she hears it? Why does it hurt to be reminded that she couldn't do it? She thinks on it for a moment but can't come up with an answer.]
Why?
Edited (what is reading comprehension today) 2019-03-04 17:21 (UTC)
[ Caius tilts his head a little to look at her. Did she really want to know or was she just being curious. He wasn't sure, but no one really needed to know the reason. It's not like he wanted anyone to pity him or feel any sense of feelings toward him. He shouldn't even be here now getting what Yeul called a second chance. ]
I'm sure the answer would just bore you.
I'm sure the answer would just bore you.
I'm sure it will.
[Still, she's curious to know why Caius thinks the way that he does. Five hundred years can change a person for better or for worse and he is no exception to that. She wonders if his reasoning now is the same as it is five centuries down the road, at the end of the world.
She can feel his eyes on her, so she keeps her gaze forward.]
But I'm still here.
[Which means she wants an answer.]
[Still, she's curious to know why Caius thinks the way that he does. Five hundred years can change a person for better or for worse and he is no exception to that. She wonders if his reasoning now is the same as it is five centuries down the road, at the end of the world.
She can feel his eyes on her, so she keeps her gaze forward.]
But I'm still here.
[Which means she wants an answer.]
It sounds more like your curiosity is getting the better of you.
[ Though could he really judge? He's the one who called her out here in the first place. He was the one who asked her about the future and what exactly happened after he thought he passed on. He has no right to judge her curiosity.
He lets out a soft sigh, staring up into the sky.]
I have lived a long life dedicated to one thing. With that one thing gone, is there really a point anymore?
[ Though could he really judge? He's the one who called her out here in the first place. He was the one who asked her about the future and what exactly happened after he thought he passed on. He has no right to judge her curiosity.
He lets out a soft sigh, staring up into the sky.]
I have lived a long life dedicated to one thing. With that one thing gone, is there really a point anymore?
[It's eerie to think that those are the same thoughts Lightning had at one point, after Serah had turned to crystal. She wondered what else there was to live for when she thought she'd lost everything, and it was Fang who pulled her out of that funk and reminded her that there was at least one thing left to live for โ her sister. She'd continue to fight for her until that fight was over, so what makes this any different?]
What do you mean, gone? She's free now, and you could've been, too.
What do you mean, gone? She's free now, and you could've been, too.
She's free here, and according to her she is free now from fate's cruel hands, but she wasn't for some time.
[ Caius falls silent, just letting the cold air of the night blow past him. He doesn't seem to shiver or even acknowledge how chilly it was at night right now, just a lot of thoughts on his mind instead.
It was strange, he thought the young savior of the world would have gotten bored by now. He thought she would have left him here a while ago, but she was still here, prying into his mind. It was... strange. ]
If you want my complete honesty... [ He turned his head to look at her again, complete seriousness in his eyes. ] I was already fed up with everything. I couldn't take seeing this life taken over and over and with the last yeul... there was only one way to kill the goddess, and I welcomed it... [ Welcomed what he thought was his own death. ]
[ Caius falls silent, just letting the cold air of the night blow past him. He doesn't seem to shiver or even acknowledge how chilly it was at night right now, just a lot of thoughts on his mind instead.
It was strange, he thought the young savior of the world would have gotten bored by now. He thought she would have left him here a while ago, but she was still here, prying into his mind. It was... strange. ]
If you want my complete honesty... [ He turned his head to look at her again, complete seriousness in his eyes. ] I was already fed up with everything. I couldn't take seeing this life taken over and over and with the last yeul... there was only one way to kill the goddess, and I welcomed it... [ Welcomed what he thought was his own death. ]
Your death.
[Her jaw clenches, and in the dim light of the streetlamps, he'll be able to spot it. Killing Caius meant killing the Goddess, and if that meant getting what he wanted, Lightning knew he would stop at nothing to get it, and he didn't. He had something he believed in and fought for, and won โ he got what he wanted but why not see your efforts to fruition? Well, whatever. What's done is done and talking about that now with him won't do anything to change the past... With his death, though, she wonders if the little Seeress is even aware?
She looks at him now, too, her gaze sharp.]
Do you regret it? Now that you know what Yeul wants? Can't imagine she'll be too happy about that.
[Her jaw clenches, and in the dim light of the streetlamps, he'll be able to spot it. Killing Caius meant killing the Goddess, and if that meant getting what he wanted, Lightning knew he would stop at nothing to get it, and he didn't. He had something he believed in and fought for, and won โ he got what he wanted but why not see your efforts to fruition? Well, whatever. What's done is done and talking about that now with him won't do anything to change the past... With his death, though, she wonders if the little Seeress is even aware?
She looks at him now, too, her gaze sharp.]
Do you regret it? Now that you know what Yeul wants? Can't imagine she'll be too happy about that.
Do I regret it? Not even for a second, because in the end it led to Yeul finally being freed from the chaos... or at least one of them.
[ Caius gives her a sharp look in return, but as sharp as it might be, somehow it doesn't seem to have quite as much intensity as it once had. ]
Admittedly, there are a few things I will admit regret for....
[ Caius gives her a sharp look in return, but as sharp as it might be, somehow it doesn't seem to have quite as much intensity as it once had. ]
Admittedly, there are a few things I will admit regret for....
Other than destroying the world?
[She rolls her eyes, but he was right about one thing โ curiosity is getting the better of her. It's not often that Caius calls her out like this and even more rare that the two of them can have a somewhat calm conversation where they're only at each other's throats a little bit...]
Like what?
[She rolls her eyes, but he was right about one thing โ curiosity is getting the better of her. It's not often that Caius calls her out like this and even more rare that the two of them can have a somewhat calm conversation where they're only at each other's throats a little bit...]
Like what?
Still so curious?
[ It was a tiny jab at Lightning. She really must be nosy though, because there is no other way she would actually be this invested in Caius' well being or his thoughts. Perhaps she was a little bored too... Should he humor her any longer, or should he give her the cold shoulder. Either way she probably wouldn't care... ]
There is someone... other than Yeul who was hurt in all of this.
[ He frowns thoughtfully to himself as his gaze goes forward and he moves to stand up once more. ]
And there is no going back to fixing that.
[ It was a tiny jab at Lightning. She really must be nosy though, because there is no other way she would actually be this invested in Caius' well being or his thoughts. Perhaps she was a little bored too... Should he humor her any longer, or should he give her the cold shoulder. Either way she probably wouldn't care... ]
There is someone... other than Yeul who was hurt in all of this.
[ He frowns thoughtfully to himself as his gaze goes forward and he moves to stand up once more. ]
And there is no going back to fixing that.
[She doesn't follow him up, but she does watch him get to his feet. Lightning thinks she knows exactly who he means. She had a feeling that Caius cares a lot more than he lets on, and perhaps always has, in his own twisted way. They were all the others had at one point, and no matter the pain people have to go through, at the end of the day, they were still some kind of family. There's no erasing that, no matter how hard one tries, but at least here, things are different.]
No, you can't.
[There's no fixing what Caius had done, and there's no way for him to take it back โ that much she knows. There will always be that hole in everyone's hearts.]
But you've got another chance. Use it.
[The last part is said with some vexation, because why is she even giving him this advice?!? What has he done to deserve it?]
No, you can't.
[There's no fixing what Caius had done, and there's no way for him to take it back โ that much she knows. There will always be that hole in everyone's hearts.]
But you've got another chance. Use it.
[The last part is said with some vexation, because why is she even giving him this advice?!? What has he done to deserve it?]
[ He snorts softly, turning his head back to look at her, his hair falling over his shoulder. Why was he even telling her this much? Why did it feel like he was confiding so much of his feelings with her? Perhaps... it was just easier. Lightning and him weren't exactly comrades, but he didn't feel that hatred he once felt before. As of late it even seemed like she tolerated his existence.
Perhaps it was just easier to talk to Lightning, because she had a level head and despite her feelings toward him, she was still honest. ]
How does one start?
Perhaps it was just easier to talk to Lightning, because she had a level head and despite her feelings toward him, she was still honest. ]
How does one start?
[Is this Caius trying to turn over a new leaf right here???
Lightning is trying to do the same, in a different sort of way, but it's not easy for people like them; people who have a hard time opening up, or letting others help. As much as she hates to admit it...]
Start by trying to live for yourself. It's not just about surviving anymore.
[There aren't threats here. No fal'Cie or Gods to tell them what to do, and Caius isn't even that much of a concern here. It's a lot easier to focus on other things when their first instincts aren't to just get past the day without a scratch from trying to take their enemies down a peg or two.]
Lightning is trying to do the same, in a different sort of way, but it's not easy for people like them; people who have a hard time opening up, or letting others help. As much as she hates to admit it...]
Start by trying to live for yourself. It's not just about surviving anymore.
[There aren't threats here. No fal'Cie or Gods to tell them what to do, and Caius isn't even that much of a concern here. It's a lot easier to focus on other things when their first instincts aren't to just get past the day without a scratch from trying to take their enemies down a peg or two.]
That is easier said than done.
[ Then again, who ever said anything in life was easy in the first place? The two of them knew just how terrible life could be, and just how many curve balls it could throw at a single person. ]
When you live for someone else for so long, it's not easy to pull away from that mindset.
[ Then again, who ever said anything in life was easy in the first place? The two of them knew just how terrible life could be, and just how many curve balls it could throw at a single person. ]
When you live for someone else for so long, it's not easy to pull away from that mindset.
I did.
[It took a lot of work, and sometimes she still has troubles remembering that she needs to do more for herself and to stop worrying so much about others, but it's in her nature. She grew up looking out for Serah and only Serah that now, she's trying to figure out how to look out for herself, too.
And if Lightning can, she believes that maybe Caius can, too. They've both got about the same levels of stubbornness....]
Find something else you love and pour your heart into it.
[Or someone... If Caius is even capable of that.]
[It took a lot of work, and sometimes she still has troubles remembering that she needs to do more for herself and to stop worrying so much about others, but it's in her nature. She grew up looking out for Serah and only Serah that now, she's trying to figure out how to look out for herself, too.
And if Lightning can, she believes that maybe Caius can, too. They've both got about the same levels of stubbornness....]
Find something else you love and pour your heart into it.
[Or someone... If Caius is even capable of that.]
It feels... very strange to get encouragement from you.
[ It couldn't be pity. She didn't have enough feelings toward him to even consider pity, and he really didn't think she was that type of person either. ]
Find something else... who knew that a concept so simple would be the biggest trial...
[ It couldn't be pity. She didn't have enough feelings toward him to even consider pity, and he really didn't think she was that type of person either. ]
Find something else... who knew that a concept so simple would be the biggest trial...
[Lightning gets to her feet and folds her arms again, huffing in a 'you didn't have to point it out' kind of way. It was a matter of time before the moment was ruined by one of them... Lightning turns so that she's facing away from him entirely and shakes her head.]
Yeah, well... that part's up to you.
[She can't help him with that. If he truly wants to find a way to live happily ever after here, it's up to him and only him to find whatever that thing is. Wanting to change things is the very first step and if it took Lightning as long as it did for her, then she wonders how long it will take for Caius. It's none of her business, though.]
I gotta head back. It's late.
Yeah, well... that part's up to you.
[She can't help him with that. If he truly wants to find a way to live happily ever after here, it's up to him and only him to find whatever that thing is. Wanting to change things is the very first step and if it took Lightning as long as it did for her, then she wonders how long it will take for Caius. It's none of her business, though.]
I gotta head back. It's late.
[ He gives her a small nod. He's taken up enough of her time, and he got the answers he wanted, at least for the most part. Even a little extra he wasn't expecting. ]
It feels strange wishing you a "good evening" so I will just leave with a rare sentiment of gratitude instead.
[ He doesn't turn to meet her gaze and instead just starts walking off. Where was he heading to? It was hard to tell. He wouldn't tell anyone where he was "living" anyway. He does pause briefly as if to say something else, but whatever it was he just ignored and kept on walking. ]
It feels strange wishing you a "good evening" so I will just leave with a rare sentiment of gratitude instead.
[ He doesn't turn to meet her gaze and instead just starts walking off. Where was he heading to? It was hard to tell. He wouldn't tell anyone where he was "living" anyway. He does pause briefly as if to say something else, but whatever it was he just ignored and kept on walking. ]
[Well, the chocobo themed foods are nice...? What isn't so nice is the fact that they've suddenly invaded her stream of consciousness with no warning whatsoever by someone she's never spoken to before, and... are they wishing her a happy birthday?]
Uh, last I checked, still got a ways to go before mine.
... Who is this?
[Tactful as ever.]
Uh, last I checked, still got a ways to go before mine.
... Who is this?
[Tactful as ever.]
No, it's...huh? Who are you? [She said something first!]
You contacted me, and now you're asking who I am?
[This back and forth could easily go on much longer, except she'd rather it not, so she offers her name as if this is someone who should know her, because duh.]
It's Lightning. Your turn.
[This back and forth could easily go on much longer, except she'd rather it not, so she offers her name as if this is someone who should know her, because duh.]
It's Lightning. Your turn.
Edited 2019-02-23 20:39 (UTC)
But I didn't?! [She seems really serious about this though. Did he accidentally let his thoughts reach someone...? But when she says her name, he's even more confused. It's not even someone he's ever spoken to, but he has heard of the name.]
Lightning? As in the Goddess Lightning...? Um, I'm Naruhodou Ryuunosuke.
Lightning? As in the Goddess Lightning...? Um, I'm Naruhodou Ryuunosuke.
[Wait, what did he call her?]
The what?
[And it's from a name she doesn't recognize, so where in the world did he get that she's a goddess? It's not like she goes prancing around town announcing it, or wears it embroidered on a ballcap???]
Says who?
The what?
[And it's from a name she doesn't recognize, so where in the world did he get that she's a goddess? It's not like she goes prancing around town announcing it, or wears it embroidered on a ballcap???]
Says who?
Says Sora...? The prettiest and strongest old lady name Lightning the Goddess. [Um.] That's not you?
[ .............. ]
Of course it was him.
[The thought was meant to be to herself, but bleeds through their connection as a tired sigh. What exactly is that kid doing going around telling people these sorts of things? AND WHO IS HE CALLING OLD???]
I'm Lightning, yeah. Not a whole lot of other people around here with the name.
[And if there is, she'd like to meet 'em.]
That's not why you contacted me, is it?
Of course it was him.
[The thought was meant to be to herself, but bleeds through their connection as a tired sigh. What exactly is that kid doing going around telling people these sorts of things? AND WHO IS HE CALLING OLD???]
I'm Lightning, yeah. Not a whole lot of other people around here with the name.
[And if there is, she'd like to meet 'em.]
That's not why you contacted me, is it?
Well...I wasn't trying to contact anyone actually. I was just thinking about what to bake for Shiro. [A beat.]
Ah, I guess it's nice to meet you?
Ah, I guess it's nice to meet you?
Right, and it just so happened to send those thoughts to me. [She still sounds unconvinced, but what else is new.] But uh, yeah... you too.
[Even though they haven't really 'met', so to speak. She isn't really sure what else she should say, so maybe it's time to just end it there.]
Good luck with the baking.
[And so she tries to hang up the call then, but what follows is a really awkward silence where she thinks she's hung up but hasn't......]
[Even though they haven't really 'met', so to speak. She isn't really sure what else she should say, so maybe it's time to just end it there.]
Good luck with the baking.
[And so she tries to hang up the call then, but what follows is a really awkward silence where she thinks she's hung up but hasn't......]
[And here is Naruhodou thinking she had hung up, muttering to himself.]
That was embarrassing. [He sighs. All right, just shake it off. Cake seems like a good idea! And now Lightning is just going to get an episode of how to bake a cake. Literally, a visual of ingredients mixing together. The only thing missing is someone narrating what they're doing.]
That was embarrassing. [He sighs. All right, just shake it off. Cake seems like a good idea! And now Lightning is just going to get an episode of how to bake a cake. Literally, a visual of ingredients mixing together. The only thing missing is someone narrating what they're doing.]
[W h...at...
Lightning picks up her crystal from against her chest and stares at it as if it's broken. Didn't she just "hang up" a second ago? Why is she getting a walkthrough of how to make a cake? For starters, she's an expert at cake-making and doesn't need a lesson from a stranger... but w...h...y...
She just watches for a moment before mentally piping up once she sees the flour.]
Make sure you break up the flour with a whisk first.
[SURPRISE, she's still here too!!]
Lightning picks up her crystal from against her chest and stares at it as if it's broken. Didn't she just "hang up" a second ago? Why is she getting a walkthrough of how to make a cake? For starters, she's an expert at cake-making and doesn't need a lesson from a stranger... but w...h...y...
She just watches for a moment before mentally piping up once she sees the flour.]
Make sure you break up the flour with a whisk first.
[SURPRISE, she's still here too!!]
Oh, yea I--Wha?! [There's nothing else for a moment, as Naruhodou needed to save his bowl full of ingredients from falling onto the ground.]
Why are you--are you eavesdropping?! [Didn't she hang up?!]
Why are you--are you eavesdropping?! [Didn't she hang up?!]
[That's what she thought, too!]
No. I hung up. Why are you calling me again? ... I know how to make cakes.
[BUT WHAT IS HAPPENING]
No. I hung up. Why are you calling me again? ... I know how to make cakes.
[BUT WHAT IS HAPPENING]
I'm not! Look, I'm cutting this off right now. [There's silence, and it seem to have worked until-]
Huh...I wonder if there's a cake big enough to hold all those candles for someone as old as Lightning-san...
Huh...I wonder if there's a cake big enough to hold all those candles for someone as old as Lightning-san...
[Without even a beat of hesitation:]
How old do you think I am?
[Is he looking for a fight!?!?!!???!]
How old do you think I am?
[Is he looking for a fight!?!?!!???!]
[...........meekly]
Over five hundred, according to Sora? [HE'S NOT GOING TO TAKE ALL THE BLAME.]
Over five hundred, according to Sora? [HE'S NOT GOING TO TAKE ALL THE BLAME.]
[Oh my god, Sora??? Just how much is he talking about her to other people, and why is he telling them that she's over five hundred years old?!?]
For the record, I'm twenty-three. And there're plenty of cakes that'll fit twenty-three candles.
[She should know, she makes them!!! As for Soraโ]
Someone's gonna get a talking to.
For the record, I'm twenty-three. And there're plenty of cakes that'll fit twenty-three candles.
[She should know, she makes them!!! As for Soraโ]
Someone's gonna get a talking to.
Oh, twenty-three. That's not so bad. [He laughs nervously.]
I'm sorry. [And good luck Sora.] And at this point, I think there might be something wrong with the amulets.
I'm sorry. [And good luck Sora.] And at this point, I think there might be something wrong with the amulets.
Yeah, I'm thinking so. You won't get out of my head.
[And she'll get a few more unexpected calls that she doesn't want, but at least Naruhodou was nice about it. This could have gone a lot worse, minus the fact that he initially thought she was five-hundred years old.
... That one's on Sora, though.]
What do you think might be going on? No offense, but I keep trying to hang up and nothing works.
[And she'll get a few more unexpected calls that she doesn't want, but at least Naruhodou was nice about it. This could have gone a lot worse, minus the fact that he initially thought she was five-hundred years old.
... That one's on Sora, though.]
What do you think might be going on? No offense, but I keep trying to hang up and nothing works.
I'm about as clueless as you are, but the logical assumption is the source for these amulets to work must be acting up. [...] Which leads to the question of how?
I'm no detective, [which means she won't be looking further into this past whatever they discuss here] but if you find out who or what's doing this, let me know.
[So she can punch them/it. :D]
[So she can punch them/it. :D]
Hey, up for another "date"? [And just deliberately putting some exaggerated emphasis on the word because he's just joking around. But she can hear the amused smirk in his voice before it changes back to a lighter tone.]
Heard of a new place that's opening up that you might like. No dancing this time, but plenty of desserts to share.
Heard of a new place that's opening up that you might like. No dancing this time, but plenty of desserts to share.
[Why is the no warning thing happening again!!!
Her voice is ice cold when she responds to him, because there are so many things wrong with this message.]
What do you mean, another?
[He has three seconds to give her an answer, and one that she approves of (haha good luck).]
Her voice is ice cold when she responds to him, because there are so many things wrong with this message.]
What do you mean, another?
[He has three seconds to give her an answer, and one that she approves of (haha good luck).]
[She can't see it, but there's a moment where Rokurou's face freezes, and if there was a record player, it definitely would have screeched to a halt at hearing the older Farron sister instead of the one he intended. And the first thing Lightning is going to hear as a response?]
Shit, that's not Serah—
[You know, in case Lightning had any doubts as to who he meant to actually send this to.]
Shit, that's not Serah—
[You know, in case Lightning had any doubts as to who he meant to actually send this to.]
[BUT DOES HE REALIZE HE SENT THAT? Nope, not at all ahahahahahahaha thanks screwed up amulets. So he's just going to, you know. Play it cool. Even if everything around him is getting a little frosty as he's sweating bullets and she might feel some panic behind that odd laugh and joking tone in his voice.]
Whoops, that wasn't meant for you so I'm just gonna...
Whoops, that wasn't meant for you so I'm just gonna...
Serah!?
[There's a crack of static that makes it through their telepathic connection as she raises her voice at him, and the anger is so sudden and immediate that she even shouts it out loud rather than just in her head.]
You hang up on me and I'll show you what else you can do with your crystal.
[To answer his question: no, it's not working.]
[There's a crack of static that makes it through their telepathic connection as she raises her voice at him, and the anger is so sudden and immediate that she even shouts it out loud rather than just in her head.]
You hang up on me and I'll show you what else you can do with your crystal.
[To answer his question: no, it's not working.]
[He knew he would die one day, and it would be to a stronger opponent. What he didn't anticipate was that it would be by the hand of an older sister of a girl he isn't even in a relationship with.
In any case.
Fuuuuuck. He was actually considering tossing his crystal away somewhere when she makes that threat, and he is still seriously considering it.
HE COULD JUST RUN.
Ugh.]
Look, I just took her out and it wasn't even intended to be a real date. I was just kidding around.
[All of which is true, but he may could have given better context and phrasing.]
In any case.
Fuuuuuck. He was actually considering tossing his crystal away somewhere when she makes that threat, and he is still seriously considering it.
HE COULD JUST RUN.
Ugh.]
Look, I just took her out and it wasn't even intended to be a real date. I was just kidding around.
[All of which is true, but he may could have given better context and phrasing.]
Kidding around?
[Another crack. Yeah, better phrasing is right!]
This some kind of joke to you? [Wait...] What the hell're you doing taking my sister out on dates in the first place?
[Another crack. Yeah, better phrasing is right!]
This some kind of joke to you? [Wait...] What the hell're you doing taking my sister out on dates in the first place?
What? No, I—
[Fffffffffff. He just runs a hand down his face and seriously reconsiders chucking his amulet out the window. But he's got one leg trapped in hell, might as well dive in.]
It wasn't intended as a date, I was just taking her out to cheer her up a bit after Selenium. You know—as a friend. [And then it kind of turned into one, but he's not telling her exact details if he doesn't have to. Besides, it's not like he has to report anything and is it really any of her business??????] The "joke" was the original message meant for Serah, like an inside joke.
[Because the not-date turned into a date and whatever.]
[Fffffffffff. He just runs a hand down his face and seriously reconsiders chucking his amulet out the window. But he's got one leg trapped in hell, might as well dive in.]
It wasn't intended as a date, I was just taking her out to cheer her up a bit after Selenium. You know—as a friend. [And then it kind of turned into one, but he's not telling her exact details if he doesn't have to. Besides, it's not like he has to report anything and is it really any of her business??????] The "joke" was the original message meant for Serah, like an inside joke.
[Because the not-date turned into a date and whatever.]
[Still not good enough for this big sis!!!]
What did you two do?
[She and Snow may have had a rocky start, but she still respects him enough to punch any other guy in the face who might be overstepping their boundaries... Especially with Snow not here.]
What did you two do?
[She and Snow may have had a rocky start, but she still respects him enough to punch any other guy in the face who might be overstepping their boundaries... Especially with Snow not here.]
[He can't really blame Lightning for this, but that doesn't make it any less annoying.]
I know she's engaged, all right? And there's nothing going on between us. [Voluntarily.] We just had some fun at the festival and dinner, that's it.
[And even if something else happened, like hell he would tell her. Just like they are never telling her what happened over Christmas and at Thras's hatchening, y e p.
A deep sigh.]
Date, not date, friend date, hanging out—whatever you want to call it, all I was doing was trying to cheer her up and let her have some fun. If you wanna be mad at me for that, fine, I get it, but I'm not apologizing for it.
I know she's engaged, all right? And there's nothing going on between us. [Voluntarily.] We just had some fun at the festival and dinner, that's it.
[And even if something else happened, like hell he would tell her. Just like they are never telling her what happened over Christmas and at Thras's hatchening, y e p.
A deep sigh.]
Date, not date, friend date, hanging out—whatever you want to call it, all I was doing was trying to cheer her up and let her have some fun. If you wanna be mad at me for that, fine, I get it, but I'm not apologizing for it.
[She doesn't need anyone's permission to be mad about things! She just is. Always.]
You can start by not calling them dates.
[And although he won't apologize for any of it, she hopes that he's at least taking her seriously. It might have been a harmless joke to him, but he's the only one in this conversation who's laughing, so to speak. Rokurou's picked the wrong baby sister to mess around with.]
Nice that you helped her out, but that's as far as it gets.
You can start by not calling them dates.
[And although he won't apologize for any of it, she hopes that he's at least taking her seriously. It might have been a harmless joke to him, but he's the only one in this conversation who's laughing, so to speak. Rokurou's picked the wrong baby sister to mess around with.]
Nice that you helped her out, but that's as far as it gets.
[It was supposed to be a joke between him and Serah, though! YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO BE IN ON THEIR SECRET AFFAIRS, LIGHTNING—
Just a very dry sigh.]
You're seriously thinking way too deeply about this. I get you're just protecting your sister and I respect that, but we're all adults here. Whatever we do for whatever reason is frankly none of your business.
If I do something that hurts her then by all means, rip me apart. But pretty sure she'll do that first.
[In other words, deal with it.]
Just a very dry sigh.]
You're seriously thinking way too deeply about this. I get you're just protecting your sister and I respect that, but we're all adults here. Whatever we do for whatever reason is frankly none of your business.
If I do something that hurts her then by all means, rip me apart. But pretty sure she'll do that first.
[In other words, deal with it.]
None of my business?
[The little shock that's sent through then may or may not have been very much on purpose...]
You made it my business when you started hanging out with my sister, and again when you called me.
[Whether he was meant to or not, it's what happened, and the two of them are just going to keep digging this giant hole of theirs. Protecting might be a bit of an understatement here, but with everything that's happened and the number of times their family has been hurt or betrayed, it's hard not to be the overbearing older sister. She always has been, and it took Snow forever to get past the defenses she put up around the two of them. This conversation would have gone much more different if he hadn't initially called whatever they're doing a 'date', and if it hadn't been over the network, but now it's none of her business? It very much is, as far as she's concerned.
She bristles some more, and there's a very loud sigh from her end.]
I care a lot about Serah ... and Snow. [Bleh that felt gross to say.] He might not be here, but don't do anything to ruin that.
[The little shock that's sent through then may or may not have been very much on purpose...]
You made it my business when you started hanging out with my sister, and again when you called me.
[Whether he was meant to or not, it's what happened, and the two of them are just going to keep digging this giant hole of theirs. Protecting might be a bit of an understatement here, but with everything that's happened and the number of times their family has been hurt or betrayed, it's hard not to be the overbearing older sister. She always has been, and it took Snow forever to get past the defenses she put up around the two of them. This conversation would have gone much more different if he hadn't initially called whatever they're doing a 'date', and if it hadn't been over the network, but now it's none of her business? It very much is, as far as she's concerned.
She bristles some more, and there's a very loud sigh from her end.]
I care a lot about Serah ... and Snow. [Bleh that felt gross to say.] He might not be here, but don't do anything to ruin that.
[Really he should have just left it a while back. Just apologize, make whatever placating statements to keep Lightning's rage levels as low as possible, and then just take off the amulet if it won't end on its own. Yet here he is basically on the defense and arguing instead, and he's not going to be all that sure why once this is over. It's not like he cares whether Lightning approves—there's nothing to approve.
And ruining things—the hell. A full retort is on the tip of his tongue, but he just holds it. It's not like he can't see Lightning's position here, it's just a little...]
I'm flattered you think I could, but I seriously doubt it. [Sarcasm, yes, but it's not said with malice, more like dry humor. Because come on, Lightning.] Unless you tell that to all of Serah's male friends.
And ruining things—the hell. A full retort is on the tip of his tongue, but he just holds it. It's not like he can't see Lightning's position here, it's just a little...]
I'm flattered you think I could, but I seriously doubt it. [Sarcasm, yes, but it's not said with malice, more like dry humor. Because come on, Lightning.] Unless you tell that to all of Serah's male friends.
Edited 2019-03-01 20:19 (UTC)
Might as well.
[YEAH, she has no shame admitting to it and sometimes she feels like she has to. Her sister is a pure angel and doesn't need gross boys following her around like lost puppies (pun intended). She's just trying to protect Serah... how she goes about it is her own prerogative.
She sighs. Again.]
Just... don't do anything stupid. And make sure she doesn't, either.
[YEAH, she has no shame admitting to it and sometimes she feels like she has to. Her sister is a pure angel and doesn't need gross boys following her around like lost puppies (pun intended). She's just trying to protect Serah... how she goes about it is her own prerogative.
She sighs. Again.]
Just... don't do anything stupid. And make sure she doesn't, either.
Somehow I'm not surprised.
[Just another dry response, but again without any malice. But not do anything stupid, HA HA HA. But all right, he'll just acquiesce here.]
I'll try, but I can't make any guarantees on Serah. You should know best that she'll do whatever she wants even if someone tried to stop her.
[He's gotten a taste of it a few times, but he can already tell Serah's just that type person.
WONDER WHERE SHE GOT IT FROM...........]
[Just another dry response, but again without any malice. But not do anything stupid, HA HA HA. But all right, he'll just acquiesce here.]
I'll try, but I can't make any guarantees on Serah. You should know best that she'll do whatever she wants even if someone tried to stop her.
[He's gotten a taste of it a few times, but he can already tell Serah's just that type person.
WONDER WHERE SHE GOT IT FROM...........]
Yeah, I know. [See: Snow Villiers.] I gotta go.
[She is a very busy woman... sitting in her room... reading... Yep. This conversation seems pretty over, anyway.]
Good talk.
[Except when she tries to hang up, the call doesn't end? So she tries again. Nope. And again? Nope.]
... Right. This is awkward.
[And now she's made it even more awkward by pointing out how awkward it is. Good job.]
[She is a very busy woman... sitting in her room... reading... Yep. This conversation seems pretty over, anyway.]
Good talk.
[Except when she tries to hang up, the call doesn't end? So she tries again. Nope. And again? Nope.]
... Right. This is awkward.
[And now she's made it even more awkward by pointing out how awkward it is. Good job.]
[...WHY WON'T THIS WORLD JUST LET THEIR SUFFERING END.]
...Right, I'm just going to do what I probably should have done the moment you answered.
[And that is take off his amulet, set it down, AND WALK OUT OF THE ROOM TO GET A DRINK. SCRATCH THAT, LOTS OF DRINKS.
And so ends this very, very awkward conversation.]
...Right, I'm just going to do what I probably should have done the moment you answered.
[And that is take off his amulet, set it down, AND WALK OUT OF THE ROOM TO GET A DRINK. SCRATCH THAT, LOTS OF DRINKS.
And so ends this very, very awkward conversation.]
[There's the sound of a bunch of stuff toppling over?? CRASH.]
Uh... You need to come get me I'm pretty sure gravity is going to crush me??
Uh... You need to come get me I'm pretty sure gravity is going to crush me??
[She is going to rip off her crystal and step on it if she gets one more unsolicited telepathic message.
Well, okay. Maybe not counting this one as soon as she hears the voice that follows the crashing noise. As soon as she recognizes it's Sora, Lightning drops the knife she's using to chop some vegetables and responds back, her (mental???) voice urgent and worried. It doesn't occur to her at all that this could be one of those pesky misfires.]
Sora? What happened? Where are you?
[She's ready to dash over there at a moment's notice.]
Well, okay. Maybe not counting this one as soon as she hears the voice that follows the crashing noise. As soon as she recognizes it's Sora, Lightning drops the knife she's using to chop some vegetables and responds back, her (mental???) voice urgent and worried. It doesn't occur to her at all that this could be one of those pesky misfires.]
Sora? What happened? Where are you?
[She's ready to dash over there at a moment's notice.]
[Ohhhh- Okay. That's Lightning's voice and not Riku's voice. These telepathic messaging issues are starting to get real.]
Uh-! Lightning! Uh. No! I'm fine! Don't worry about me!!
[He kind of sounds like he's wheezing.]
Uh-! Lightning! Uh. No! I'm fine! Don't worry about me!!
[He kind of sounds like he's wheezing.]
You don't sound fine.
[More firmly, leaving little room for argument:]
What's wrong?
[More firmly, leaving little room for argument:]
What's wrong?
[Oh no...]
Errr ... Just some stuff fell over while I was trying to clean up! ... It's fine!
[He's a terrible liar.]
How did you hear me anyway...
Errr ... Just some stuff fell over while I was trying to clean up! ... It's fine!
[He's a terrible liar.]
How did you hear me anyway...
[Yeah, he really is a terrible liar and Lightning isn't falling for it.]
What do you mean, how? You called me. [Unless...] Unless this is one of those accidental ones. I've already had two so far.
[And that was two too many!!!]
What do you mean, how? You called me. [Unless...] Unless this is one of those accidental ones. I've already had two so far.
[And that was two too many!!!]
[So that is why Sora somehow got Lightning's amulet and not the person he was looking to speak to?! He frowns at his amulet as if it's its fault.]
Oh. Yeah, I guess it is. [an accident!] But! I'll be able to manage! You don't have to worry about me! --If you have to come save me right now I think I'd probably die of embarrassment because it's you.
[ ........ Where did that last part come from? It's like his thoughts are just streaming over the connection automatically??]
Oh. Yeah, I guess it is. [an accident!] But! I'll be able to manage! You don't have to worry about me! --If you have to come save me right now I think I'd probably die of embarrassment because it's you.
[ ........ Where did that last part come from? It's like his thoughts are just streaming over the connection automatically??]
[Where did that last part come from? There's some very obvious confusion coming from her side of the conversation...]
Why? Because you've been going around calling me a goddess behind my back?
[YEAH SHE'S CALLING YOU OUT.]
Why? Because you've been going around calling me a goddess behind my back?
[YEAH SHE'S CALLING YOU OUT.]
Wh-What?!
[Sora immediately sputters and a flicker of flustered surprise trickles sharply across the connection.]
I ... It's- [HE'S SO CALLED OUT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY-] It's just you're ... You are, though!
[Sora immediately sputters and a flicker of flustered surprise trickles sharply across the connection.]
I ... It's- [HE'S SO CALLED OUT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY-] It's just you're ... You are, though!
[Yeah, she did tell Naruhodou that someone would get a talking to, and how convenient that Sora contact her not long after? Thankfully, Lightning is good at biting back a laugh and remains straight-faced. She even manages to appear a little angry.]
So I'm also five hundred years old, huh?
[Aren't you glad you misfired to Lightning, Sora?]
So I'm also five hundred years old, huh?
[Aren't you glad you misfired to Lightning, Sora?]
[He's so glad that he's literally wheezing. But that might be because he's currently stuck under a pile of boxes as well.]
... Er... [COUGH] But- You're a goddess and that means you're old but that also means you're really pretty and powerful!
[Nailed it. Maybe. RIP. Can his brain please shut off now...]
... Er... [COUGH] But- You're a goddess and that means you're old but that also means you're really pretty and powerful!
[Nailed it. Maybe. RIP. Can his brain please shut off now...]
I'mโ
[She's blushing! And there's a little surprised shock that makes its way through their connection. Hopefully it doesn't startle Sora too much! She bristles, and moves away from the subject because this is embarrassing for both of them!]
You sure you're okay?
[She's blushing! And there's a little surprised shock that makes its way through their connection. Hopefully it doesn't startle Sora too much! She bristles, and moves away from the subject because this is embarrassing for both of them!]
You sure you're okay?
I'm just fine...
[He tries to sound reassuring. Really!]
I was trying to get a hold of Riku to come help me out. It's really no big deal...
[Just abandon him, Lightning! For his pride!]
I'm sorry about the goddess thing...
[He tries to sound reassuring. Really!]
I was trying to get a hold of Riku to come help me out. It's really no big deal...
[Just abandon him, Lightning! For his pride!]
I'm sorry about the goddess thing...
Yeah.
[That's her way of saying 'it's fine, can we please drop it' because wow, it's embarrassing. She's much more concerned about Sora anyway.]
If you can hang up this call and get hold of your friend, I'll stop asking.
[That's her way of saying 'it's fine, can we please drop it' because wow, it's embarrassing. She's much more concerned about Sora anyway.]
If you can hang up this call and get hold of your friend, I'll stop asking.
I will, I will!
[Luckily it's been about five minutes or so. Sora is sheepish and embarrassed.]
I'll let you know later when I'm free...!
[And with that he ends the transmission! With some of his pride intact.]
[Luckily it's been about five minutes or so. Sora is sheepish and embarrassed.]
I'll let you know later when I'm free...!
[And with that he ends the transmission! With some of his pride intact.]
| | [Serah knows that her sister knows things now, but originally she had no idea why that angry "Serah?!" came out of her mouth. SHE HADN'T DONE ANYTHING and she was an adult here!!! ...but that's why, in front of Lightning's room now, on a tray so she won't step on them by accident is some rose-flavoured cupcakes and a note:] I didn't know why you were angry at me, but here's some cupcakes to hopefully make you less so. Yes, this is a little sister bribe, but we can talk if you need to. |
[ Lightning will find a small envelope with her name on it. No name of who the sender is but when she looks inside it will be obvious. There was a small letter with a small gift inside. ]
Don't expect such kindness often, but putting my pride aside, I can admit when you have helped beyond what was needed.
I've taken your words into consideration.
To what I do with them I don't know, but I felt some other form of gratitude was in order.
Don't expect such kindness often, but putting my pride aside, I can admit when you have helped beyond what was needed.
I've taken your words into consideration.
To what I do with them I don't know, but I felt some other form of gratitude was in order.
[No matter where Lightning is, the messenger birds will find her to deliver a long, skinny box wrapped in shimmery paper. Attached to the outside is a typed note that only reads:]
Happy Birthday Lightning
[Inside, once it's unwrapped, Lightning will find a rose gold necklace and matching earrings. The note gives no indication as to who it's from, if only because Serah knows her sister would probably get rid of or not even look at the gift if she knew who it was from right now. Maybe she'll tell her later, maybe she'll never get the chance to tell her. Serah doesn't know. What she does know is that she loves her sister, that it's her birthday, and that no matter what, Lightning deserves the world.]
Happy Birthday Lightning
[Inside, once it's unwrapped, Lightning will find a rose gold necklace and matching earrings. The note gives no indication as to who it's from, if only because Serah knows her sister would probably get rid of or not even look at the gift if she knew who it was from right now. Maybe she'll tell her later, maybe she'll never get the chance to tell her. Serah doesn't know. What she does know is that she loves her sister, that it's her birthday, and that no matter what, Lightning deserves the world.]
[ Lightning didn't ask to be contacted this way, but as soon as she allows this particular telepathic message to go through, Weiss begins. The words in her head are quick, snappy, full of excitement. ]
Okay, so I know it's been a couple of weeks since the Flower Festival, but I've been busy and I never got the chance to tell you properly. Shintarou kissed me, though. We kissed! We were having snacks and I said I like it when he shares new things with me. I've never had grilled corn beforeโ part of it is actually burnt! And I had to eat it on a stick... it was a bit messy. I don't think I'll do it again. Oh, and then he told me to close my eyes and then he kissed me! As it turns out, we both had plans to kiss the other, and he said he was even going to sing to me. Isn't that romantic? So, anyway, he's just going to be singing another time. I'm actually looking forward to it! It's... really nice that he's doing things he doesn't normally do for me. And I was worried for nothing!
It'sโ [ A pause. She composes herself. ] I'm happy, Lightning.
[ Really happy! ]
Okay, so I know it's been a couple of weeks since the Flower Festival, but I've been busy and I never got the chance to tell you properly. Shintarou kissed me, though. We kissed! We were having snacks and I said I like it when he shares new things with me. I've never had grilled corn beforeโ part of it is actually burnt! And I had to eat it on a stick... it was a bit messy. I don't think I'll do it again. Oh, and then he told me to close my eyes and then he kissed me! As it turns out, we both had plans to kiss the other, and he said he was even going to sing to me. Isn't that romantic? So, anyway, he's just going to be singing another time. I'm actually looking forward to it! It's... really nice that he's doing things he doesn't normally do for me. And I was worried for nothing!
It'sโ [ A pause. She composes herself. ] I'm happy, Lightning.
[ Really happy! ]
[Lightning certainly did not ask to be contacted this way ever, by anyone, but she accepts it anyway only to be met with the rambling of a very familiar and very excited voice in her head as soon as she does. It takes her by complete surprise at first and she has troubles keeping up with what's being said, but she catches on quickly once she finds her bearings in the conversation.
It all brings a smile to her face, and her shared happiness for Weiss is palpable through their connection.]
Really? Couldn't tell.
[She's never heard Weiss be so thrilled about something!]
So, you didn't even have to say you wanted to. I told you it'd work itself out.
It all brings a smile to her face, and her shared happiness for Weiss is palpable through their connection.]
Really? Couldn't tell.
[She's never heard Weiss be so thrilled about something!]
So, you didn't even have to say you wanted to. I told you it'd work itself out.
[ And Lightning will never hear Weiss this excited about something again. This will be the first and last time because she is a tough girl with no feelings >:(!!! ]
I should come to you for more advice.
[ That was a joke. ]
I'm glad, though. I did eventually say why I was worried and I thought he didn't like me.
I should come to you for more advice.
[ That was a joke. ]
I'm glad, though. I did eventually say why I was worried and I thought he didn't like me.
[That better be a joke because Lightning should not be giving teenage girls dating advice.]
And sounds to me like he proved you wrong.
[She's glad for it. Even better that they were both ready and willing to take that leap she talked about. Lightning knows that these sorts of things aren't easy for some people.]
Was it everything you expected it to be?
And sounds to me like he proved you wrong.
[She's glad for it. Even better that they were both ready and willing to take that leap she talked about. Lightning knows that these sorts of things aren't easy for some people.]
Was it everything you expected it to be?
[ She'll ask Gladio, too. ]
He did.
[ She's so happy aldjalf except she can never show it to anyone. Glitter just follows her everywhere now, and she also writes that shit down in her diary. ]
He also gave me a present! It's a fishโwhich I believe raises the bar for presents. Do you think I should give him a pet bird next time?
[ Weiss gave Yang a bike for Christmas when they were dating. She is the queen of excessive gifts, so... ]
Or maybe a duck... he thinks ducks are cute.
He did.
[ She's so happy aldjalf except she can never show it to anyone. Glitter just follows her everywhere now, and she also writes that shit down in her diary. ]
He also gave me a present! It's a fishโwhich I believe raises the bar for presents. Do you think I should give him a pet bird next time?
[ Weiss gave Yang a bike for Christmas when they were dating. She is the queen of excessive gifts, so... ]
Or maybe a duck... he thinks ducks are cute.
[Don't ask Gladio.]
He did end up getting the fish to you, huh?
[And Weiss kissed him anyway. Yeah, sounds like they were made for each other... especially when Weiss keeps going with her own ideas, and Lightning tries not to laugh. Animals are a bit on the excessive side in her opinion, as much as she loves them, but who is she to tell her no?]
A duck sounds fine, but careful. By the time next year rolls around, you'll be getting each other pet whales.
He did end up getting the fish to you, huh?
[And Weiss kissed him anyway. Yeah, sounds like they were made for each other... especially when Weiss keeps going with her own ideas, and Lightning tries not to laugh. Animals are a bit on the excessive side in her opinion, as much as she loves them, but who is she to tell her no?]
A duck sounds fine, but careful. By the time next year rolls around, you'll be getting each other pet whales.
[ You can't stop her. ]
How did you know about the fish?
[ Because it sounds like she knows...? Did Midorima approach Lightning for help or somethingโno . . . he wouldn't do that. And if anything, he'd probably ask someone like Ruby for it. But Midorima doesn't ask for help, so, how does she know? ]
How did you know about the fish?
[ Because it sounds like she knows...? Did Midorima approach Lightning for help or somethingโno . . . he wouldn't do that. And if anything, he'd probably ask someone like Ruby for it. But Midorima doesn't ask for help, so, how does she know? ]
[The question gets a low chuckle out of her. Did he not tell Weiss the story? Guess if anyone's going to, it'll be Lightning.]
Ran into him at the festival... I was getting sick of all the vendors overcharging, and one of them offered a discount if someone could stop this person from catching all the fish. Took them up on the offer and turns out it was Midorima. He mentioned he was gonna give the fish to his girlfriend.
Ran into him at the festival... I was getting sick of all the vendors overcharging, and one of them offered a discount if someone could stop this person from catching all the fish. Took them up on the offer and turns out it was Midorima. He mentioned he was gonna give the fish to his girlfriend.
He did.
[He was much more careful with his nets than she was and in the end, it was her carelessness that lost her the prize.]
After I heard how much he wanted to give you the fish, I stopped. Let him have it.
[And since then, she's been wondering...]
Did you give it a name?
[He was much more careful with his nets than she was and in the end, it was her carelessness that lost her the prize.]
After I heard how much he wanted to give you the fish, I stopped. Let him have it.
[And since then, she's been wondering...]
Did you give it a name?
[Bright and early one morning (just in time for breakfast!) a cloth covered basket will be delivered to the Eos house with a label marked: Lightning. Inside are some fresh strawberry muffins and a bottle of milk. No signature, but the handwriting is blatantly Yeul's.]
We love you very much, Lightning! I hope the muffins are yummy!
P.S. I made lots, so share with the house!
[Not that Yeul actually thinks the chocobros would let Lightning go hungry while she's living with them, but Light is still part of the family (internal squabble or no) and the tribe takes care of its own.]
We love you very much, Lightning! I hope the muffins are yummy!
P.S. I made lots, so share with the house!
[Not that Yeul actually thinks the chocobros would let Lightning go hungry while she's living with them, but Light is still part of the family (internal squabble or no) and the tribe takes care of its own.]
[Yeul's a lot better off than she has been all month. She's quiet with her poking at Lightning, but there's some stern resolve to make herself heard behind it that she very seldom employs.]
Lightning? It's Noel's birthday.
Come home.
Please.
Lightning? It's Noel's birthday.
Come home.
Please.
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