Prelude || The Festival Of Light

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light."
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: The 3rd of August, final day of the Festival of Light. The Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The Heroes of Light awaken in Aqures Ixen and are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and what their destinies are. This a log for them to react to the situation, meet each other and optionally participate in activities provided by the Festival of Light.
Warning: N/A

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. Upon doing so, you can hear a soft, soothing voice speaking:


"Wake up."

Soon, the void itself vanishes and is replaced by distant noises of engines. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call one more time, but is soon replaced with a much less graceful "Wake up, Kupo!" Hand clutched on your Crystal, the call of the Moogle may finally wake you up. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Fire, in the third district of a city called Aqures Ixen. At this point, you may realize the engine noise actually originates from an Airship flying low over the city and headed to dock beneath the castle. As if it wasn't strange enough, your clothes have changed as well. They are now a reflection of the Jobs you are wielding. Last but not least, you are surrounded by Moogles, small and fluffy creatures who are more than happy to tell you about everything you want to know, about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light, about what awaits you.

Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any citizens aside from Moogles in the vicinity. Indeed, the population of Aqures Ixen seems to be busy elsewhere in the city-- The Moogle will tell you there currently an event named the Festival of Light, which most people are attending. But you are not alone! It probably will not be long before you realize there are plenty of people like you all around, and if somehow you do not realize it, the Moogle who woke you up will be more than happy to inform you there are others like you around. Maybe with their help, you will be able to find out what is happening to you.






— Final Day —
The Festival of Light is a yearly event held at Aqures Ixen to celebrate the victory of the "Heroes of Light" over the "Calamity from the Skies" two thousands years ago, or so do the legends say. Whether people believe in the legends or not, this is an occasion for them to have fun and spend time with family and friends. The Festival is held from the 28th of July to the 3rd of August.

Unfortunately, most attractions and events are over by the third of August. Yet, there is enough to do, should the newly arrived Heroes of Light favor spending time looking at the attractions rather than panicking about their situation. The festival ends at midnight.


Theater Play
— Ninth District || 14:00 —

There is a large theater stage installed in the 9th district-- It is probably only temporary by the look of it. There is quite a crowd seated to watch the play about to unfold, as well as numerous people standing beneath the seats or sitting on the ceilings because they couldn't get a seat. After the audience grows quiet, a woman with long silver hair and green-ish skin steps onto the stage to address the audience.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight's performance is a story that takes place long, long ago! At the time when the Ancients reigned over the planet, when the Calamities from the Skies landed on this world and waged war against all forms of life. When our story begins, the Ancients are on the brink of extinction and gathering the last of their forces to fight. And now people of Aqures Ixen and visitors from distant lands, we proudly present 'The 4 Heroes of Light'!"

After this, the play starts and will last for roughly one hour and a half. The main characters appear to be four Heroes of Light, respectively dressed as a Warrior, Monk, Black Mage and White Mage. Other characters include the Calamity from the Skies played by the silver-haired woman, an Ancient scientist and the Princess of Crystallis. The story appears to be a highly romanticized version of the tale the Moogles told the characters earlier. As the play unfolds, there is a love story between one of the Heroes of Light, the Warrior, and the Princess of Crystallis. At the end of the play, the Heroes of Light successfully defeat the Calamity from the Skies, but the Warrior has to sacrifice himself and die in order to protect the Princess of Crystallis.


Culinary Attractions
— Fourteenth District || Anytime —
What would a festival be without free food and banquets? Not really a festival. In the fourteenth district, there is a banquet and many stands held by people from all over the world-- People from Balicea, Aerilon, Esdham, Flence, etc. There is even a stand held by former inhabitants of the Empire. All kind of food from all over the world can be found here-- Refined food, pastries, cakes, cooked meals, etc. It's virtually impossible not to find something to like in all of this, and it's all free until midnight!


Competitions
— Tenth & Eight District || 18:00 —

At 18:00, there will be a Blitzball match opposing the teams of Aqures Ixen and Balicea in the Blitzball Stadium. It is more of an exposition match, with nothing to be won aside from glory. Anyone is free to enter the stadium to watch the match. Following this, people - playable characters included - will be allowed to play some Blitzball Match on their own, if they want to try.

At the same time, a Triple Triad competition will be taking place in the eight district, in the campus of the university. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament, and if they do so they will be given very basic cards and explained the rules. With low level cards and whatsoever no experience, odds are that they may lose to much more experienced and competitive players, but what matters is trying, right? Whilst no characters may recognize him yet, it is notable that one of the NPCs, Wedge, is taking part in the competition. It's just a shame knowing he will lose in the semi-finals.


Trano Golsaucia's Stands
— Eleventh District || Anytime —
Specially for the occasions, stallholders from Trano Golsaucia traveled to Aqures Ixen and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, they brought Chocobos and will organize numerous races throughout the day, on an improvised tracks running around the houses. The Heroes of Light are more than welcome to try and bet, should they want to lose (or multiply) what few Gils they have. If they feel adventurous, they may even try to enter one of the races and ride a Chocobo-- At their own risks.

Aside from this, there are some more attractions worthy of attention. There is a shooting stand-- Coincidentally, all the targets are vaguely similar to the main antagonists of numbered Final Fantasy games. There is a treasure chest game, where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushie. There is also a fortune teller Moogle, it is notable that his predictions will always include either the character suffering hell or dying soon, in one form or another. Hopefully this moogle is just a scam.


Fireworks
— First District || 23:00 —

What better way to conclude a festival than fireworks? Fireworks will be launched from the Castle of Aqures Ixen starting 23:00, and will end at midnight, at the same time than the festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them easilly if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise.

Comments

[no_dreams_for_you]

“Ion!”

His Moogle was the first to announce their presence. Starting a little, the redhead blinked and turned to glance their way. She was eager to rush up and greet them, completely invading their privacy without hesitation. In fact, she heard Luke’s explanation, and twitched her nose, feeling just as confused as Ion about the subject. They should definitely talk between themselves and try to figure things out…

“Luke, Luke!” She chirped cheerfully, laughing with delight as she pointed a paw at his face. “Your cheeks look like your hair, kupo! It’s so cute! Don’t you think so, Master?”

“......”

Gaara immediately averted his gaze at that question. Regardless of what his answer might be… he didn’t see it fit to tell his Moogle. Luke, cute? He found him attractive, yes… He had never thought of Luke in that particular context, however. Wasn’t such a description more commonly reserved for children? Though… Luke was technically a child, given his chronological age…

“Luke,” he greeted quietly, focusing his attention on him, now that his Moogle was pleasantly distracting herself with Ion. “…Ah. So you have watched fireworks before. However, explosive effects aren’t as easily viewable, during daylight hours.”

A logical, straightforward answer, but he didn’t have much experience with fireworks. Certainly, there was a peculiar beauty to such a wondrous display of shifting lights. Sai would have surely-

Briskly, the ninja cut off that train of thought, which led to him voicing in inquiry, “What did you want to ask me, earlier? Is it related to your kiss?”

Despite the nature of the memory, his face wasn’t flushed red with embarrassment. He had been curious about the reason why Luke kissed him… Did it mean more than a simple gesture of affection? He and Luke had already done far more than merely kiss. He still remembered that night, very vividly. And the day that had followed… until the pace of his breaths were coming out at a quicker rate, and he needed to change mindsets. The attraction was obvious, but what did Luke want, after their discussion?

[headfons]

"....." Wait.

What? His eyes widened, just a bit, at her words. Having his blush pointed out, somehow managed to cause it to darken. So, brow tensing, he looked away from the direction of the female moogle, "Y-yeah, right..."

It was then that he rushed over to sit next to Gaara, deciding not to push the matter any further. Ion didn't seem to understand what was so cute about the blush. Instead of questioning it further, however, he opted for glancing up at the fireworks. They really were pretty, kupo.

Scratching at the side of his head, Luke stared down at his shoes, for a moment. When he heard Gaara speaking, he looked over to the other redhead. Nodding, he responded to the remark about fireworks not being easily viewable, during the day, "Well, they weren't for looks. I don't even think they were real fireworks. Whatever the case, it was something being used, for the sake of keeping people away from the Dark Wings' base."

The inquiry that came next, however, had the replica looking a little...awkward. Shifting his gaze to the side, for a moment, he gave a soft smile, "There are a few things I want to ask you about. You're right, though. One question is related to the kiss," he looked back to Gaara, a soft laugh being given as he continues, "I'll start with the simplest one, though. Is...the full moon gonna be tough for you, here? I guess what I'm asking...is if the demon's sealed, in this world? I know you have separate powers, but..."

...He'd learned to never assume things, "As for...the next question," he started, eyes shifting downward, face reddening, "How do...you feel towards me?"

Reaching up to scratch at the side of his head, he paused. With a faint growl of frustration, he had to think about how he wanted to word the next part, "I didn't just kiss you for the heck of it. I did it because I still like you, in that way. Like I said...even winding up in a strange, new world didn't change that. But, before I ask the last question, I'd like to know the answer to how you feel."

Looking over to the other teen, he falls quiet, for the moment.

[no_dreams_for_you]

Huff! She scrunched up her nose at Luke, but couldn’t reply to him, since he was already going to her master’s side. Honestly, boys!

“Now his face looks more like Master’s hair!” She reported to Ion, while settling down next to him. Gaara’s hair color was darker… and the style was much, much messier. Then, her attention quickly turned to the firework display. “Oh! So beautiful, kupo! They should set off fireworks more!”

Not knowing who or what the “Dark Wings” were, Gaara gave him a blank stare in response. At least, he could understand the necessity of a distraction tactic. He nodded, and then moved onto the next topic of discussion… which had his brows creasing in an immediate frown. Not from the question itself, but because he had no intention of letting his guard down, when it came to the demon sealed within his body.

“I won’t know for certain, until it takes place,” he replied in earnest, “Though… the desires are not solely derived from the demon. I possess them as well… to a certain extent. I will understand if you would prefer to avoid my presence, during the next full moon.”

His desires weren’t necessarily as brutal and violent and callous as Shukaku’s, but he couldn’t deny that he… had them, in the first place. His bloodlust hadn’t instantaneously vanished, over the years. Sexual intimacy, he didn’t have any experience with, until his very first relationship at the facility. Now that he had gotten a taste of it, however… he realized just how much he enjoyed and enjoyed the act. As well as the emotional attachment that came with it, and the warmth of sharing a special, exclusive bond.

“......”

How did he… feel?

“…Conflicted,” he answered in his usual blunt manner, “I… harbor an emotional attachment to you. I believe there is mutual attraction between us.” His gaze shifted toward the ground, away from the explosion of lights in the sky. “However, considering the sins that I’ve committed against you… and the fact that you clearly feel concerned about them…”

Because why else would Luke bring that up, unless he feared being attacked again?

Not to mention, the apprehension Gaara felt, toward the concept itself, having had that strong of a bond severed once already… He wasn’t certain if his heart could handle being dealt yet another powerful wound, should these ties break as well.

“There was… someone before, that I possessed romantic feelings toward,” he started to explain, despite some of the words getting jumbled within his mind. He was usually a much sharper thinker, but when it came to matters he had little experience in, he became much more hesitant and uncertain. “They may not have been… reciprocated. There is a great deal of risk, associated with deepening a bond to such an extent.”

[headfons]

"..."

Ion glanced over and watched with earnest curiosity, after hearing her words. His human Hero was certainly a mysterious being, when he thought about it. Not so much as the other moogle's human, however. The other human was even more confusing, without a doubt. Of course, he assumed that had more to do with the fact that he'd spent less time around him, so far.

"Yes, kupo. I agree," he said with a light smile, "But...if it happened, more often, do you think it would cause it to mean less?"

Luke listened, and then frowned. Avoid his presence? What the hell made him think that? The replica only asked, because he wanted to know what to expect. It had nothing to do with being worried or afraid, "Avoiding you is...the last thing I'd wanna do, Gaara."

But the next words out of the ninja's mouth earned the strongest frown from Luke. Sighing, he leaned back on his hands and stared up at the sky. He was quiet as he thought about how to reply to that, in a way that didn't involve him calling his friend, there, an idiot. Before he had a chance, though, he heard the next part. His expression softened in understanding.

"I'm not afraid of you. Like I said, before, I trust you. Don't think, for once, I regret anything about what we did," he said, and then paused, "I had romantic feelings for someone back on Auldrant, but I never found out if they were mutual. I never told her how I felt. Also, I...still care about her, but it's not the same as it was," he said as he reached to scratch at the side of his head, "I guess that's got due, in part, to everything that's happened...since I left."

Releasing a sigh, he shook his head. There was a pause as he thought about that last sentence. Oh, and he could certainly understand the meaning behind those words, to an extent, "I never told her how I felt, because I knew there was a chance that it could only cause her more pain. In the end, though...Isn't life about taking risks? If you do everything with the intention of remaining unhurt, there are a lot of things you wind up regretting. Some things can never be undone, but there are chances that never return to you...once they're gone."

His brow tensed as he paused, a moment, before looking to Gaara. With a firm expression, he said in a serious tone, "I refuse to look back and regret the chance I didn't take, with you, as well. If it's mutual -- and we both care about each other -- then I don't see why we shouldn't move forward. Besides, would you really be okay with us pretending we only like one another as friends?"

[no_dreams_for_you]

Oh, she will definitely share all the gossip with him. Don’t worry, Ion! To be perfectly honest, her Hero companion was a little too quiet. She had to fill in the silence, most of the time. He behaved kindly toward her, with respect, but their personalities were very different. And there was also the small factor of him not giving her a name yet… She really hoped he wouldn’t call her something like “Pinky” because of her fur color.

“Nope!” She shook her head firmly, and then clasped her paws together. “Why? We have lots of reasons to celebrate, kupo! New Heroes are here, to help us! They’ll fight better when they’re happy, kupo!”

Yes, Luke. Calling him an idiot would be very effective and productive. Cue Gaara just shutting up and never discussing his feelings again.

“By trusting me, you are endangering your own well-being.” Blunt, but true. Though, to soften the blow a little bit, he reached over to rest his hand on top of Luke’s. He fell quiet as he listened, and wondered if time would be enough to help him heal as well. He… missed Sai. Thought about him constantly. Even if the feelings hadn’t been mutual, he… still cared for him.

“So you… regret not telling her.” His fingers lightly curled, applying gentle pressure to Luke’s hand. “What if the opportunity should present itself, in the near future? Your friends could appear in this world, at any given time. I don’t… wish to become one of your regrets.”

That last point Luke had made… it was very sensible and logical. Gaara could utilize manipulation when necessary, but to live a lie and deny his true feelings? He had already spent a number of years doing that, and it didn’t exactly turn out well. There was a possibility… he could find happiness with Luke. Was that… worth the risk of getting hurt again?

Lifting his hand up, he grasped a hold of the other’s chin, and turned him until they were facing each other. “Tell me what you want, Luke. How would you like to move forward?”

[headfons]

Ion would enjoy hearing all of it, no doubt. He's curious to learn more about humans, and that seemed like one of the best ways to do so -- hearing as much as possible about the one his human Hero was, clearly, closest to. And Ion would agree that wouldn't be a good name for her.

That response earned a soft smile, "You're right..."

Luke's brow tensed at that response. Before he had a chance to say anything back, he felt a hand on his own. His face heated, and he glanced at the other redhead. A smile appeared on his lips, "It's worth it..."

The question earned a thoughtful expression, that slowly fell. Honestly, while a part of him still hoped to see them, again -- frankly, he doubted they would show up. He would never, truly, wish them on that world. It felt...selfish, to do that. A part of Luke suspected he would be leaving Crystallis with the next couple of months, but he...wouldn't be voicing that. The fact of the matter was, though, that he hadn't spent more than two months on a single world, since he left Auldrant. Was he doomed to continue jumping from world-to-world? If...he did leave Crystallis, would Gaara be on the next world he arrived on? Or...

"You wouldn't be a regret, even if she showed up, here."

As for if the opportunity presented itself, in the near future -- he wasn't sure what to think about that. In the end, though, if he were...committed to Gaara, it wouldn't even be a question. Once a decision had been made, he would stick with it -- without regret. The ninja had already earned a special place in his heart, due to being several firsts, for him.

When he felt his chin get grasped, he blinked. The command, followed by the question, had him blushing. It was only thanks to the library, back in Saeng Seong, that he even knew as much as he did on that subject. He'd been curious, so he'd...done some reading on the matter of how romance was handled. Expression softening, he finally spoke in a serious tone -- in spite of the, still, red face and racing heart, "I want you to be my boyfriend."

[no_dreams_for_you]

Speaking of their Heroes, she was momentarily distracted from the fireworks and looked over to see what they were doing. Her Master was... holding Luke's hand! Kind of surprising, considering how he usually didn't touch other people. Luke must be really special to him! Were they going to kiss again?

"Foolish..." he muttered under his breath, but loud enough to be heard, at this close of a proximity. That usually led to the downfall of generous types, didn't it? People with big hearts, like Naruto and Sora, that trusted others unconditionally, and didn't spend much time worrying about what lingered in the darkness.

Then again, it didn't bode well to waste time worrying in excess, either. It was somewhat reassuring that Luke could answer with such confidence. He wasn't sure he could do the same in return, with regards to Sai. Gaara wondered if he would still feel that same exact way, should the girl he loved suddenly appeared in front of him. He was also curious to know her identity... could it have been...?

"......"

He had already expressed his concerns, and Luke countered them, for the most part. It wasn't a matter of feelings or attraction. There were so many unknown factors that could affect their bond. Action or inaction, either way - there was potential for a negative outcome. He didn't subscribe to the same light of optimism as a few of his friends, after all. The facility had done more than an adequate job at lowering morale and hope, on a weekly basis.

Exhaling slowly, he nodded and released his chin to link their hands together once again. "As you wish. Then, we will be."

[headfons]

Ion saw her glancing over to the humans, and blinked at the sight, upon following her gaze. He was wondering the same thing, as her. Watching intently, he turned towards them, fully.

Luke could only give a wry smile at that retort. It wasn't the first time he'd been called that, after all. He did make some pretty reckless decisions, but it wasn't as though he intended to be killed. He simply saw no reason to run and hide, every time something could be deemed scary or dangerous. Living a life, like that, was one he'd regret...more than any repercussions that would come with putting himself in danger. Plus, he...truly did consider it worth it, when it came to Gaara.

In spite of what the ninja thought, Luke didn't see him as a monster. The other teen had been there, for him, when he had nobody else. He was his only friend, as well as the person he'd come to like in ways beyond that. Not only that, but...he seemed to understand things that Luke thought nobody else could, in regards to himself. He wasn't about to let that go, if he could help it. He was going to latch on to the one shred of good he'd...finally managed to find. It was like finding a candle, after having been trapped in the dark for a long time...

He refused to let it go out, because he couldn't bare the thought of being in the dark, again...

Sure, he had his fears...and doubts. He was scared, too. The thing was, though, he wasn't letting himself sit and think about that -- just like he wasn't sitting and thinking about the situation regarding his other friends. Dwelling on that would only wind up bringing more negative emotions. He'd realize the full extent of how much he missed them, and he'd start to worry about how they're doing. He'd remember that promise he'd made, that he had no way of keeping. He'd think about Takasu, and realize that there was a greater chance that he'd been killed, than not...and because Luke wasn't there to protect him.

...But, immediately, a thought would remind him of how little good he'd done, considering they'd both been killed, at one point.

Gaara's words had him looking...surprised. Clearly, he hadn't expected that to be the answer. Opening his mouth, he attempted to speak. It...didn't work. All that came out, instead, was a sound that was a broken ah-like sound that was, clearly, the product of surprise. Just seconds later, though, the surprise faded into relief. Face turning about as red as his hair, he curled his fingers around the ninja's hand, tightly, and leaned forward. Placing a kiss to the other redhead's forehead, he let out a soft laugh. Almost as a thought, more to himself, he speaks in a soft tone.

"So, I have a boyfriend, now..."

[no_dreams_for_you]

Every once in a while, Karura would look off to the side to see what the other humans were doing. Most of them were sitting closely together as they watched the fireworks. Giggling softly, she scooted toward Ion and laid her head onto his shoulder. Was this fun? That must be why so many humans were doing it! Hopefully, Ion wouldn’t mind if she did this too.

...Poor Luke. It was akin to being delusional, if he truly thought that Gaara represented the light. True, he wasn't utterly trapped in the darkness anymore, like he had been, in the past, before Naruto showed him clarity. But he wouldn't consider himself to be on the complete opposite spectrum, either. He still had... certain urges and desires that set him apart from normal people. Even with Shukaku sealed, it didn't mean he was... suddenly human, now.

Luke, with everything he had experienced, his identity issue being the most prominent... he was much more resilient than he credited himself for. He had energy and optimism that could rival Naruto, Sora, and Ishtar. He was someone that Gaara could admire... and already did, in certain ways. Brave, too, considering his willingness to step forward and endanger his own life, on that fateful full moon... At the reminder, Gaara glanced up to look at the moon overhead, still feeling drawn to it, but not with the same strong primal urges as before.

That reaction amused him, and he openly smirked in return. He found it very intriguing that Luke could behave this shyly, given everything they had already done together. The first night, Gaara would have expected it from him, but then the following day, after Luke cooked a meal for him... they had succumbed to their physical desires again. And that time, there was no full moon to serve as an excuse. Both of them had been willing, and completely consented to it.

The laugh was endearing to hear, and the kiss made his own cheeks flush a little. But he was able to maintain his composure while asking in earnest, "Would you have preferred a girlfriend instead? You mentioned harboring feelings for a female." His head tilted to the opposite side, thoughtfully. "I've yet to ask you what your sexual preference is."

[headfons]

The male moogle blinked as he felt the head on his shoulder. Beyond that, however, he didn't react in...well, any kind of negative way. No, instead, he glanced over. He'd seen humans doing that, before, and he'd always wondered what it was about. It...felt kind of nice, actually. Mimicking something else he'd seen done, he puts a paw against her back, innocently curious what that would feel like, as well.

Well, Luke wasn't thinking Gaara represented the light, per se -- more like, he'd brought light into his life. While he wasn't a weak person, Luke had the ability to dwell on dark thoughts. He had the ability to feel sad, lost, empty, afraid, and...outright depressed, sometimes. Replica, or not, he was a human. A person. He had feelings, and they tended to hit him intensely.

Whenever he felt something...he felt it.

So, when Gaara had met him, Luke had just come from a place that had knocked him down, a few notches. He'd come from a place that was near-opposite to the place they met in. Really, they had met in a time in which the replica was recovering from a lot of things -- things he'd still yet to truly resolve or work out. There was no time for that, currently...at all. They had to figure out where they stood in Crystallis, and then figure out what they needed to do...

For the moment, though...just for a moment...

He wanted not think about anything, like that. As for him behaving shyly, he was kind of shy. It was because he was more insecure than he let on, at times. He doubted himself, more than he liked to admit. The smirk caused a faint fluttering in the pit of his stomach, and he glanced away. When he heard the next two sentences, Luke blinked. Green eyes shifted back to Gaara's face, "What? ...Well."

Reaching up to scratch at the side of his face, his brow tensed. He hadn't thought about that, honestly. Sure, he'd read up on things, in that Saeng Seong library, but he'd still been left with questions. After his short pause, he shook his head, "Gender...isn't what's important, to me. What matters, to me, is that it's a person that cares about me, as much as I do about them. I need someone who will stand by me, no matter what...and isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being an idiot."

He gave a soft laugh, at that last part...though, there was a tiny hint of a self-deprecating sound within it.

[no_dreams_for_you]

Karura cooed softly, and then immediately responded by putting her own paw against his back. This was kinda like a hug! It made her all warm and happy inside. Was this how her Hero companion had felt, when Luke hugged him? Did this mean Ion wanted to be her friend, too? He was quiet, but really nice! She just had to be careful not to move her head too much, or she would hit Ion in the face with the extension on the top.

"Loyalty... Devotion... Acceptance." Gaara nodded as he finished reciting the three words, to show his understanding. So, those were the qualities that Luke sought out, in a romantic partner. Regardless of gender.

Where this sudden instinct came from, he couldn't determine, but he was prompted to tease in a light tone, "That will be a rather frequent occurrence, then... Calling attention to your idiotic behavior, that is."

He didn't really think Luke was an idiot, but he could certainly be reckless. Too selfless, at times. For instance, he shouldn't have tempted the demon on the night of a full moon. Shouldn't have persisted after someone dangerous with no regard for his own safety, and yet he did. Shouldn't have been so damn stubborn about forcing contact on someone that would rather stay away from the general public...

Pulling his thoughts free of those thick webs, Gaara turned his attention back to the cool night sky. It seemed the fireworks show was reaching its climax, considering the rapid influx of explosive colors. They would need to retire soon, he supposed... and he had to learn how to sleep once again, since Shukaku was sealed now...

"I should warn you..." he began slowly, "there is still a great deal that I don't know, with regards to proper conduct in a relationship. I've conducted research in the recent past, but have yet to experience each aspect. I trust you will inform me of any corrections or adjustments that need to be made."

/ugly laughter as replies to this forever late................

[headfons]

Ion did...actually want to be her friend. She was incredibly nice, though he wasn't sure exactly how to go about doing so. He'd seen how friends interacted, before, but he'd never honestly gone about trying to make one. Work had always been his primary focus, in the past. Delivering letters and being just another employee.

Luke gave a nod to those initial words, only to find himself giving... a bit of a 'lineface' at the next, "Wh-...hey! I don't...make that many idiotic decisions!"

Okay, so he probably did- that didn't mean Gaara had to go and point it out! The jerk. Though, in all honesty? Luke didn't sound annoyed. In fact, he was giving and awkward pause...and then leaning to place a small kiss to the ninja's cheek. With that, he was slowly looking up to watch the finale. Leaning back on both hands, once more, his expression softened in brief awe.

Hearing those next words, he glanced back over to the other redhead. Initially, he almost wanted to laugh. That sounded so...serious and stiff. How very like the ninja. But, then his mind drifted back to focus in on one little detail: he'd conducted research on...relationships. Tilting his head, he was giving a long and quiet stare. After thinking it over, he finally just outright asked...

"You've uh... researched these kinds of relationships, huh? And...you had feelings for someone. Have you... tried dating someone before, then? Or maybe..." Actually dated someone...

*rejects your late ass tag* >T

[no_dreams_for_you]

His lineface could never outmatch Gaara’s, who stared back at him with… a bit of disbelief, really. Luke had already made a number of stupid decisions, in his opinion, and he didn’t even know him that long. One of said stupid decisions was… along the lines of what they just discussed. But if not for that, they wouldn’t be where they were, right now. So there could be some benefits for making… not-so-wise decisions, all the time.

The kiss to his cheek was probably meant to distract him, and it worked. Flushing slightly, Gaara turned away and intentionally didn’t call any attention to it, as the fireworks display gradually died down around them. Luke would be perceptive enough to pick up on his reaction, if given the opportunity.

Such as… this instance.

“Yes. As well as numerous aspects of sexual intercourse,” he replied bluntly. For reasons that he still couldn’t understand, people had reacted to his and Sai’s research with… shock? Horror? Was this subject truly taboo for discussion? He didn’t think it would be, since procreation was a crucial part of maintaining the population.

Ah… this question. He wasn’t prepared to talk about it… especially not mere minutes after he had agreed to become romantically involved with someone else. Over two months had passed since he last saw Sai, as well as everyone else from the facility. The wounds in his heart were… still fresh. But Luke deserved to be told a few facts, even if he wasn’t going to get the whole story, right at this moment. If ever.

After closing his eyes and exhaling softly, Gaara finally nodded in response. “It was… a one-sided bond. And it… never evolved beyond that.”

wow that's unnecessarily mean >:|

[headfons]

Oh, it totally was meant to distract him. He was actually very surprised that it...did. Blinking softly, he took a couple of seconds to watch Gaara turned his face away. It was fortunate, for the ninja, that it was so dark that Luke couldn't see the blush. That might have earned a comment...or maybe even just a soft chuckle. The perfect start to a relationship.

Well, he couldn't say he was completely surprised by those words. Though, the fact remained that Luke had only started researching those things for a very specific reason -- he and Gaara had shared that moment on the full moon. As well as the day after. Though, looking back, he had to question just how the ninja knew all of that just from research. Not to mention, he had been in possession of that...one thing.

Falling quiet for a long while (long enough, perhaps, for Gaara to start to think Luke was going to drop it), the replica shifted in his seat. Regardless, "...You didn't say no."

There was a very small -- very wry -- smile after he said that. Was he trying to manipulate Gaara? ...Maybe, a little. But, not with the intention of hurting him. A small part was just determined to find out if he was the first person that the ninja had ever been with. Though, the last part did have his expression softening. After realizing that he likely brought up some pretty unpleasant memories, he quickly began working to try and make up for that...

"You don't have to explain," he said, before he muttered in a lower tone, "The lives we had, before... are part of our history. All the things that we went through, helped to shape us into the people we are. Sometimes, we're not meant to understand. I'd like to think, though... Without the bad, we wouldn't be able to really see or...cherish...the good that comes our way. So, I'm..."

He was very glancing back over to Gaara, before letting a faintly awkward smile play over his lips, "...kind of grateful for all of the things I went through, since it means I didn't have a chance of missing you. Because, you're the best part of my life..."

*punches Luke for being unnecessarily cute* >c

[no_dreams_for_you]

Gaara frowned and tilted his head a little. He was legitimately confused. “Didn’t say no? With regards to…?”

Luke, you’re going to have to be blunt. Just ask Gaara if he’s ever screwed around.

He didn’t, and yet… It didn’t feel right, withholding this kind of information from Luke. Especially after he had essentially given the ninja an out, an excuse not to reveal anything else. Maybe just a little more, as long as he was able to pull up those sensitive facts. How could Luke make such a bold declaration, though… claiming something like that… He had to be exaggerating.

“I wasn’t coerced into escalating that bond,” Gaara reflected quietly, gaze focused on a random aspect, some distance off. “It was one-sided, from the beginning. I accepted the proposal, even knowing those terms. Perhaps I was… careless.”

Or just that desperate for acceptance. Hadn’t he struggled to change and mold himself into someone that his village would like, just so everyone would stop hating him? And then, he formed an emotional attachment to Sai, and allowed emotions to overrule his sense of logic. In spite of warnings from his siblings, and their expressed worries on how they believed Sai would hurt him, emotionally. How pathetic. He really did deserve what happened, in the end.

This topic was making him grow increasingly uncomfortable, as the minutes ticked by. In spite of the warm temperature, Gaara was beginning to feel cold, within his body. Abruptly, he rose to his feet and made a gesture for his Moogle to come join him.

She pouted at having to leave already, but made sure to give Ion a proper hug, before flitting over to her Hero’s side. They would see each other again really soon, right?

“You should sleep, Luke,” Gaara suggested in a soft tone, “New challenges await us, in this world.”

shhhh just let him be adorbs

[headfons]

"To...having tried dating someone."

But, then the next words really did set the idea into stone. Not only had he tried, but he...had? At least, that was the idea he was getting. Accepted proposal and... Gaara sounded as though he really regretted having gone through with it. Luke's expression softened, quite a bit. Then, he was looking down, expression faltering. Something about those words...and the vibe he was getting from the ninja...

He didn't have a chance to speak up, before the other young man was moving to stand. After watching him in silence for a moment, he moved to stand. Ion had flown over to his side, after giving the female moogle a hug in return.

"Y-yeah... sleep," he said while looking over to Ion (maybe having him company would help, at least a little...), before looking to his boyfriend with a suddenly firm expression, "When... I first decided to change, for the better... I always went off of how I saw everyone else acting. From the start, I was behaving how I thought everyone would prefer I act. While my efforts were always genuine, it was never truly about how I wanted to be. Even in the beginning - when I was still seeing...Van in a positive light, I always acted how I thought he liked. After...finding out that I was a replica, though, all I could think... was how fitting. Someone who can't think or act for themselves, is nothing more than a...fake, from the start."

Shaking his head, he looked up at the sky, studying the stars in brief silence, "...But that's part of the past. All those mistakes I made, led me to be who I am, today. The person who has met some amazing people and done some... pretty extraordinary things. Even though I used to sit and beat myself up, for the bad things, I...see no point in doing that, now. Because if I hadn't changed, there's a likelihood I wouldn't have made the friends I did. Or...managed to find myself a boyfriend, for that matter."

There was just the hint of a teasing tone in those last words as he rested his hands on Gaara's head. His hand slides down to very briefly stroke the side of the ninja's face, his own suddenly turning...fairly red, "...I like who you are, okay? Regardless of what you've done...you're still someone I care about."

In a way, he was saying things he knew he'd wanted to hear, back when he was still beating himself up...in hopes it might make Gaara feel better.

no >c only angst and pain and suffering

[no_dreams_for_you]

Huh… He thought he had made it clear that he did, but… apparently not.

“Yes, I did.” Their bond – had it qualified for dating? Sai never called it that, and the redhead didn’t think to use that particular label either. But then again, both of them were inexperienced with this type of bond. They could have easily missed a point… or several.

It wasn’t that he regretted the relationship. Sai had taught him… many things. About himself, as well as the ties that bound people together. It was the emotional factor that bothered Gaara the most. Their bond had never evolved beyond one-sided, according to Sai. Even when there had been times where he thought Sai might… feel something toward him…

His mood was declining even more, with these memories infiltrating his mind. He listened to Luke without saying a word, silently agreeing on a number of points he made. It was rather draining, to always try fulfilling other people’s expectations. To deny his own needs, so that he could gain their acceptance. To hide who he was, and fake normalcy, when he was anything but. It had taken him a long time to figure out his identity, and even longer still, to realize what he truly wanted to be.

“You might have secured a girlfriend instead,” he remarked quietly, in response to that last remark. Not that he hadn’t heard everything else Luke just said. But this point was light enough to address, while the other facts pertained to his past. He knew enough from what Luke had shared with him, in their previous world together.

Gaara fought against the powerful urge to turn his face away. It wasn’t that he disliked the feel of his hand caressing his cheek. But it… reminded him of someone else, and at this moment… his mind was far too restless and agitated.

“You don’t know what I am, at full extent… but you may come to realize the truth, eventually,” he replied, while lifting a hand to cover Luke’s and give him a gentle squeeze. “I can only hope that you won’t regret your decision.”

sob but why

[headfons]

No, Luke wasn't capable of reading minds, nor was he skilled at reading between the lines...

Ah, so he had... There was a moment, where Luke was looking down in thought. So, he'd dated someone he'd had feelings for, who didn't...feel the same way? Luke could almost understand that. Maybe. He knew Tear had come to care about him, quite a bit. But, he never assumed she felt the same way about him, as he had about her. He'd never once thought she'd so much as cry over him, once he vanished...

A girlfriend, huh...?

Shaking his head, he released a soft and humorless laugh, "I doubt it. The only girl I'd ever... felt that way about, isn't on this world. And... even if she were, I..."

He could never be with Tear. That was a realization that had hurt, when he'd realized it. Because he cared so much about her, he couldn't do that. Not to mention, he'd spent so many nights hurting from how much he missed her, that was the prominent feeling he had towards her. A deep and painful longing. Even if she were to show up in Crystallis, he would only be terrified of the idea of her disappearing. When would she go...? How much time was left......? That kind of thing could drive a person insane. With...Gaara, it was different. They'd already wound up on a second world, together.

"...Plus, there's a chance it was one-sided. For all I know, she only ever saw me as a brother she had to take care of," he said with a faintly awkward laugh, before looking to the side.

Gaara's last words had him staring down at the rooftop with a faint furrowing of his brow. No, he didn't know exactly what he was. Yes, he could discover something that he didn't...know how to handle. What more could there be to the fact that he was born to be a weapon... as a demon host? Looking back up to the ninja, he shook his head, "I won't."

Then, he was leaning forward and brushing a kiss over his lips. After hesitantly pulling away, he whispered a question, "Want me to walk you home?"

because Luke's life is pain and suffering

[no_dreams_for_you]

If she did show up in this world, it would be in Luke’s best interest to… take that opportunity. He might not get another chance to do so, for a long while. However many months or years they happened to be trapped in this new world. And what if… Sai were to suddenly appear? Gaara couldn’t predict his own reaction to that occurrence. Suffice to say, it would be shocking. He wondered which scenario he would prefer: Sai not remembering him at all, or coming with his memories intact…

It was doubtful, really, that whomever this girl happened to be… those feelings were one-sided. Who wouldn’t form an attachment to Luke? He was very kind and caring, as well as patient and forgiving. He certainly possessed a similar charisma to what Gaara had observed in other friendly types of individuals, such as Naruto, Ishtar, and Sora. It sounded like Luke was trying to convince himself of something being impossible, rather than face the truth.

”I won’t.”

Such a bold claim. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully; Luke would be tested, in due time. He will find out the weight of his promise, and whether or not he could truly keep it. What he had done to Luke, back in their previous world… that was hardly the worst of his capabilities. For the most part, his dark nature had to be suppressed, in order to feign assimilation.

Ah – this was a ritual that Gaara actually knew about, fortunately. He nodded and took a hold of Luke’s hand. “You may stay the night… if you wish.” How else would Luke be able to fall asleep, after what he had gotten used to?

Gaara's too :v

[headfons]

Well, Luke couldn't outright predict his own reactions, either. All he could really know, for sure, is it would hurt no matter which decision he made. Though, he genuinely didn't believe that they were not one-sided. In all honesty, he thought there was a very slim chance she had the same feelings he had. After all the things he'd said and done in the past? There was no way he'd managed to make up for all of them...

He'd been outright awful to her, when they'd started out.

So it wasn't just a matter of him trying to convince himself of something - there was a large part of him that truly believed it couldn't really happen. Because of the kind of person he'd been, in the past. That wasn't a side Gaara knew, however, so it wouldn't be a surprise that he would think that about Luke. Most people who met the current version of him, might very well be surprised to learn of the kind of person he used to be. Except in the case of anyone like... Ion, or something, since he seemed to have it in his head that the replica was always a nice person.

But that was likely just the kind of person the Fon Master was...

Luke gave a very soft blink at that invitation. For some reason, the idea had his face warming just a little; thank goodness it was dark... Heh, it would be the first time he stayed at Gaara's. It had always been the other way around, back in the last world. After taking a moment to give a faint smile, he nodded, "If... you don't mind, sure," he started while giving a small squeeze with his hand, "I'd like that."