keychained | 010; [video/action for route 32 outside Union]

[video, glorious video. Sora's finally gotten his 'gear fixed after a week of texting and learning how to make smiley faces with symbols, and although he has to admit the smiley faces are pretty cool, he's much happier to be able to talk to the network face-to-face. sort of face-to-face. he's feeling a lot better, too.]

[so there's a very groggy kid opening up a feed today. it looks like he's just woken up from a fantastic nap, because he has some equally fantastic bedhead: the smaller spikes that usually go every which way are actually almost entirely flattened against his face on one side, and the bigger ones have sort of lost their vaguely coherent shape. it's quite a sight, really, and Sora doesn't seem to realize he has it.]

... Hey. Uh. I got a list of names from everybody who signed up to help with food for the festival from Nurse Joy. If you're still interested, the restaurants in your town would be happy to have you help! And if you were thinking about selling some kind of food from back home at a booth, they've all agreed to let you use their kitchens to make it. You just need to let them know in advance.

-- Oh yeah! Are any of you interested in running booths? If so, what kind?

[Sora pauses here, instinctively rubbing his eyes. as fantastic of a nap that was, he really hasn't been getting enough sleep out here on route 32.]

Ven? Where are you guys? We're just outside Union Cave. And--

[he turns away from the 'gear to address someone off screen. behold, spiky bedhead in all of its majesty!]

Riku! I've got something for you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm... really glad I was there for you, Ven.

And I'm glad I get to meet you now, so I can say thanks.

[surprise! hair ruffles for Sora again, coupled with a warm smile]

Thanks, Sora.

[Sora beams, and scoots a ways so he's sitting next to Ven-- that last hair ruffle completely fixed his bedhead!]

No need to thank me!

[and he falls silent, brows furrowed in thought. was the encounter he did remember related somehow, or did he let someone else into his heart that evening? Sora's straining to remember the voice, but nothing's helping.]

[it's super effective, that hair-ruffling]

I felt like it anyhow.

[because Sora's a good kid, and Ven's pretty sure he sees more reason for the kid to have a keyblade on a daily basis. still wishes he had a Master to teach him some useful skills, but Ven bets he'll be alright. of course seeing that expression, he pokes Sora's nose]

Looks like you're giving yourself a headache.

[maybe one day he can convince Master Yen Sid to come out of retirement and teach him a few things. Sora crosses his eyes at the nosepoke.]

M'just thinking. Remember what I told you last week? About my friend that was hurting?

[that'd be pretty darn awesome. or perhaps Master Aqua can give him a few pointers in the meantime...]

Yeah, I remember. What're you thinking about it?

[he'd probably get a lecture or two on his form; Sora is sort of a stiff fighter as a beginner.]

I dunno... I remember them saying that they needed to sleep, and they asked to stay with me, but for the life of me I can't remember their voice.

[possibly so, but at least Aqua's a nice girl. Yen Sid...is a very serious man]

Somebody that needed to sleep...

You know, it's funny - I don't remember the voice I heard four years ago either.

[Yen Sid has one of those glares. Sora places his hands over his heart.]

It's weird. I never really thought about it at all until last week; I just figured whoever it was was still sleeping.

[frowns.]

But... For some reason I get the feeling they're not with me anymore. I hope they're okay.

[he sure does. and Ven glances around to make sure nobody's within earshot before he speaks again]

Remember what you said, about freeing your friend's heart? If somebody else was in there, maybe you let them out, too.

[he places a hand on Sora's shoulder, hoping to reassure him]

I'm sure they're okay.

[it's fun because the only thing stopping them from possibly solving the mystery is a memory lapse. Sora sighs, unconsciously leaning on Ven a little when he places that hand on his shoulder. he hadn't minded putting his own heart in danger for the sake of Kairi's, but he didn't even realize someone else might have been in danger, too.]

I really, really hope so. I guess I have no way of knowing.

[oh yes indeed. and then someday Ven'll get a canon-bump and he'll know Sora's that little kid...someday. in the meantime, Sora can have a one-armed hug]

Things'll work out, so don't worry about it. I'm sure they'll find you again, if they still need to rest up.

[he nods and rests his head on Ven's shoulder, thankful for the hug. it's strange. that uneasy feeling he gets whenever he thinks about his friend's heart being out there on their own has all but melted away right now. not that he'd ever be able to understand why.]

I'll wait for them, then. If they ever need me, I'll be here.

[and Ven's just relieved that Sora appears to take his word for it]

I think that's plenty for anybody.

[y-yawwwwns, despite himself.]

Think they'll be able to find me here, Ven?

[aw Sora, such a sleepyhead]

Of course. You're connected, so distance doesn't matter.

[he can't help it man, he's comfy. and maybe a wee bit sleep-deprived, but that's what naps are for.]

Mmm, you're right.

[needs more naps, Sora. all that running around...]

Yep, so things'll work out.

[nooooo, why do you encourage more naps, Ven; he is succumbing already, and rubbing his eyes.]

[because Ven never has a problem with naps and sleeps in piles with his bffs anyway, man]

You tired?

[he sounds a little sheepish.]

Yeah... I guess I haven't been napping enough lately.

You should get some rest then. Me and the others aren't going anyplace.

I'll just take a quick nap.

[famous last words, Sora-- he curls up a little and closes his eyes. hopefully Ven doesn't mind being used as a pillow for however long Sora winds up napping. not quite as comfy as using a Teddiursa as a pillow, but still pretty comfy.]

Sleep well.

[Ven doesn't mind at all, he might just nod off while he's sitting there too]

010; [video/action for route 32 outside Union]

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