[Open] Come In From The Cold...

[inlikethebrume]

Who: House Darkness Residents and OPEN
When: All of February
Where: House Darkness in the Haven
What: It's an open log!
Warnings: Shadowbringers Spoilers in some threads possible, possible talk of the Snatched Event

[If anyone knows the residents of the house, it might seem strange that such a group have selected a cozy abode for their home in the city. However, it is not to be said that they are unwelcoming (depending on who) and usually when someone comes to visit, there's always a warm cup of tea ready for them...and maybe some food to go along with it. Feels like a crime if someone doesn't get fed. And despite the hardships of the previous month, the house does welcome guests for any particular reasons whether a visit for the soul, a chat to catch up on events, or even maybe go a few rounds with the poor striking dummy in the backyard.

When you live with sword users and have stress, it gets used, ok?

It might be chilly outside but strange enough, the house itself is pretty warm. Just mind the gaelkitten and Flood running around from time to time.]


((OOC: Feel free to make a top level if you wish! Open to all!))

Comments

Rose | OTA

[poisontippedcure]

[Bearing Gifts]

[It has been a tiring few weeks, to say the least, and Rose spends a long time without leaving the house. When she eventually does, however, she makes sure to go to the other Eorzean house first.]

[Mira had been kind enough to visit her and bring her food. She is...concerned about Irhya, if only because she hasn’t heard anything from the other girl since the kidnapping incident. And Emet is Emet, for better or worse. She hadn’t seen Emet escape when she had, so there’s a good chance he was in there much longer. That thought doesn’t fill her with confidence.]

[She knocks on the front door lightly, with a small basket of herbs and tea leaves in hand. She can’t cook or make anything, but she can garden. Hopefully it’s enough.]

[Taking Out Steam]

[On her way out of the house, she catches sight of the striking dummy. It’s not her house, but there’s no harm in indulging a little, right?]

[Is what she thought before she was at the striking dummy for literal hours. Have you ever seen a small car go full ham on a striking dummy with a staff? You have now.]

steam

[unsundered]

[Though he'd thought he'd heard the sound of voices earlier, the Ascian had been napping on and off, and just. Could not find the motivation to investigate. Once he'd returned to the house after that whole... experience, he'd barely emerged from his room, much less the building entirely. At first from simple exhaustion, and then from a less simple apathy.

But what rouses him now is a sound. It's not loud, but it is persistent, a background noise that is just irregular enough that he can't quite tune it out. Can't quite fall back asleep as long as it's there, an irritatingly disruptive thunking. He knows what it is; it's not the first time he's heard someone train on that striking dummy. And at first he assumes it must be Irhya or Mira, and that it would stop after a reasonable time... but then it doesn't. Half-awake as he is, Emet-Selch isn't sure how long it's been going on, but it was long enough for his annoyance to pass into confusion, vague concern, and back to annoyance (with a hint of concern). Irhya had at least been taking some care of herself as far as he could tell, but Mira had not- and if that was her training out there for several hours--

It's enough to drag him out of bed at least, especially since he couldn't sleep anyway with that noise. So he grudgingly makes his way downstairs and outside, stopping abruptly at the sight of Rose of all people, thwacking away at that poor striking dummy.

His first response, honestly, is some form of relief; he hadn't seen Rose since the early days of their imprisonment, had no idea how well she had or hadn't fared. Considering how everything had ended up- part of him didn't necessarily want to know. And while it was a good sign that she was well enough to both visit and do a bit of training... it was somewhat less good of a sign to know she'd been hitting this thing for hours.

Leaning against the side of the house (his leg still hurt to stand on for very long), the Ascian also looked relatively 'well'. Apart from being blind in one eye with some scarring around it, any other remaining marks are well-covered. After observing for a few moments, he finally calls out to her.]

By now, don't you think you've defeated it?

[poisontippedcure]

[Had this occurred several weeks prior, Rose would feel glad to know that her incessant training was keeping the Ascian awake. In fact, she would probably continue, even if her only goal was to spite Emet Selch.]

[Now, however, there’s an actual pang of guilt. Not that he’s alive, of course. She’s grateful to see him healthy, even if it’s only on relative terms. She had been worried when he’d been dragged out of their cell, and she hadn’t seen him since. If what she experienced was before some of them had escaped, she can only imagine the after.]

[She tried her best not to let her relief show, but there’s a glimpse of a smile before she crosses her arms and sighs. At least he’s on his feet again.]

No, not even remotely close. Did you really come all this way to critique me?

Gifts

[darkcharge]

[ What Rose is likely to be greeted with, at least this time is the resident Flood. The creature is smart enough to open doors, after all. It's still as twitchy as ever, jumping back a foot as soon as it answers the door. The Flood's antennae move about, as if it is waiting for Rose to do something.

Good thing it's not alone in the house... ]

Would you knock that off? No one asked you to go let people in.

[ Because Vanitas is not that far behind it. And when he gets there, he promptly ignores Rose so he can grab the Unversed by the collar - because it sure does have one - and yanks it back. Then he eyes Rose. ]

Well look who it is...

[poisontippedcure]

[For a very quick moment, the creature catches Rose’s attention. It’s ruined as soon as she catches sight of his owner.]

[Of all the Mirrorbound in the Haven, he had to be their roommate. Why should she be surprised? She can only imagine how well the brat and Emet Selch got along. There’s a sense of foreboding she can’t shake.]

This has to be a joke. Please tell me you’re lost, and you wandered into the wrong house.

Mira | OTA

[inlikethebrume]

How to Make Chocolate For Dummies

[So this star also celebrates some kind of Valentione's holiday as well? Mira knows of the festival where paramours come together and confess their love and go over the top, having helped in the past. Even if she wasn't thrilled by getting clothes and jewelry because it just wasn't her style, she couldn't say no.

But this is the first time where she wasn't volunteering her services and that she had people whom she cared for other than Sid and Rielle and Tala. But what exactly does one even do?

Do friends and Bondmates get seperate things? Is there a difference between some Bonds that it would be a faux pas?

That's what Mira is pondering as she sits at the kitchen table with a bunch of ingredients and reading a recipe book with such intensity that she doesn't even notice anyone walk in.]

Bloody hells, this feels less like a recipe and more like how to make a decoration.

[Seriously, what the fuck was this chocolate recipe? Where's the simple ones that don't involve sticking ice cream cones in them?!]

Toss a Coin to Your Alchemist...or Don't.

[Ever since the kidnappings and rescue effort, there's been a demand for healing potions and ethers when mana was low. While rest is the best, sometimes magic needs some help. Mira herself has admitted to not being adapt at healing spells but she has been getting better at her alchemy skills. It's enough that she has to move her work table and items to a corner of the kitchen and work from there.

But there's a downside: her habit of overworking.

Constantly mixing this and that, taking notes to make potentially more potent ethers and potions, only taking an occasional break to drink some tea and munch on some random food from the pantry.

At what time does this happen? All the time wether day or night. She's not as tired as she was last month but she is still exhausted. And yet she still works. Do you dare interrupt her work?]

When Animals Yeet Themselves

[The snow remains and Mira decides to try and rest her brain. Staring at formulas are a pain sometimes. And so she finds herself outside once again making these weird fish things. But what she does not know is one of the windows upstairs has opened. Unknowingly to her, two smaller residents of House Darkness are going to try and do something that she will be too late to stop.

It's only sheer luck that when she looks up, she spots her gaelkitten riding on Vanitas's Flood and sailing into the air, vanishing behind the fence and off for some kind of adventure. Mira for once is stunned and to the person outside the gate, addresses them:]

You...saw that too, yes?

[Just...what the hell?]

No Naps, Just Book!

[Perhaps you came for a visit. To check on the residents after such an ordeal or maybe needing a chat to catch up. What you possibly do not expect is Mira curling up on the couch with a old weathered book nearly falling out of her hand.

She's been working an awful lot and has unknowingly fallen asleep five minutes prior. Do you let her sleep or be mean and wake her up?]

Wildcard

[Got an idea not listed? Hit me up!]

chocolates

[unsundered]

[Emet-Selch is being practically adventurous. He's leaving his room despite not having any specific reason in mind to do so. He's wandering downstairs for the sheer sake of it. What reckless expenditure of energy is this? What madness has taken him? But he was antsy and bored, and if nothing else, he could be just as antsy and bored in a different room. Just for a change of pace.

Stopping in the doorframe to the kitchen, the Ascian watches Mira struggling over recipes. Was she taking up yet another hobby...? She didn't exactly seem to be bursting with energy, or have any lack of tasks to accomplish, so why this?]

Well, if it ends up inedible, you can pretend that was what you intended all along.

[Lightly enough, as he steps inside to look over her shoulder at the cookbook she's poring over. Though he has a slight limp, he seems superficially well enough.]

[inlikethebrume]

[The familiar voice makes Mira snap the book shut in shock, not expecting him to come down right now. Actually she thought he was sleeping and decided not to disturb him this time but now the ascian comes to her.]

Gods, that was a scare! I had thought you were resting.

[And not planning on chocolate making nope.]

But I am glad you are moving a bit.

Bonus Prompt: Being Sick Is A Pain (Forward Dated to end of the month) | OTA

[inlikethebrume]

[It had to happen sooner or later. It's a logical occurrence when one does not take care of themselves and focus on anything and everything else around them. The hospital needed potions and ethers and Mira provided, even creating them outside of the building and in her own small workshop area. The refugees needed help to rebuild their own homes and needed some strong arms to help out and she offered to do some heavy lifting. Things were needed at home and while those have gotten smaller, Mira found it harder to turn that switch off. She's used to a lack of sleep, a lack of self preservation before her arrival because that's what she did as the Warrior of Light even if the Scions made her rest while on the First.

But she was fine, she could handle it.

Mira didn't think much when her skin began to feel warm to the touch or when her body began to ache. She ignores the sudden shivers and the pain to her head. She could still move if she walked slowly but even then. It's when she stops in the living room feeling dizzy that she feels her body simply give out. Simply slumps to the floor in a heap with only Breezy pawing and yowling in concern. What Mira did know is that the floor feels rather nice on her now boiling skin. That and now is a good time to sleep.

She doesn't know if anyone had taken her up or if somehow she dragged herself to her bed and just didn't remember it but now she can feel the effects of neglecting her own body's warning signs. But she knows she's in her own room feeling like absolute shite and wants to do something. Alas, her body refuses to do anything but recuperate.]

Mmmm, bored.

[Being muttered into her pillow as she blearly opens one eye out. Where's her favorite book so she can read that? Oh right, it's downstairs in the living room. Crap. Thanks body, you're a champ.]

ShB spoilers

[unsundered]

[While Mira had been deteriorating, Emet-Selch had been gradually improving. While his eye would never recover, and his leg remained a bit weak, he was not nearly so terribly off as before. Well- he had the occasional moment of unnatural fatigue, but that was probably just a lingering consequence of recent trauma, and nothing more serious.

And he'd healed just in time, it seemed.

The sound of Breezy yowling draws the Ascian over, wondering what the hell had set the cat off now, only to stop short at the sight of Mira lying limply upon the ground. And while he doesn't exactly rush to her side, he finds himself there not very long after, kneeling down next to her.

Cautiously, he shakes her shoulder, eyes looking over her body for any sign of injury- though he doesn't expect to find anything. The way she'd been pushing herself for the past month or more- it hadn't gone unnoticed. And though he'd disapproved, Emet-Selch hadn't gotten involved, apart from asking her to rest with him for at least a few hours, now and again. Her health was her responsibility; just as it was absurd for her to look after the health of a man she'd killed, it was likewise absurd for that man to take any concern in the welfare of his murderer.

Bringing a hand to Mira's cheek, he's not remotely surprised at the heat- though he is, annoyingly, a touch alarmed at the strength of it.

Still crouching over her, the Ascian sighs.]

You're being very inconsiderate, you realize.

[Lying on the floor like this, unconscious. Feverish. Working herself to the point of collapse, leaving him no choice but to carefully gather her up in his arms and carry her upstairs to her room. It was a good thing his shoulder was mostly back to normal- or at least good enough for this.

It's enough to make it to her room, at least, though it's with some relief that he's able to set her back down, upon her bed. Straightening back up, he observes her with a frown; he'd done his part, right? Despite this, he doesn't immediately leave Mira to her fate.]

Bad Mom

[darkcharge]

Now whose fault is that? It's almost like someone tried to warn you and, amazingly, you are just as stubborn as that very same person.

[ Obviously he is talking about himself. Though Vanitas had tried to get Mira to slow it down and rest a little. Not his fault that she hadn't bothered to heed any of his warnings.

Though really this only goes to show that everyone here, save maybe Emet-Selch, doesn't know when to stop. Doesn't know when to call it quits because of something like pride or out of commitment to duty.

Van sighs, siting on her bed even though he hadn't been invited inside the room at all. ]

[poisontippedcure]

[When Rose comes back from the expedition, she isn’t happy. Rose already feels like she has enough on her plate, between worrying about the Exarch, Tataru, Thancred, and the rest of them. She would at least think that Mira would have the sense to take care of herself!]

[But she doesn’t, and so Rose finds herself at the other house, tea kettle in hand. It isn’t hard to get in, not when she’s well-aquatinted with all the housemates. Between Irhya, Vanitas, and Emet, they’re all happy to let her go on her way.]

[She spots a book on the first floor and decides to take it with her. By all accounts, it’s probably Mira’s.]

[When Mira wakes up, she’ll see an angry looking Miqo’te standing over her, with a cup of tea and book in hand, and a frown on her face.]

You have some explaining to do.

naps

[glitzandglamour]

[This is the second time he's come to this house, though he's entirely unfamiliar with the list of people who live here. All he knows is that Emet-Selch does, and if he were to wager a guess... His other Bondmates? Possibly. That is, if he's not living like a hermit all alone. Ha, ha. He snorts at the thought from behind the quaint door, preparing to make his grand entrance.

And then he does what Mettaton does best. He kicks the door open and calls into the house, not seeing any stir of life just yet.]

Yoo-hoo! It's me again!! Did you miss me?? I'm sure you've been aching to continue our discussion... You can't hide from me, darling!

[Hm! Who might he be trying to talk to...? His tone of voice is somehow a mix of playful malice, like he's delivering a threat made sugary sweet by virtue of it coming from his own mouth.

Of course, what Mettaton doesn't know is that it's Mira who's closest to receiving her, uh, surprise company, and that she's fast asleep on the couch. He's considered that she lives here already, based on his previous talks with both her and Emet-Selch... But it's not confirmed. It would be a nicer surprise to find her instead of him, honestly!

Bottom line? He's being mean, and waking Mira. By forcing the door open loudly, with his foot. Hopefully he didn't break it. Mettaton's always had a bad grasp of door etiquette, thanks to his varied history with not needing them and not always using them.]

[inlikethebrume]

[The good news is that the door isn't broken so no one needs to do any repairs. The bad news however is that the first thing the metal puca will notice is an angry cat standing on her hind legs growling and hissing at the stranger. She almost crouched down in an attack but it is the words of the hyur, who was startled by the noise that stop her.]

Seven Hells, are we under a bloody attack?!

[How long has she been asleep?! Looking at the clock it barely seemed like twenty minutes but Mira jumps from the couch and rushes to the front door and sees a familiar face. And her cat ready to fight. First things first, grab the minion and make sure she does not attack whoever is here.]

Breezy, what are you doing? Down gaelkitten! [The kitten grumbles as Mira finally takes a look at who has entered and she's surprised. Also wondering if somehow she left the door open but surprised to see a somewhat familiar face.] Mettaton! This is a pleasant surprise!

[...wait, how the hells did he get the address? Why was he here anyway? But even with those questions, it's nice to see the robot outside of horrible settings.]

that sure is some animals going off on an adventure

[slayvega]

[ Chise had only planned to walk about to stretch her legs and get some fresh air. It was easy to lose track of time and spent several hours cooped up in her apartment, but when she felt the stiffness in her limbs from sitting for hours on end, she knew it was time to take a break from studying.

But she had had no idea that her little stroll about this place would have her stumbling across this unfamiliar house, let alone catching sight of the odd pair of creatures flying over and past her head. Looking from that to the source of the voice calling out to her, Chise nodded as she pointed back in the direction of the pair. ]

Does that happen often... ?

Emet-Selch | OTA

[unsundered]

i
[So, Emet-Selch was outside, sitting on the ground, next to a tree.

Yes, there was snow on the ground. Yes it was cold and grey and the chill didn't feel all that great in already aching bones. But the air was clear, and it was, more than anything else, not his room. The Ascian was very tired of his room. Was anyone other than himself keeping him in his room? No. If anyone had tried, he might've attempted to leave it sooner. No, it was only his own lack of inclination and energy that kept him housebound, and while those things remained true, they had been joined by a growing restlessness.

But what was there to expend it on? He still tired easily, and his natural state was one of poor energy. He'd never been able to motivate himself to do things that didn't interest him, and this remained true. If anything, he possessed even fewer cares for the state of the city or this world, beyond a skeptical and suspicious watchfulness of it. As long as his housemates and a select few others were alive and well enough, that was all his motivation could handle. Even that much had its complications; he was still in the process of accepting that he not only couldn't do everything on his own, but that others, for whatever reason, wanted to look after him.

Nonsense. But while the cold air didn't clarify anything, his mind did feel a bit clearer for it.

With his eyes closed, he probably looks like he's asleep. But he's not actually; after everything that had happened, being so unguarded anywhere was not an appealing thought. But it's still an odd sight. Who would just sit outside in weather like this? Does he even live here? He doesn't even have a chair.]


ii
[This time the Ascian is asleep, though he's inside, sprawled out over an entire couch (with some overhang). For variety. What recklessness. Also this is apparently some kind of napping couch, because this isn't the first time someone has fallen asleep on it.

He doesn't look very comfortable, or perhaps he often looks irritable when he's asleep. What probably doesn't help is that there's one gaelikitten napping on his chest, and one Flood... at least resting near his legs. Do they need to sleep? Apparently even when the Ascian is unconscious he's a fine source of negativity. Or a fine napping spot.

Try not to startle him too badly, you might disturb the pets.]


iii
[Outside once more, what energy is this? Emet-Selch is even clearly awake this time, standing a fair ways back from that striking dummy that graces the backyard.

Unlike everyone else in this household, the Ascian was neither a sword or sword-like user. He wasn't a melee-person at all, and had no interest in becoming one. But there was no reason why a mage couldn't use this thing either, right? Even if there was, that wasn't about to stop him; there was only so much idleness he could stand, and his Warriors weren't the only ones with a destructive need after the events of that week. It was only recently that he'd been in any condition to indulge it.

But it was more than that. Though he'd hardly neglected his magic before, it had clearly not been enough. He needed additional power, better spells- anything to prevent something like that from happening again.

A sharp gesture; a pool of darkness briefly bubbles up underneath the striking dummy, cracking the base, staining the earth. Dark Eruption. Considering the marks on the ground, the perfect circle that's free of snow (and grass for that matter), this isn't the first cast. But he seems dissatisfied.

There was different magic available in this world. There was nothing keeping him from using spells that were something other than Dark-aspected apart from personal preference. There was, likewise, nothing keeping him from developing something new, rather than painstakingly attempting to recreate his old spells. And yet, that's what he does; as ever, he was lost without the familiar.

No, the problem was that he needed to remake something bigger.

Taking a breath, he concentrates, arm out before him, eyes closed. Even when he'd had his original abilities, this sort of spell had a cast time....

Ravenous Assault. This time, a pillar of shadow bursts from the ground, impenetrably dark, practically shuddering with energy- and the striking dummy shatters. Splinters of wood explode from the center of the pillar with a loud crack, and when the darkness fades some seconds later, there's nothing left but a blackened hole in the ground. And a whole lot of scattered debris.

Even so, as Emet-Selch observes the ruins he'd created, he looks more thoughtful than satisfied. Don't worry housemates; he's decent enough at Conjuration, he'll replace whatever he destroys.]

iii

[darkcharge]

[ Guess who is also finally out of his room and outside? The teenager is actually feeling better by this point such is the affect of having a Bond and has taken it upon himself to greet the day. Okay, he isn't exactly greeting the day, but he is watching Emet-Selch practice magic on some dummies. Really, he sort of enjoys that sort of thing? The Ascian has some decent spells and ones that Vanitas hasn't actually seen before.

Maybe through watching he'll, eventually, be able to cast them himself? That's the idea anyway.

He whistles as the dummy shatters and sends pieces of wood in every direction. Now that is an interesting take on a pillar of darkness. ]

Someone is starting to look pretty healthy.

[ Don't mind him, old man. Vanitas is leaning against a wall of the house with a cup in his hands. What can Van say? He likes hot chocolate. ]

i.

[glitzandglamour]

[People who shouldn't be outside sitting in the snow might include those of flesh and bone, and Mettaton's not much of either of those things. (Flesh is debatable.) Most certainly, Emet-Selch is entirely both, and in a state of recovery to boot.

Not that Mettaton isn't also recovering, though in his unorthodox way. If anyone doubted that he could look any worse than before the Rathmores exacted their cruel touch upon his form, they would be easily proven wrong. Though he covers up the worst of it in fabric accessories and bandages. Even still, as the cyborg-Puca wanders through the city, bystanders gasp and look away in muted horror at his remaining disfigurement. At this point, it's cosmetic damage if it's metal, but the Puca parts of him are worse than ever. He's plenty used to gawking, as among the most obvious of the Mirrorbound and an anachronism to boot.

While it frustrates him to be so out of control of his body's rebellion, he's put together his shambling image and lets them stare. Mettaton has things to look forward to, and no time to waste. And when he catches Emet-Selch's figure in the distance, one of those things comes closer to his grasp.

Running is not as easy as it was in his dreams. In fact, he's regularly in such poor condition that he limps — running is off the table. But he makes an exception here in his excitement. The android picks up speed on his silvery feet, barreling right for Emet-Selch...

All in the name of making his dramatic entrance.]

There you are, gorgeous!!

[Mettaton takes one good leap to close the rest of the distance, against anyone's better judgement. What's judgement in the face of theatrics, and what's any of that to a monster-Monster who has gone on this long without allowing himself a Bond? That chapter's going to be closed.

Mettaton lands in the snow and slides, stopping his movement by dropping his good arm against the ground. Is this some good change in scenery?]

Oooh, and it looks like you're alive... Barely. Though before I got up close and personal, I had my doubts. [He smirks.] I do love being right... Well! Aren't you excited?? To Bond with me...?

[It's a thrill a minute within twenty feet of Mettaton, constantly.]

Vanitas | ota

[darkcharge]

( Stress Relief )

[ Seems like the dummy that they have is going to get some pretty good use after all. Now that Vanitas isn't at risk for exploding or doing whatever it is that people without a Bond do, he is feeling stupidly restless and not in any mood to actually study. He probably could ask people in the house if they want to spar, but for a little bit here Vanitas actually wants to destroy something. He wants to feel Void Gear connect with something solid.

So that is what he is doing for some time. Vanitas is just wailing away at the dummy, taking chunks off of it every few strikes with his heavy Keyblade. There's no rhyme or reason to his swings. It's just pure stress relief. He doesn't care who is watching or if anyone is alarmed. This is just working out his frustrations in the most brutal, violent way possible.

Later, however... After Vanitas, you know, puts back together the dummy with magic... Well the weapon he has in his hands is most definitely not a Keyblade. Someone had gifted him a spear kit the other month and now Vanitas is somewhat interested in learning how to wield it. He's never seen anyone use one of these before. Everyone he knows uses various blades.

That isn't going to stop him from taking a few jobs and at least try to get a feel for the thing. ]


( What are Emotions )

[ It's been happening at random, really. Call it a side effect from being Bonded to a kid that is super cheerful and, well, kind of everywhere with his emotions some times. Whatever the case, it still feels strange. It isn't like the connection with Ventus, where the emotion his other half feels is distant and somewhat disconnected from his own.

So maybe during a visit or when someone is passing by they'll actually hear Vanitas bust out laughing. For what seems like no reason at all. Or, perhaps, one minute he is talking and the next? Well those are certainly tears rolling down his cheeks and he looks so confused as to what is going on. Or... Maybe. The strangest thing of all?

He's smiling. Softly.

What is even happening here? Because you can bet as soon as Vanitas realizes what he's doing, he is horrified. ]



( Practicing Pays Off )

[ With the weather warming up and the snow melting, one would think that things would become a little greener, right? Well, it doesn't really matter. The half-dead, half-dormant plants around the house provide Vanitas with an opportunity that he isn't likely to pass up. He still is working on the healing arts, something that he continues to struggle with. Sure, Vanitas gets a little help with that from a tutor of sorts... But it doesn't hurt to keep at it on his own.

Plants are easier to deal with than people, honestly. Now that he actually does have some positive experiences with people and more stabilized magic... Well why can't Vanitas see what he can do.

For a good, long while does he stay at this particular bush. His eyes are closed and Vanitas is focused. At his point he pretty much tunes everything out. Slowly, but surely, the bush begins to sprout new leaves. These aren't the small, deformed leaves that he is used to seeing the many times that he has tried this. Oh no.

When Vanitas opens his eyes again and sees the bush green and full, even he looks shocked. How had that happened? ]


( Wildcard )

[ Hit me with anything. ]

E M O T I O N S

[kivatteru]

[ Wataru never expected such a sight to welcome his eyes while he was taking a leisure walk after studying hard at the Coven for the day. The laugh, he didn't recognize, but the moment he turned his gaze curiously to see who was having such a good time, he froze on the spot.

Vanitas... or someone who looks like him, perhaps? No, it's definitely Vanitas. He just seems unrecognizable because he's actually smiling, so gently, and Wataru is thrown off the loop instantly.

The grouchy, angry, tenseful boy with issues about missing his half and all those things Wataru didn't really understand... is so devoid of darkness now it almost seems wrong. ]

...

[ Blinking a few times, he then recollects himself and tries to act normal while greeting the boy. Despite the weirdness, that's... definitely a good thing to see. ]

Hello, Vanitas. It's been a while.

wildcard bc u trust me

[callmeven]

[is vanitas wondering where his little flood might be right now? well wonder no longer!

the sound of the little collar tinkling can be heard as ventus, shifted in his turnskin form, trots around the house with the flood delicately scruffed in his mouth. he had followed the scent here with the hopes of finding its home...

so here he is.]

practicing pays off

[oathkeeper]

[It's been a few days since Sora's arrival now. A super strange arrival that Sora's still trying to process. Everything happened to him so fast and now he's wrapped up in this whole new world and city with so much to learn and see. Luckily it's a little easier to adjust with Kairi and Riku here. With a festival of some sort going, Sora has been ready to stretch his legs a little and explore after having seen them. Luckily, he seems to have avoided the execution and heavy politics going on too. At least for now.

He still hasn't forgotten about how he and a certain someone had bonded on Sora's first day too. While he can feel this tug inside of his chest now, the rush of negative emotions sometimes making him ache inside or tremble occasionally, it's been mostly a curious and pleasant experience. Even if he and Vanitas have sort of ... avoided each other a little bit for a day or two now.

But that's why Sora heads over to that little cottage now with a little paper sack filled with cream puffs he'd gotten. When he starts to walk up he can already feel that Vanitas is casting some sort of tingly spell because it makes his own fingers twitch. He only catches the last half of Vanitas' spell casting, the flicker of magic in the air making his nose itch.]

Vanitas? Did you just do that?

[Hi again!]

Practicing Pays Off

[wordsinthesoul]

[He's just checking in, but. Huh. Well then.]

That looks like a job well done. [He leans in to look a little closer, to take a better look, with a glance at Vanitas.]. …have you been working on this for a while?

BONUS PROMPT: COMING HOME

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas had actually been somewhat excited for the chance to get out of the city and explore the areas surrounding. Well, as excited as one like him can get, of course. However, he is far less thrilled upon returning to the city and to the house. There's no scene as he enters the house. No fuss made.

In fact, Van barely acknowledges anyone as he makes his way back to his room. There are bruises on his face, now starting to fade a bit. He hasn't even bothered to heal them or the split lip and scrapes.

Even his Flood tends to stick close, which is probably a good indicator of his mood. Vanitas is a bundle of mixed emotions, as ever. He wants to be let alone, but doesn't necessarily like being alone. But for the next few days, he does keep to himself more, brooding expression at all. He barely even seems to come out of his room.

Oh he is definitely a moody teenager at this point. ]

closed: Sora

[darkcharge]

[ It takes a couple of days and maybe his hug with Mira for Vanitas to finally begin to be a little less stand off-ish and prickly. At least he's not snapping at people and closing himself off entirely. Not quite the same for his bond though. Vanitas is keeping pretty tight control over what is passing through from his end. If he could control it both ways, then he probably would. Van would love nothing more than to cut himself off.

And, perhaps, he will. That had been his original plan, hadn't it? Get a different Bond and get out of the one ha he was so sure would end up being too much for the brat to take. But no, he had thought that maybe the kid had deserved a shot. However even that bright little light had marched off without nary a care. So maybe it is time to just let that go.

Van is in his room again, of course. This time it's more with a book in hand than anything else. The bruises are fading, but the cuts are still there. The bite mark too, really, the bandaging a little more visible now that he isn't wearing anything to cover it. The Flood remains close by still, drawn towards Vanitas and what negative feelings he still is clinging to at the moment. ]