[OPEN] So Far, I’m Broken, That’s A Given

[twilightskey]

Who: Roxas and YOU!
When: All throughout Mareuer/March
Where: Aefenglom
What: Roxas doing his best to cope after being kidnapped. Also gardening and orphanage prompts.
Warnings: Mentions of last month's plot, lingering anxiety-related things

Recovery - A
[Coming home from such a harrowing experience leaves a lot of work to be done in terms of recovery. Aside from the Cwyld infection Roxas was fortunate enough to not have many physical injuries during his time captured by the Emerald Circle, outside of a few cuts, scrapes, and notches in his ears; all things that won't take too long to heal. But while his physical scars are easy to fix, the emotional ones still run deep within the young Nobody.]

[Roxas doesn't venture very far during his first week or two after his rescue; he mostly stays in his own home, or venture's to one of his friend's or Bondmate's houses while accompanied by someone. He's much more quiet than normal, and still has a hard time sleeping at night. He still jumps at the shadows and scratches at his skin, expecting to see dark patches of mold.]

[But he wants to get better. He really does. So he tries to push himself forward, allow himself to talk to friends and go do errands. Maybe he goes for a walk by himself once around the block. It's slow, but he's trying. He can't get stronger if he's hiding inside all day.]

Recovery - B
[Recovery is a journey of ups and downs, and unfortunately Roxas undergoes some of those downs on occasion. Those first couple of weeks would be the hardest for the young turnskin; while out trying to run an errand, be it something as simple as picking up groceries or walking to a friend's house, something will trigger his newfound anxiety. Maybe it's a loud noise, or someone yelling at someone else, or a sudden feeling of being cornered. Whatever it is that sets him off, it makes his anxiety flair and his instincts go haywire.]

[Sometimes things become too much, and he bolts from wherever he is, just looking to get away. He'll try to find someplace away from large crowds to hide, whether that place be a quiet alley, an isolated area of a park, or even in someone's backyard. If it's close to the full moon, he might even shift to his full canine form in the process, making him look like a large, frightened stray dog.]

[He's not in danger of going feral, but he could use a little calming down regardless.]

Gerard's Gardening
[Since arriving in Aefenglom, Roxas has enjoyed the occasional gardening. This month the simple quest comes as a boon to his frayed heart, as the quest itself is something simple, non-violent, and calming that he can focus on without his mind wandering too much. He comes a couple times a week to help plant seeds and tend to the plants. To those who might not know, his quiet work ethic would just make him seem like a regular green-thumbed turnskin.]

[However good the gardening is for his recovery, he does occasionally jump if someone or something surprises him, and he might growl at those who catch him off-guard or get too close to him. But he's quick to cut himself off and pull back sheepishly.]

Ah, sorry... I didn't see you there.

Orphanage
[Near the end of the month, Roxas will return to work at the Orphanage once again. The staff has been more than accommodating to give Roxas plenty of time off to recover, but Roxas wants to be able to get back to work. As hesitant as he is to leave the house, just sitting around all day is something he's just not used to doing.]

[The kids are more than happy to see the turnskin return, and Roxas does his best to act normal around them. But observant workers at the orphanage will notice that Roxas is still a little distant, a little hesitant and nervous, and, when the kids are playing outside, hypervigilant of anyone who might be walking by the orphanage. More often than not he will stop whatever activity he's doing and scan the area, canine ears upright as if waiting for some sort of danger to appear.]

[This is all fine and dandy, but it also leaves him a little distracted. He might need some help focusing.]

Wildcard
[Got an idea you'd like to thread out with Roxas? Feel free to make your own starter, PM me with an idea, or contact me at pocketnoivern!]

Comments

recovery.

[killuwatt]

Whoa!

[ Having some rando suddenly bursting into his yard is a bit of a shock no matter what, but especially when one is upside down doing handstand pushups. As one does, shirtless in one's yard, because one is extremely sick of having been trapped in a cage and then bedridden for a couple of weeks and going stir-crazy.

Not that it'd be easy to tell by now that he'd been pretty badly infected down in that basement, or that he'd been forced into fights and experiments for several days before that. There are only a few remaining bandages around his arms and hands, mostly to hide the traces of the black-veined bruising left over from the Cwyld. He's not infected anymore, but the healers tell him it'll take a few more sessions of treatment to completed get rid of the marks.

In any case--

Here he is, working out, when a stranger tears through his yard and practically on top of him.

Killua is fast, dodging quickly by doing a flip backwards and onto his feet, but he can tell at a glance that the boy isn't here as a threat. He just looks... panicked? ]

Hey, hold on. Calm down. What are you doing?

[twilightskey]

[Roxas isn't fully seeing where he's going when his panic grips him, other than that he needs to get away. But almost crashing into someone makes him yelp in surprise, tripping over his own feet in an effort to avoid them and tumbling to the ground. He's momentarily winded, but when the person calls out to him he gasps sharply, scrambling backwards on the ground.]

S-Stay back!

[He needs to leave, needs to get home. His instincts are a mess, keeping him trapped between flight and fight. But after a few tense breaths, Roxas glances around the backyard he's stumbled into.]

W-Where am I..?

[killuwatt]

[ Killua remains in a crouch for a moment where he landed before slowly rising, showing his hands. He knows a panic reaction when he sees it, though he doesn't understand why. ]

You're in my yard. That's my house. [ he nods toward the cottage he actually, technically shares with Gon. ]

What were you running from? Is it still chasing you?

[ he sounds more confused than concerned, but at least he's not trying to kick Roxas out... that's probably good, right. ]

[twilightskey]

Huh..?

[Roxas blinks, looking up at Killua first, before slowly looking at the cottage. It is a quaint little place... and he had just barged in here, hadn't he?]

[He looks around the backyard for a moment, before letting out a sigh, his shoulders slumping and his ears lowering.]

It happened again...

[He looks up at Killua, before glancing to the side, running a hand through his hair. A bandage can be seen around his arm when he does, revealing itself when his sleeve slides up his arm.]

I... nothing was chasing me. I just got spooked.

[Even that explanation sounds so foolish, doesn't it? He closes his eyes.]

Sorry... I didn't mean to trespass.

[killuwatt]

...spooked?

[ Killua repeats, eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. His eyes catch on the bandages but that in itself isn't so unusual. ]

You're sure no one's chasing you? They won't get you here, for what it's worth. Unless you're running from the law. Then you have to provide a cool enough excuse and I might help you out if it sounds badass.

recovery a

[oathkeeper]

[Everything is difficult for them right now and Sora is trying to do his best to help both Vanitas and Roxas through it. There are times when he can feel the prickling pain or nightmares from both of them and it leaves Sora antsy and worried. Scared in a lot of senses too. How he's going to be able to help the both of them out of these complicated and hurt emotions, out of the nightmares... but Sora knows he has to be able to do his best and be there for both of them. No matter what Sora isn't going to be leaving them behind to deal with this on their own.

It's Sora's time to sneak to Roxas' home (and his own former home) and let himself in like he usually does. The home is a lot quieter these days with so many of them gone home but that's okay... So long as they're safe that's all that matters. And he'll sneak up to wherever Roxas is and flop on him with a big and tight warm hug. It won't be much of a surprise, will it? Sora and Roxas are bonded now so they should be able to sense each other better than they could before.

It's time for a bunny to hug and cuddle a puppy...]

[twilightskey]

[The house is quiet, but Roxas doesn't mind it all that much; in fact, compared to the noise he was forced to listen to at the Emerald Circle, the quiet is a balm. Sometimes if he gets too antsy or anxious he'll contact Sora and go over to their place for a while, but other than that he's mostly stayed indoors. It's not ideal, but... he's still recovering.]

[He's on the couch when Sora arrives, the same one where they had their discussion about bonding not too long ago. When he first came home, being flopped on and given a tight hug would cause Roxas to react instinctively, snarling and snapping as he scrambled to get back. But with the magic of their Bond in place, it provides a comforting little warning for Roxas so he can prepare for just who's doing the hugging.]

[So instead, all Roxas does is tense up a little before he forces himself to breathe, turning to Sora.]

Hey.

[oathkeeper]

Morning, you stink.

[Sora says that jokingly (or is he) as he gives his new bondmate a happy nuzzle. He can still feel the tense upset on their connection but it doesn't stop Sora from getting close. If anything he wants to be close to make sure that Roxas is okay. To give some comfort too.]

Are we gonna lay around all day?

[Meaning, Sora is sticking with Roxas today.]

[twilightskey]

Hey, if anyone stinks, it's you.

[He doesn't laugh, but he does let out a little huff that could be construed as a laugh if you squint. He shifts and awkwardly wraps his arms around Sora, returning the hug carefully. He's still a little tense, but knowing that it's Sora who's here is comforting.]

Ah... well...

[He glances to the sides, ears lowering. He appreciates Sora coming to check on him, but it must be fairly boring, just laying around all day like this.]

I know I shouldn't just lie around all day, but...

[oathkeeper]

[With the hug returned Sora quickly ruffles up Roxas' hair with his fingers. Tugging and petting those mismatched coloured ears with a smile.]

But...? Okay, we're sticking around here all day today. There's nothing wrong with that! Do you want to play a game?

[No one ever said they had to go outside. Nope, if Roxas feels like staying in then they're staying put. Right here.]

Recovery - B

[electrod]

[ Quiet back alleys are the best place to conduct business, at least as far as Reno's dealings go. So as his contact skirts away, and he's plenty cunes lighter, but also so much information richer— a turnskin runs into the alley to... hide? Normally he'd ignore it since it ain't his business! But something tips him off, figure strangely familiar, regular in Haven. That's Mirrorbound, alright ]

Hey kiddo— what's going on? [ The harpy states before he even attempts to approach ]

[twilightskey]

[Roxas didn't even realize there were people in this alley, too focused on getting away from the noise, the sounds, the people looking at him to notice his surroundings. He'd dove into this alley and ended up crouched down, arms wrapped around his middle as his ears flattened to his head. He tried controlling his breathing, but it took every ounce of self-control he had to not start frantically clawing at his arms and skin to scratch at phantom itches.]

[He wasn't trapped at the Emerald Circle anymore, he didn't have the Cwyld infection over him. He wasn't in danger, he was safe. He was fine, he was fine, he was fine...]

[The sudden new voice has Roxas looking up sharply, ears standing upright in alarm.]

H-Huh?

[electrod]

[ It's empty compared to the mains street with its hustle and bustle! Whoever the redhead was talking to already took his leave. ]

You good? [ Stupid question, it's rather clear that he's not. But right now it's about attempting to get anything across. ] Just checkin' Don't see your type around here often.

[twilightskey]

[Roxas's worried gaze shifts from the redheaded harpy before him, to the empty alley he'd run down, then to the mouth of the alley. The hustle and bustle is still out there, but separated from it, he feels he can breathe a little. He lets out a breath, looking back to the redhead.]

Sorry. I just... I needed to get away.

[His claws idly scratch at his arm, which is itching with those phantom itches. A couple bandages can be seen wrapped around his arm, partially hidden under his sleeve; leftover marks of his Cwyld infection.]

[electrod]

[ Reno's gaze follows the movement, and it takes a second or three to register what he's looking at. Cwyld scarring, something that he's now all too familiar with.

Oof— could explain why the boy looked familiar. Though the majority of that disaster stays murky, foggy, with details hard to pinpoint, so there's no certainty. He shakes his head, trying to shake off the chill that runs down his spine. ]

Yeah, I think I get it. [ He huffs and takes his gaze off the turnskin ] Look, this is my alleyway— so you can hang around as long as you want. Official permission.

Recovery - B

[spirialink]

[Kor had promised he was going to help Roxas's heart recover, but he also knew he had to give him some time to recover physically first, so he'd held off, not wanting to put undue stress on Roxas while he was already strained. In the meantime, he still checked in with him all the time and made sure he was doing okay.

Which meant there were days Kor was aware Roxas was very much not doing okay. It was hard to ignore those days, he could feel the sharp emotional changes Roxas was experiencing through their bond, and when he feels Roxas suddenly shift into his canine form, he goes running, trying to find him. He remembers last time Roxas shifted due to emotional duress, and he wasn't too keen on having to punch his friend in the snout again, but if it had to be done, it had to be done!

He follows his bond with Roxas to his source, unaware the latter was on the move. So when he finally catches up to Roxas, it's less that he finds him, and more that Roxas finds Kor instead.

By crashing right into him, a large, frantic dog accidentally tackling him to the ground.]

Oof!

[twilightskey]

[It's always a little jarring when Roxas shifts; all his senses just become sharper, and in this state it almost feels too much. So when he collides into a solid body, he lets out a yelp as he, too, is brought to the ground. But despite his scrambling to get back up, his nose picks up the familiar scent of the person he crashed into.]

Kor?? Kor!!

[He whines, pressing his doggy face into Kor's middle.]

[spirialink]

Roxas...?

[Kor had been on the hunt for him, but he hadn't exactly planned on finding him quite like this.]

Uhh... Hey there. [He pats Roxas on the head.]

[twilightskey]

[The pets to his head, along with actually hearing, and feeling, and smelling Kor do wonders to calm him down. He's still whining a little bit, and his ears are flat against his head, but his trembles soon die down the longer he stays with Kor.]

[It takes several minutes before Roxas is able to reply back.]

I... I'm sorry. I just, I had to get away. It was too much...

[spirialink]

[Kor lets his hand rest on Roxas' head for a moment. Their bond let him understand how much turmoil was going on inside him a lot better than words ever could.

After a moment, he finally breaks the silence.]

I think it might be time for me to help you out, Roxas.

gerard's gardening, incredibly late

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's not actually at the nursery for the job - he's not a chronic plant killer, at least, but it's his partner who usually does all the green thumb stuff. He's mostly just here to see if he can pick anything up for Yuki to grow that might need enough attention to help take his mind off the proceedings of last month.

Momo himself hasn't been quite so lucky with being able to take his mind off those, and he's also a bit more distracted than usual, which is why he even ends up coming near enough to be growled at in the first place. He's been trying to give the people he encountered in the basement a wide berth so they can recover properly, but after the initial start from the growl and realising who it came from, a brief, but mortified look crosses Momo's face before he manages to force it into a (still rather wan and guilty) smile.]

No, I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention...you've got plenty of good reasons to growl at me anyway. [Where the hell does he even start to apologise for everything that happened? For now, he supposes he'll start with finding out if his presence is even tolerated long enough for it.]

Never too late!

[twilightskey]

[Truthfully, the reason Roxas had growled had more to do with the fact that the sudden appearance of another person had been enough to startle him, rather than who it was who had approached him. But once he realizes just who it is he's talking to, Roxas can't help but stop and stare for a moment. He shifts a bit, his canine ears lowering a bit.]

It's...

[He pauses before he can really finish his sentence. It wasn't really "fine", since he was still recovering from what happened. So he takes a breath to stable himself, then tries again.]

I might, but... it wasn't really you I was talking to in that place, was it?

[He knows that Momo isn't really to blame. The Circle's magic had been as strong as silver, and he knows that it's really the cult's fault for what they went through. It's not fair to blame Momo for things that he wasn't fully responsible for.]

[yesdoubt]

[While Momo was brainwashed, it's not something he wants to hide behind as some sort of excuse, either, so his smile remains a bit thin and melancholy at that.]

Not really, but I landed myself in that situation, so it's still my fault my preparations weren't enough to protect others.

[He'd accounted for the possibility of being brainwashed very early on and gotten a magical tattoo against it...which, unfortunately, was somewhat less effective when the cult had hold of him for long enough to just burn through it by force and repeated spellcasting. He'd mostly been using it prior to that in situations where he was only briefly exposed to those kinds of spells.]

How are you doing? [It'd be rather tone-deaf to ask if he's doing better or "okay" or anything else that's too presumptuous about his current state, he feels.]

[twilightskey]

[They could go in circles like this, with Roxas saying it's the Cult's fault and Momo still blaming himself. So instead, Roxas lets out a small breath, ears angling to the sides.]

I'm just glad you were able to remember who you really are.

[And really, regardless as to who was at fault for what, Roxas is genuine in that sentiment. He's glad that there's no mind-fuckery going on anymore.]

[He turns back to the patch of dirt before him, digging with his claws into the dirt to continue planting some seeds. As he does, Momo might catch the edges of bandages peeking out from his sleeves, where his injuries from his time with the Circle were still healing.]

I'm... doing as best as I can. It's a little hard to sleep sometimes, and it'll probably be a while before I help out with the Wilders again... but I'm trying to get out more.

[yesdoubt]

[The sight of the bandages makes Momo's expression sober even further, because he can't even guarantee that some of those weren't caused by him. It means any positive sentiments fall a bit flat, as preoccupied as Momo clearly is with having hurt anyone even if he wasn't in his own right head when he did it.]

That's good. I've...been in a lot myself since it happened, making sure my partner is doing okay, but I think being outside again has helped me not linger so much on what I did. So I hope it helps get your mind out of that place too. [It's not the first time he's dealt with psychological stress and issues, but this is radically different to the last time it happened in his own world.]

...Is there anything I could do for your injuries? Healing magic is one of my specialties.

[He doesn't impose or insist on it, because he can see why someone wouldn't want his magic used on them after all that, but he'd feel worse not even making the offer.]