keybladegraveyard | (no subject)

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.]

[She doesn't do anything to break that silence - at least not for some time. Her hands do, however, clasp each other for comfort.]

... I'm sorry.

[She wouldn't have brought it up if he hadn't asked, but she still did bring it up.]

[He just nods but stays quiet. It's not until they step out and are halfway down the stairs from Sunset Terrace's station when he speaks up.]

Namine?

[A large part of that time that they both spend not saying anything is instead taken up with her thoughts, many of them frustrated at herself. She raises her head a little at the sound of her name, though, and doesn't look his way.]

... Yes?

.. are you sure you still like hanging around with me?

[She can't help blinking over at him, at that. And even though she's frowning, her,]

Of course, Ven.

[is sincere.]

[He opens his mouth, sighs, and keeps walking. It can save for later.]

[... Yeah, she saw that, Ven. She walks next to him for a little while, then, against her better judgment, there's a soft,]

What?

Let's continue talking someplace else.

--....

... Right. Wherever you want to go.

[He'll lead the way to the top of the hill then.]