☼ 003 [video]

[got_it_memorized]

[Axel looks a bit haunted and haggard, like he hasn't slept in a few days and maybe was recently in a fight. Which wouldn't be incorrect assumptions, for that matter. He stares at the feed a moment like he's not sure what to say, then frowns.]

According to the date on my tablet, I've only been gone a little over a day. [A bitter laugh.] My, how much can change in a day.

[A brief pause and then he puts on a private filter.]
[Private to Riku]

We should talk. [His tone is severe, but not belligerent. You got some 'splainin' to do, Riku.]

Comments

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[blossomgale]

What changed?

...You don't look so good.

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[got_it_memorized]

You know, now that I really examine things, not a lot's changed after all. I retract my previous statement. I'm still roommateless, best friendless, and without a proper couch to nap on; everything's peachy.

[He says this with a remarkable amount of forced cheerfulness, though the sarcasm should be cloyingly apparent. He meets the girl's eye and gives her a somewhat unamused look.]

Well, now that's not very polite. What if I'd been trying out a new hairstyle? You'd have hurt my feelings.

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[blossomgale]

...I'm sorry. I don't understand what it means for everything to be "peachy". But being best friendless and roommateless sounds really sad.

[ Sorry, she has never heard of that phrase before. As for sarcasm? Sophie doesn't know what that is. So, it flies right above her head. Though she senses the "cheerfulness" sounds off. ]

Hmm? [ It's impolite...? What is tact! She is always unintentionally rude... but honest. ] But what if it really is a bad new hairstyle? If I said you look good, then that would be lying...

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[got_it_memorized]

[He blinks--is this kid for real?--and then sighs softly, shaking his head.] S'called sarcasm, kiddo. You know, a little hyperbole to make the medicine go down? Though I do find myself wondering why they chose peaches as the token fruit of cynicism.

[And when she continues, the bafflement on his face cracks away into helpless amusement. Man, this one's blank with a capital B--kinda reminds him of a few other kids he knows. And misses a lot right now.]

You don't get out much, do you? [There's no derision or accusation in his tone. If he'd realized she Didn't Quite Get It, he might have dialed down the sarcasm and ire.]