fourteen | oo24 [ voice // action for housemates ]

[ Xion sits down to make this post in her room, quietly unhappy about it, but knowing she has to persevere. He wouldn't want her to be sad, she knows it.

She'll have to find a new teacher.

But Xion finds she just can't sit still, and rises, speaking as she moves down the hall. ]

For anyone who knew him... Longshot has...

[ then she notices something. Sora's door is slightly ajar, and the inside of the room...

as if entranced, Xion slows, then moves towards it, giving a gentle push. ]

Gone ...

[ it's empty. the room is empty, completely bare of any sign that Sora was ever there. ]

... home.

[ and that's it. Xion has lowered her journal, giving an upside-down view of the wall through the journal's camera as she stares at this empty room.

it takes a moment -- a long, numb, endlessly empty moment that may go on for two or even three minutes -- for Xion to sink to her knees. only then does she finally, slightly, come back to her senses. she adds her final statement in a voice that, while even, is just barely above a whisper. ]

And ... and Sora ... Sora has also ... gone home.

[ if heartbreak had a sound, it would sound like her voice. for anyone who replies to her over the journals, it will be some time before she responds. housemates will likely get to her first. ]

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[It takes him a moment to answer. Somehow, it was like talking to a mirror - one that was made the day Fina had left this place, leaving him behind in only the most poetic form irony had to offer.]

I know.

[The way Xion is speaking...he recognizes it. That tender, bruised tone. Sora...whoever that boy is, he was important to her.

And unless they meet here, she will not see him again. Ramirez can hear it in her voice, because all it brings to mind is how his last chance at seeing his childhood friend had only slipped through his fingers once again.]

...I'm so sorry.

The lake. [ A pause. ] The closer one. Why?

Then... do what your instinct tells you to. Run for a while, cry, stay with your loved ones... There are many ways to express whatever you may feel, even if you aren't sure of it.

Mm...

I wish you well, all the same.

I know. But... well, we should do something. You know, something fun?

It'd just - be nice to see you, that's all.

... I'd like that ... later. [ not today. smiling today would feel wrong. ]

Are you sure?

[He was afraid of that.]

Later, then.

[ ... oh ]

I can come back to the village if you want.

[ And here she had the perfect lecture all prepared about how it's okay to cry in front of friends. Though if Xion doesn't need to and isn't just holding it in, then she doesn't really have anything to complain about.

Still, a while after Xion has calmed down, she feels the need to make sure. ] If you need to cry, you really don't have to hold back, you know.

[Well, here. He'll pull her into a hug.

Man, this bites.]

If that's okay. . .

... sorry.

[ oof. she'll lean her head on his shoulder once he does that, letting out a quiet sigh. ]

... I hope you're right about that.

[Sanji takes one look at her and ushers her inside, the door quickly closed by his foot.

He's half-tempted to offer her a nap, not a hug.]

Thirsty? [Gotta get formalities out of the way first]

... I'm not. But I have to get through this somehow, right...?

Alright. Where do you want me to go?

[ she unwinds her powder blue scarf, opening her mouth to say no...

... when suddenly she realizes she hasn't had anything to eat or drink in hours. not since some time before she discovered Sora was missing. biting her lip as she pulls her scarf all the way off, she nods. ]

Actually, yeah.

[He sends her a thoughtful glance; he expected her to reject the offer.

He's more than happy to accommodate the request, though. There's something reassuring about keeping his hands busy and taking care of someone else]

Alright, I'll get some tea ready for us. [A nod towards the kitchen, indicating she should follow]

[ it's strange. many things are different, when she's with Sanji.

she doesn't hedge as much, and she's not nearly as self-deprecating. asking for something like this isn't something she'd normally even consider; but because it's Sanji... ] Would you mind making something for us to eat, too? I'm starving. I haven't had anything since way before we even found out Sora was gone. [ she frowns a little in sadness and concern, starting to pull off her jacket. ] It's been a long day.

[And he gets to cook for her? Well he brightens considerably.]

Of course! Anything you're in the mood for? Or just whatever's quickest?

[He'll get to that last part in a second]

You don't need to apologize.

[ hee. seeing him smile makes her feel a little better. her expression softens a bit, though she doesn't actually smile. ]

Whatever is quickest. I'm sure it'll still be delicious.

[ she keeps her coat and scarf in her arms while they're in the kitchen, not wanting to simply set them down on a counter. part of her wants to ask if she can help with the cooking... but she'd rather just eat than have a lesson. ]

[Alright, then he'll default to sandwiches. He gets out the bread, the meats - ham and salami - some feta cheese and pepper jack and a tiny bit of mozzarella, decides against any dressing for now, and eventually settles on throwing a fried egg into the mix. Something quick and hot.

He only asks one question as he works to put the sandwich together]

How's everyone coping at your house?

Page 6 of 9

oo24 [ voice // action for housemates ]

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