melodiesoflife | Bon Voyage, Amigo

Entry tags:

Bon Voyage, Amigo

Characters: Duster and everyone
Where: Aqures Ixen (Observatory, House A-03, Airship Port) and Balicea
When: July 04th - July 10th.
Summary: Duster sets up a memorial for Zelda and is sad, then mopes around in his house as he thinks about the case he was involved in. He travels to Balicea to clear his mind.
Warning: Discussions of death and murder and all the misery from the event.

July 04th, Observatory

[There's not a lot Duster can do after the bloodbath that lead to Rialynn killing Zelda. No, that wasn't Rialynn, but someone controlling her. One dear friend killing another, resulting in a chaos and tears. Lives senselessly lost because someone hated the Heroes so much.

And now Duster is alone to mull over the tragedy. Despite sharing the same pain of a Hero dying, there aren't man people he feels comfortable approaching. His guilt over killing two friends is nothing compared to the loss the Heroes are feeling. Not only were civilians killed, but they lost a long time friend, one who was a ray of sunshine during these dark times.

He has fond memories of Zelda. Meeting her in the music shop, buying an ocarina together, talking about music, comforting her in the Observatory when Link turned into a statue...so many little moments that are forever lost. Now she lives in the crystals and in their memories. There is a memorial set up to the Heroes outside the observatory, one created months before he arrived, but Zelda deserves something personal from him.

On the fourth, Duster picks one of the room on the second floor. The one where he spoke with Zelda in February. There's an unused set of drawers in the corner, and with a cloth he had Tamekichi buy, he creates a makeshift memorial. Written with paint on a ceramic plaque is "ZELDA", and he brings his offering: the same ocarina he had on him for the past six months. He has to thank her for teaching him and setting him down on the path towards mastering the Bard class.]

July 05th - 07th, House A-03

[Most of the following days are plagued with vivid memories of killing Jack Harkness and Santa. How he carefully stepped across the rooftops, pushed Jack over and watched him calmly as he fell to his death. How he leaped down from the rooftops, striking Santa in the perfect spot to break his neck, feeling the snap underneath his shoe. Remembering running away, not looking back at the bodies of his dead friends.

And they're still here. Jack and Santa are still in Aqures Ixen; they know who killed them. Duster can't imagine running into them in public again without those memories flashing in front of his eyes. Akane might hate him. He can't think about going outside at all. Rialynn has her own problems to worry about. There's not one to really talk to about it.

For the next few days, he holes himself up in his room, lying on his bed or on the couch when Sparks Nevada isn't home and listening to sound of heavy rain hitting the streets and the roof. It's too difficult to get up and walk around again. Perhaps if he just stays here forever, things will work out.]

July 08, Aqures Ixen

[There's one answer for his troubles: go on a trip to sort out his feelings, to somewhere far away from Santa and Jack. If he's having too much fun playing in Balicea, me might feel better about all this. The morning of the 08th, during a non rainy spell between stomrs, Duster packs a small bag containing two days of supplies, and umbrella, and his suit - the one Santa picked out for him. If they're able to talk again, he should thank him.

Duster's switched out his Monk Job for the new Dragoon Job he earned his month. It doesn't feel right to have the abilities that killed two of his friends. Two people he murdered himself. Dragoon isn't completely safe; it reminds him of pushing Jack off the roof, but at least he can't snap people's necks while he isn't carrying a weapon on him.

Before he leaves, he pins a note on the front of the door in case anyone planned on talking to him.]

I'm leaving on a trip today. Be back on the 10th. I need to be alone for a while.

- Duster

[Tamekichi helps hims roll his double bass out the door of his house, down the two steps, and onto the streets towards the airship docks. The Moogle can't carry any of Duster's bags on his own, but he does his best to make sure the bass case doesn't tip over on the uneven cobblestones. It's a slow process, one that gives Duster the time to think about what to do.

He's going to visit the bars. Play some jazz for the patrons not as a Hero of Light, but just Duster. No dead friends or mind controlled friends to worry about.

Anyone keeping an eye out can spot him leaving and walking through Aqures Ixen, his head down and watching the pavement. It's not like he's going to notice you unless he bumps right into you.]

July 08th - 10th, Balicea

[Balicea is a lovely place. If Duster wasn't carrying a bass and he wasn't in the pits of despair, he would love the breeze and cool weather. Stepping off the ramp, he wonders if coming here and performing was ever a good idea.

It's too late to turn back now. With not other choice, he finds an inn and settles down in his room. He has a performance tonight and three tomorrow, which means he has no time to relax. His work ethic kicks in, and with only music worth worrying about, he practices every chance he gets. Songs that will clear the terrible memories and emotions from his mind. Something else to focus on.

When not performing a quiet jazz solo in various bars, he's at the local music shops. His ocarina is now dedicated to his fallen friend, and if he ever wants to use the Bard Job again, he needs a new portable instrument. Not an ocarina, though. That reminds him too much of their first meeting.]

July 10th, Aqures Ixen airship port

[It's raining when the airship lands, but the grey skies don't have the oppressing presence of the ones that he left on his trip. He hasn't forgotten what happened. To forget even the sad things would be disrespectful, and he would learn nothing from it. Instead, his heart is less heavy. The dread that permeated his mind is mostly gone, and he can walk through the streets with a clear head again.

Perhaps someone has been waiting for his arrival.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He wants to say that it's really kind of Aoi to believe in Duster so much, that he can literally trust him with his life, but he's dragged away before he can talk. The instrument case clicks as it rolls over the stones, alerting Tamekichi to their presence.]

There you are, kupo! C'mon, I got your umbrella. Finally.

[Duster looks over at Aoi, then at Tamekichi. He wasn't done catching up, but at the same time, they do have to head home...]

Oh. Aoi, we can keep talking at my place. I can use the extra help carrying my stuff.

[Aoi grunts affirmation and starts walking in the direction of the residential district. He's still got Duster's bag slung over one shoulder and his umbrella in his other hand. Now that Tamekichi has Duster's umbrella, they don't really need to stand so close to one another. But if Duster is quick enough about following, they could still share.]

So, uh, where'd you go? Your note didn't say...

[Duster tugs on the case, setting it rolling again. Tamekichi finds a spot on Duster's shoulder and sits there holding onto the umbrella. God, he thinks he looks so cool, sitting on a hero and wearing shades in the rain. So cool.

Duster, on the other hand, quickens his pace to catch up to Aoi. With umbrellas side-to-side, they aren't as close as they were before, but they can still talk.

...Aoi looks so cold, though.]

Balicea. It's by the sea, so it sort of reminds me of home. [And Trano Golsaucia is too flashy to help him relax, despite having more performing venues.] I ran into Johnny there, but otherwise, it was just me and the local residents. After everything that happened...I needed to be alone.

[The wide, main street provides enough space for the two of them and the instrument case to fit side-by-side, but Duster tries to step closer to Aoi and the awnings of the nearby buildings, tapping their umbrellas and getting disgruntled feather ruffling from Tamekichi.]

Now I'm ready to see everyone again.

[Oh, so he went to be alone with Johnny, huh?]

He's dating someone now, isn't he? It sounded pretty serious in those letters.

[Just, you know, pointing that out. Oh so smoothly.]

[Their umbrellas bump again as they walk, sending droplets flying onto both of them. Aoi shivers, then huffs.]

This is dumb. Move over. [He collapses his umbrella and steps under Duster's.]

Yeah, he was pretty happy with Reno when I talked to him. They were visiting Balicea together at the same time I was. Pretty strange coincidence, huh?

[It might have been destiny for the two of them to meet and talk about what happened. It helped with Duster feeling better about the murders, anyway.]

Wh--

[Before he can answer, Aoi's right next to him. Oh. Well. That fixes some things. And it's warmer. He's not used to people sidling right up to him, but to be honest, after all that happened, he's happy Aoi is acting like they're on even better terms than before he died.

Tamekichi's not pleased with having to move he umbrella around to cover another person, but Duster gladly squeezes closer so that the two don't take up as much space. With the added bonus of his jacket warming up Aoi.]

Yeah, this'll be easier for narrow roads.

Yeah. Pretty strange coincidence.

[He's playing super cool, like walking arm pressed to arm with another guy under an umbrella is no big deal. Yeah, it's warmer, that's all.]

Look, do you wanna...maybe...do the self-defense thing again sometime?

[Walking arm-to-arm is kind of awkward, but unless he wants to wrap his arm around Aoi, this will have to do.

...Not that he would mind, but Aoi will protest against it. Maybe.]

I don't see why not. It'll be a good way to take my mind off of things. [They stop at an intersection.] I switched out my Monk Job for Dragoon, if that helps.

Edited 2016-07-08 17:18 (UTC)

So, what, you're gonna smack me with your big spear? [He's joking. There are too many inappropriate comments to be made about a Dragoon's weapon.]

Maybe I should change too. But freaking Cid, man. He sends me on the most weird-ass missions when I wanna change. It's dangerous. [He's pretty much useless in a fight, which makes it hard for him to switch to a job that would let him fight better. Vicious goddamn cycle.]

Hah...heh. [That's definitely nervous laughter, and not because of the inappropriate implications.] I'm not going to try to kill you again.

[He just got over the murders. Too soon.]

It's not a problem if you go with someone else. I mean, we can team up the next time we need a new Job...

[It'll be a good bonding moment, Duster thinks as he moves his arm behind Aoi's and crosses the road.]

Dude. [Duster, no.] What did I just say to you? I know you're not gonna...

[Is he this infuriating on purpose? Must be karma for Aoi's life of pissing people off.]

Can you stop flailing around back there? Like, holy shit. [He snags Duster's wrist and tugs his arm around his shoulders, because that's easier than having Duster bump into him every freaking second.]

I know, I know, sorry. [Man, he kind of ruined it for Aoi. Him and his uneasiness.] I just don't like thinking about it, that's all.

I'm not--

[If he wasn't flailing around before, he is now. It's more of "freezing up" than flinching when Aoi grabs his wrist and pulls it around himself. Why is this happening. Why is he so nervous all of a sudden? It's not like he has a crush on Aoi...he's just surprised at him being so forward all of a sudden. Yeah.

Tamekichi glances at the two of them. You don't see two people walk down the street under one umbrella with their arms wrapped around each other.

Especially in the way Duster instinctively holds Aoi tighter. He's hugging him. As an apology. Yeah. This is nice.]

...If you're cold, you can share my jacket. We still got a way to go.

[Aoi glares at Tamekichi. If he's gonna say something about it, he can can it right now.]

'm not cold. It's fine. [But, you know, he's not trying to wiggle out of Duster's hold or anything. And he's not shivering anymore.]

So, yeah. We'll practice together sometime. And nobody's killing anyone, unless people die of shock when they see our amazing moves.

[Yep, just a normal conversation between normal friends walking down the road in a manly fashion. Nothing to see here.]

[That gets a chuckle out of Duster. Aoi always can think of a funny diversion. That's why he figures he likes hanging out with him.

Tamekichi has seen enough.]

Okay...I'm sure you're happy to see each other again, but if I'm gonna be watching something private, I need to skedaddle on outta here.

[It's getting too weird. The Moogle stands up, still carrying the umbrella and floats ahead of Duster and Aoi.

....It takes a moment for Duster to realize what just happened.]

Hold on! Where're you going?!

[It wasn't anything like that! Okay, so he admits it did look a bit romantic, but he's sure there's nothing like that happening! Aoi is a friend! Really! He's totally convincing himself!]

The Moogle district, man. You guys are slow. And I'm taking your umbrella with me

[Aoi tucks himself more closely under Duster's arm as the umbrella moves and rain starts to hit them. Duster's the one with the jacket, after all.]

That son of a bitch! This is why you can't trust anyone. [He mutters angrily to Duster, that guy he trusts, as he tries to get his black umbrella unfolded again to shield them.]

And those sunglasses are really freaking tacky. You tell him that when you see him again.

[An arm won't protect him from the cold and rain, so as Duster stares at Tamekichi flying down the stretch before them, he lets go of Aoi, unbuttons this jacket, and slips hid arms out. He has a long sleeved shirt underneath, which totally justifies doing this.]

Um.

[While he's at a loss for words, he pulls one end of the jacket around Aoi.

...Only because it's the right thing to do. He wasn't acting that familiar, was he?]

Edited 2016-07-09 10:54 (UTC)

[Aoi certainly doesn't mind the jacket. It's warm from Duster's body heat, and it...smells nice. He pulls it tighter around himself, and thinks, 'Finally', and then, 'Wait, what?'. The scowl he was directing at the retreating moogle turns up into the hint of a smile, despite himself.]

C'mon, let's get moving. [The umbrella's up now, so they're shielded from the rain, if not the wind.]

There was kind of a shitstorm while you were gone. Biggs sent this letter, and everyone's pissed now. Dunno if you heard about it in Balicea. [It's mostly just small talk to fill the walk, since Duster has gone inexplicably quiet. He must be pissed at his lame moogle.]

[ Okay, it's warm but it's so weird to be this close to Aoi. Skin to skin contact is nothing when sparring, but now they're huddled together under the jacket and umbrella and Duster can't help but think about what Tamekichi was implying and he can't believe Aoi isn't saying anything about it and he's surprised he's not upset at the idea.

It's really warm.]

I...

[Please don't notice his face, please don't notice how red it is.]

Yeah, I got a copy. I really, really don't want to think about it now.

[He doesn't need more uncomfortable reminders of Wess.]

Oh. Ok. [Aoi glances at Duster out of the corner of his eye, and freezes. Duster's face is flushed. Is this weird, what they're doing? It must be weird. He's certain Junpei would think it was weird.]

[Aoi quickens his step. The jacket slips off his bare shoulders as he puts a little distance between the two of them. It's so cold now, after that brief moment of warmth.]

There's, um, parties and stuff too. You probably got the invites. [Like there's anyone in this world that would invite Aoi to a party and not Duster. He's nervously chattering now, trying to keep the perfect amount of distance between the two of them so they stay within the umbrella's reach wit out being weirdly close, all while trying not to shiver or look at all like he's trying to do any of the aforementioned. Why did he even come here again?]

[Oh good, Duster was just thinking of quickening the pace. The case rolling across the stone path gets louder, almost drowning out the rain hitting the umbrella. If they rush home, they won't have to deal with this anymore.

At least they aren't so close anymore.]

Yeah. I did. [Why has talking gotten so difficult? He should talk about the letters of encouragement and the invites, about his vacation. Whatever Tamekichi said got him too nervous to say anything, and this walk has gotten even more awkward.

...Oh no. They're only halfway through the city and it's been quiet for too long.]

So...I hope Tamekichi doesn't start spreading rumors.

[He and Aoi aren't dating and all the Moogles are going to get the wrong idea.]

What? [Aoi spins to face Duster, and of course, nearly runs into him since Duster is moving faster now too. He has to stumble back a step to keep from bumping noses.]

Shit! But seriously, what're you talking about? Is your moogle bein' a jerk to you? [He's pretty sure he could have Tamekichi replaced if he's not being a proper Hero-helper. He's got some moogle employees at the bank who would leap at the opportunity to move up in the ranks. Or, you know, a moogle sized escape room wouldn't be too hard to set up. If he was starting rumors about the murders and stuff, Santa Kurashiki could take care of him for Duster.]

[Duster manages to keep his footing thanks to the heavy instrument next to him. Even so, he feels like he can fall over from thinking too hard.

He desperately shakes his head. Didn't Aoi remember what just happened?]

No, it's nothing bad, just...you know. Moogles like to gossip, and he saw us walking together like this...

[Meaning with their arms wrapped around each other, talking about feelings and stuff.]

Tamekichi is a good Moogle. Usually. [Hitting on all the female Moogles notwithstanding.] But I think...

[Urrrgh. He knows what he should say, but he can't say it. Maybe if he just shuts up and looks at the ground, they can forget it.]

Oh. You're worried about something like that? [Aoi doesn't know why he's suddenly pissed, but he is, and not just at Tamekichi anymore. He's terrible at not realizing when he's being too forward with a guy until it's pointed out, and it immediately sets him on defensive.]

If it's botherin' you, you can walk on your own. [He turns back to the direction of the residential district and walks even faster than before, purposefully trying to leave Duster behind in the rain. If Duster's so scared of the idea of somebody thinking they might be...together..., then he probably prefers walking on his own.]

It's not like anybody even listens to the fuckin' moogles anymore. 'Specially not one who can't even see 'cause he's wearing freakin' sunglasses in the rain. [He mutters to himself as he stomps down the muddy street.]

[Duster said the wrong thing. Aoi was fine when they were walking together, but once Duster pointed out what Tamekichi was implying, he went back to his usual self. Was Aoi that oblivious? Did he care about the implications? Was he offended that Duster cared? Is there something Duster isn't getting?

...Aoi has his bag.]

Wait! [He bends over and sprints to catch up with him. As well as one can while carrying a jacket over his arm and dragging a heavy object. Worried or not, Duster's not going home in the rain.]

Hold on. [Duster grabs Aoi's shoulder when he catches up.] Look, I'm sorry.

[For what, he's not sure.]

I didn't mean that we shouldn't walk together. It was more like...I was worried that you were worried. Not that rumors are a good thing! When you're part of a popular band, people gossip about you all the time, and even if it's unavoidable, I don't like it. But you're not me, so I was worried that you would mind, so that's why I said that without thinking...

[And what? Duster realizes there aren't many places to go. Aoi doesn't seem to mind the idea of them being seen as an item, but he doesn't like Duster in that way. As far as he knows.]

...What I'm trying to say is...I'm not...bothered.

[He tightens his grip on the instrument case. This walk home has been getting stranger and stranger.]

Edited 2016-07-11 02:15 (UTC)

[Geeze. Aoi wasn't gonna steal his shit, he was just gonna leave it on Duster's porch and get the hell outta here. But he stops when Duster chases after him like a loser.]

[And there he is, with his stupid hand burning Aoi's shoulder, being all remorseful and shit.]

Ok, sheesh. You think I give a shit what people think? [DON'T ANSWER THAT, DUSTER.] If I cared, I wouldn't have done it in the first place. So...yeah.

[He shrugs off the hand and keeps walking, but it's not such a quick pace this time. Duster could probably keep up with it if he wanted to, even with his instrument case.]

[And then his clothes and new Bard instrument would be soaked. Duster's heart would be broken.]

Well...yes. [It's very obvious Aoi acts different around people that aren't Akane or Duster.

...And he's been especially calm today. Either Akane gave him a good talk that lead to him appreciating Duster more, or something else is up.]

You know...[He follows Aoi, his arm on his back as he moves himself under the umbrella.</small] You've changed. Remember when you used to tease me like you did for everyone else? And here we are, walking home together while you help carry my stuff. ...You've been really friendly today.

Bon Voyage, Amigo

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