we'll make it to the foot of the rainbow.

[cantante]

Who: Tear (and open!)
When: May 15th
Where: Around Aqures Ixen.
What: Tear wakes up from having spent a month in stasis, now to navigate her way through the storm because Bad Life Choices.
Warning: None so far!

[ The first thing that registers, even before opening her eyes, was sound—or rather, the lack thereof. It was unsettling, and the sight that met her when she did at last reveal blue irises was even more so when the haze of sleep was slow to dissipate completely. Confusion took its place, because this was definitely not where she remembered falling asleep.

Fortunately, Tear was quick to recognise her surroundings. For all the times she had visited this particular wing of the hospital, waking up locked within it was another thing entirely, especially surrounded by familiar faces that had yet to wake up themselves.

She couldn't tell how long she spent studying them before releasing a tired sigh, turning toward the door to request she be allowed out. The time that followed after was a blur, only vaguely catching the calls of the occasional person she passed by in the halls. It was only when she reached the entrance and she stepped out that it occurred to her what they might have wanted her attention for, stopping dead in her tracks at the sight of the darker clouds and heavy rain that fell from them.

Needless to say, barefoot and in a nightgown were probably not the best way to travel through such weather. However, such a thing wasn't about to stop her, because there was the one thing she knew she had to do for certain—she had to find home.

So with a frown on her face, she tentatively placed one step forward to start the trek in search of it or for any other familiar faces that might come across her path. And hopefully, she would find more suitable to wear soon... ]

Comments

[dancingbaronet]

Having bought a new commissioned coat from the local clothing store, Zack felt pretty good when he noticed a familiar figure down the road. Wait, was that Tear? What was...?

Whelp.

Running up to her, he waved at Tear while taking off his Team Baron coat and held it in his arms.]

Hey, Tear. I was wondering when you were going to wake up. Coat?

[He offered his coat to her, just for the sense of modesty.]

[cantante]

[ Tear at least had the good fortune to hear Zack's approach, despite the heavy sounds of the rain. So she's quick to turn around and face him, eyes widening in surprise as soon as she recognised who it was. ]

Zack...! [ She was certainly glad to see him, though with the sight of the coat being offered she couldn't help feeling a little sheepish. ]

It wasn't my intention to go into stasis. [ She smiled briefly. ] Are you sure you'll be all right without it?

[dancingbaronet]

I'll be fine. It's not the first time I've walked in rain without a coat.

[Offering the jacket to her, he grinned a little.] I've been worried but I'm glad you woke up. Go on.

[cantante]

But you're not the one foolish enough to go out into a storm without one anyway. [ Yes, she is fully aware of what a Not Smart decision this was, but priorities.

Nonetheless she accepts the coat, and rather shyly as she's slow to put it on. ] Well, I'm awake now... Unfortunately, there's a lot that I might need to catch up on.

[ Like say, what day it is. ]

[dancingbaronet]

To be fair, I like the rain. I've always have.

[Even if some of his most amazing fights were in the rain. But he nodded at Tear.]

I'll help. It's not like I've got anything to do right now, so I should be fine to help.

Want to get something to eat first? I'm sure you haven't eaten since, oh, last month.

[cantante]

Ah... [ It wasn't that she didn't appreciate Zack's generosity—far from it really, if the small smile making its way to her face again was any indication. ]

Maybe. I don't mean to sound rude or ungrateful, I'm just a little worried about others who might have been waiting for me—...

[ Speaking of. ] It was a month?

[dancingbaronet]

That's fine, we can get something later if you want. Or I can cook at the house.

[He nodded.] Yeah, it's been a month. I think you slipped into stasis quite some time into the last month and then now. So it's been almost exactly a month. Funny how that works, right?

[cantante]

Perhaps something lighter, for now... You don’t have to go to all this trouble. [ Now that she knew she was gone for so long, hunger definitely wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. ]

I’m not sure if ‘funny’ is the word I would use… [ More like worrying. ] —but if you could tell me what happened, I would very much appreciate it.

[melnics]

( the rain didn't seem to bother meredy in the least, as she and quickie jumped from puddle to puddle splashing about. she had an umbrella in her hand, but it seemed to go by the wayside every now and then in favour of the good time she was having.

it was the blue furred one that noticed tear first, looking over her way with an inquisitive — ) Kwi kwik?

( that drew meredy's attention. turning towards the source, and smiling, apparently not bothered by the other girl's choice of outfit, she smiled brightly with a big wave. ) Hello, hello!

[cantante]

[ Well, at least one person was having fun, it seemed, and Tear couldn't help smiling a little when she heard the calls of the blue furry creature. Though it had been some time since they last spoke, she remembered them both quite fondly.

The returning wave isn't as enthusiastic as Meredy's, it could even be called uncertain, but Tear nonetheless makes her way closer, doing the exact opposite as the other girl in avoiding the puddles. ] Hello... I wasn't expecting to see many others out.

[pole_position]

[Pyrrha's never met Tear before, but the state she's in is worrisome enough that she decides to check on her as she passes by.]

...Are you all right? Do you need to borrow some clothes?

[cantante]

[ Tear's not in so much of a hurry that she doesn't stop when Pyrrha calls out to her, though she does seem confused for a moment. ]

Borrow—? [ The more protection against the rain the better, but did she look that bad, walking around like this? ]

[pole_position]

Yes... if you need to. It's very rainy out, you don't want to catch cold.

[Pyrrha: everyone's mom.]

[cantante]

[ Noooo, she already doesn’t know what to do with one mom. ]

I think it would take more than this for me to get sick. [ Tear, don't go tempting fate. ] But if you insist, I can't turn down your help.

[pole_position]

Better safe than sorry. There's a strange sickness going around town.

[Pyrrha gets in front of Tear, crouching down with her arms behind her.]

All right, hop on.

[Yes, she is actually offering a piggyback ride.]

[cantante]

So I've heard, I'm afraid I'm still catching up on—

[ Tear stops the moment Pyrrha crouches down before her, clearly confused by the stance. Give her a few seconds.

... Pyrrha, what are you doing? What is the meaning of this? ]

Hop—? You don't have to, this is entirely unnecessary!

[ She is a almost grown woman...! ]

[pole_position]

[Sorry, Tear. This is just how Pyrrha is - overbearingly kind and helpful, to the point of it being unintentionally uncomfortable.]

It's fine, I don't mind at all! You shouldn't be walking the streets barefoot in a storm like this.

[cantante]

I was the one who chose to... [ To say Tear was feeling conflicted wouldn't be far off the mark—but it wasn't because she was in a hurry to be carried around, it was because the longer she delayed her decision the longer Pyrrha would likely stay out in the rain with her.

Biting her lip softly, the girl closed her eyes in exasperation. ] You're absolutely sure of this?

[confidentia]

[ Coming back from his check-up to the sight of an empty hospital bed didn’t bring Ace the relief he had sought. On the contrary, there was something unsettling about the timing of it all, for he’d been gone for no more than thirty minutes when it happened - and it would have been much more if only he’d let the novice healers have their way with treating his wounds.

Though moving still caused him some discomfort, the matters of his own wellbeing quickly got pushed aside as hurriedly left the wing and proceeded to scan the corridors for the familiar silhouette; fruitlessly. At that time of the day, there were hardly any patients to be found walking down the halls, the majority of the visitors made up of locals seeking refuge from the relentless rain.

Ah, rain. Stopping by the entrance to collect a breath, he watched the cascades drum against the door, unsure where to head his steps next with no more ground left to cover. Unless.... Suddenly, he just knew exactly where to look, chiding himself in his thoughts for having wasted so much time before.

Pulling a hood over his head in one swift motion, he stepped outside, letting the torrent soak the bandages so meticulously applied moments before, out of lack of options; his spells didn't offer much in terms of protection against the elements. So long as he could reach her soon enough, it was a small price to pay.

And a real test of his patience, too, for the doubt had begun to creep in before he finally spotted the melodist wandering in the rain. ]

Tear!

[ What it lacked in affection, the tone certainly gained in desperation, a simple wish to get a confirmation of her presence before he could even attempt to put his feelings back in order. ]

[cantante]

[ By now Tear had received help from various other concerned Heroes, having been patient in accepting their concern over her state of dress and simply being awake again. However, she had been insistent in pressing forward toward her goal, offering little in terms of explanation beyond quiet requests that they be understanding. Thus, her persistence may as well have rendered many of those efforts moot after yet another trek amidst the relentless weather.

But the fact of the matter was that Tear felt she had to find home, to return to that place as soon as possible. Yet upon hearing that voice, it occurred to her that she should have known he would have come searching for her, too. There was only enough time for a sharp gasp before she turned around, eyes widening not only in response to the familiar sound, but to way the emotion it carried seemed to pierce into her heart. All it took was one word, her name to know that she had to hurry to his side so he wouldn't have to feel that emotion for one second longer.

It was her body that began to move of its own accord, taking several hesitant steps toward him as she struggled to make out his features through the downpour. ]

Ace... I'm... [ Her voice, already so soft and tight with her own emotions, trailed away as she closed her eyes to better pull herself together. No, he needed more from her than this; with a deep breath she began again, stronger than before, so that he might hear her over the cadence of falling water. ]

I'm right here, Ace.

[confidentia]

[ Needing no more reassurance, Ace rushed to her side, blinking away the raindrops trickling down his face to make sure he wasn't merely imagining things as the image of the melodist came into sight. Finding her barefoot in the middle of a storm would probably make for a strange discovery, if only everything else wasn't overshadowed by the feelings of relief that came crashing down in waves.

For all the conversations he had imagined to have with her upon her return, holding the real one proved to be somewhat difficult, so he instantly sought her hands for the support. ]

Well… you didn’t make it easy for me to find you. Are you done running away?

[ With that, the boy leaned forward, nudging her forehead lightly with his own. What was in nature meant to be a teasing gesture, quickly turned against him as he revelled in the comforting warmth, hesitant to pull back. He felt like laughing, for the first time in weeks, though his voice, now softer with affection, still sounded a bit strained. ]

… Stubborn as ever.

[ The cadet knew he wasn’t one to talk, with the array of bruises that only reminded him of the unfortunate clash he’d gotten himself into and lost. In fact, he could already imagine the expression of utter disapproval gracing her features if she were to find out, something he wouldn't even mind that much. Her anger would be at the very least justified, unlike the feelings of guilt for actions she hadn't been responsible for.

Staring down at her hands placed in his, he thought back to the letters that had kept him company these past two weeks, remainders of the time when she'd been just as lonely and confused. He had never given these feelings enough attention to grasp the weight behind them until being struck with it on the day of her disappearance.

Now that they were even, all he wanted was to get home. ]

[cantante]

As always, if it means keeping up with you. [ Tear had submitted to his touch immediately, thumb stroking his fingers gently to further reassure him that yes, she was here and had no desire to leave his side, less so when she could still hear the toll her absence might have inflicted in his voice. Closing her eyes, a smile lingered on her lips after Ace had finished saying his piece, to which there were several ways she could finish answering.

For the time being she felt it best to try and match his tone, managing a slight nod despite her lingering worry. ]

Running away, though... That would depend, would you allow me if I tried? [ Opening her eyes again, in that moment it occurred to her that she had to look up just a little more than she remembered doing so in order meet his gaze. The realisation struck her as odd, because even if she had been in stasis for a month, Ace surely couldn't have grown significantly in such short a time... Right? However, it wasn't often that she was without footwear.

It was this observation that led her to inspect his features as much as the rain would allow her, and what brought the bandage on his face to her immediate attention. Reluctantly, she pulled one of her hands out of his hold so she could trace the tips of her fingers along the affected area instead, eyes filled with questions. ]

[confidentia]

[ Ace, on the other hand, scowled at the question, answering in a quieter voice that almost drowned in the cascades of rain. ]

Well... who am I to hold you against your will? [ He couldn't quite figure out why the thought upset him the way it did, but it did hurt to consider losing her again, regardless of the lighthearted context. Pushing away the unwanted mention, he focused on their intertwined fingers, and closeness that he had so dearly missed, instead of giving in to irrational fears. Something about it helped him sort out his priorities, and calm down.

Feeling the soft pressure against his cheek, he made a soft sound of protest before turning his head. Though the damp cloth was no longer fulfilling its original purpose, it worked as a way to contain the girl's curiosity for the time being. He then lifted his free hand to place it over hers and push it away, gently. ]

A claw. I got the wound cleaned out, so do not worry. [ Of course it wouldn't suffice as an answer. Looking mildly apologetic, the boy went on. ] I was one corridor away... I knew you would come back.

I also assumed you would notice the clothes I had left for you by the bed. [ Motioning to her bare feet, he chuckled, his tone filled with warmth. Not that he blamed her, confusion being an inevitable part of each awakening; it had just been a while since he could fluster her some. ]

[cantante]

[ Again, there were several ways she could respond to his question, but Tear chose to keep her silence this time as she nodded once and continued stroking his fingers. That wasn't to say she wasn't going to try and fuss over the injury now that she knew its origin—why a claw?

Except he had to bring attention to her unfortunate state of dress, and flustered she was if the faint blush on her cheeks and slight pout were anything to go by. Despite the embarrassment that came with it, the more Ace spoke the more relief she felt, swelling when his laughter reaches her ears. A smile once again touched her lips, joined by a weak chuckle of her own. ]

If I'd known you were that close, I would have stayed. I wasn't sure of what day it was, if you were working...

[ Because if he had been, then waiting at home would definitely be the logical solution. ]

[confidentia]

[ He also knew when to stop, placing a finger on the girl's lips in a silent expression of understanding. There were more important issues to address that took precedence over idle chatter, and better places to seek shelter from the rain than the middle of a road. A faint chill that ran through his body further strengthened his resolve to move, and unlike hers, his attire provided some protection, at the very least. ]

Hold onto me and watch your step.

[ It would have decidedly been easier to carry her across the pools of water at their feet, but wounds weren't so forgiving as to allow for such a feat. He waited for her to slip her arm into his, ever resisting the urge to pull the melodist close. There would be time for that. ]

Also, I, uh... I took a day off. I did not want to miss a birthday, so I won't be working today.

[ He kept his eyes on the road ahead, but his lips curled into a knowing smirk. So, maybe Sein had been letting him on certain facts and providing him with cheer when there had been none. The Moogle deserved to hear some words of gratitude later. ]