keybladegraveyard | (no subject)

[He's not sure how to deal with these visits, really. They're both painful and nice, but he knows at least friendship could be sincere. He fumbles with the box of cupcakes Aqua made for him to take to her before heading to the direction of the station where they were supposed to meet.]

[She is indeed waiting for him (faithful as ever) just where she's supposed to be. Her expression is a little serious, and she doesn't see him at first.]

[He stops a little ways, near the stairs, before taking a deep breath to compose himself, putting his usual smile on, then heading over to her.]

Hey, Namine!

[He's free to take that moment, because she doesn't spot him; it seems she's a little distracted. At his voice, though, she turns, smile moving into place.]

Ven...! Hello.

Aqua made us some cupcakes. You know how she is.

[He'll hand them over. Even after breaking up, Ven's "parents" are still extra nice to her.]

Oh...! Of course. I'm sure they're wonderful.

[She'll just... carefully take them and maybe try to ignore if it there's any accidental touching. Best parents.]

She's always so good at baking.

You didn't notice me coming, you okay?

--....

[She pauses, caught, then shakes her head a little, but her answer is,]

Yes, I'm fine. I was just... thinking. ... It's no big deal.

Thinking about...?

[He looks up at the Station.]

We can eat as Sunset Terrace.

[The word on her lips when, after she hesitates, she tries to answer, is 'us'. She doesn't let it pass. Instead,]

It doesn't matter.

[And she smiles, then follows his eyes to the Station.]

Sounds good.

It matters if it's troubling you.

[He'll lead the way as they talk.]

I... wouldn't say I'm troubled, exactly.

[Just sad.]

... what is it then?

[She falters. Of course he had to press it, of course, but she's reluctant.]

[Still....]

[... Perhaps poor communication on certain subjects is one of her faults. And so, hand holding uncomfortably to the elbow of the opposite arm,]

... Us.

[Yeah, communication really was one of the larger problems. ):

That makes him stiffen a little.]

... about.. us...?

[She's not exactly relaxed, herself.]

Yes.

[It comes out a little like a sigh.]

... It's just...

[Her hesitation continues here, too, even as she forces her lips into a smile and her eyes his direction, sad though they are.]

... I'm really glad that we... can still be friends.

...

[He just nods at that, averting his gaze a little.]

... yeah. Friends.

Mm.

[And she doesn't quite mean to say it, but it's spoken before she can stop herself, her own eyes on the ground.]

At least there's that.

And... I guess that's all there really is.

[Is that some of the bitterness he had returning. But he waves it off, leading to the way so they can board the train.]

....

[Which makes her look up at him, frowning, though she has to delay her response until they're on the train. Then,]

Is it?

[It's quiet. She heard that bitterness, Ven.]

....

[Damnit, he thought the subject was dropped. He's quiet before looking at her.]

Shouldn't I be the one asking that?

[--....]

[Her eyes lower, then shut.]

You're... the one who wanted to break up.

[It's not an insult, or any product of any bitterness on her own part; she means to say that she didn't.]

[He blanches at that and stares at his shoes. This is really not the conversation he wants to have.]

... you know why I did.

[Neither does she. Her brow knits a little.]

I know. But I guess... that's my answer, too.

[He lets the train ride go on for a little while in silence. How did it become like this. It was supposed to be a nice hang out day where they'll eat Aqua's cupcakes and maybe play around with Struggle bats.]