☼ 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

[limitstorm]

Wow.

[ it's like looking in a mirror. ]

I was sure because you and Lea don't look that much different. I'm talking allies, not friends. [ smirking now. ] What, you want to be friends? That's a pretty big leap from, you know, having your arm broken.

[got_it_memorized]

I never said that; I just said that since we both think Xemnas is a hack we might as well be on the same side. Besides, I was talking about Xion, anyway. Not everything's about you.

[A brief stare and then he arches one eyebrow fiercely.]

All I'm asking is that if you decide you have to break my arm again in the future in a location you can't remember and for reasons you can't discern, at least break the other one so I heal symmetrically.

[limitstorm]

I promise.

If I want to break your arm again, I'll break the other one too. [ still a little bit of chuckling, though it's a little quieter.

... he really doesn't know what to tell axel and what not to tell him. his smile fades and he looks away from the feed with a frown. ]

... anyway. I meant what I said. I don't leave my allies hanging.

Don't get into trouble. [ tsun. ]

[got_it_memorized]

H-hey, wait, no, if you break them both that's still asymmetrical. You only get to break one.

--What the hell am I even talking ab-- You know what, this is just dumb now. Forget it, your arm-breaking privileges have been revoked indefinitely. [More harrumph.

[And then he makes a face not unlike the one in his icon.]

Trouble? Psh, I've had enough of that lately. Seems to follow me around, but I'll work on my evasive maneuvers.

[And that's as close to gratitude as this is gonna get. Tsuntsun.]

[limitstorm]

[ he rolls his eyes. ]

Let's hope you get better at them, because last time I checked, you couldn't even keep up with me.

[got_it_memorized]

Is that a challenge, short stuff? 'Cuz I'm willing to bet I can run circles around you--

[Hey, wait, he sees what you did there. All... distracting him and stuff. How's he supposed to be sad and mopey with you pestering him like this? Gosh.

[He stops short and scrubs at one eye with the heel of his hand.]

Well, maybe not right now. [And he sets the tablet down on the bedside table before flopping backward onto the bed, his hands folded behind his neck.] But I'll pencil you in sometime.

[limitstorm]

[ just as keikaku. ]

Like you have a busy schedule. --wait, you've got all those naps, I guess you might have to get me in between them.

[ snark snark snark

he raises a hand dismissively. ]

You need rest.

[got_it_memorized]

[He snorts a laugh.]

Sorry, naps still take priority, kid. You've gotta work for that sort of rank.

[And then he scoffs, sitting up to glower defiantly and tiredly at the feed.]

Don't tell me what I need. [He scowls, though it isn't directed at Riku.] Sleep is about the last thing on my mind right now, sheesh.

[limitstorm]

[ a snort. ]

Oh, sorry. I just thought they might help the bags under your eyes.

And I said between naps, genius. What else are you gonna do, anyway?

[got_it_memorized]

You let me worry about the bags under my eyes, hot shot. [/Tsuns harder.

[He shakes his head then, frowning a bit sullenly.]

I dunno what else I'm gonna do. [He's being surprisingly sincere, and kneads his forehead briefly.] Sleeping just isn't on the agenda for a while, I think. Not... not really, anyway.

[If he's honest with himself, a good night's sleep hasn't really been on the agenda for years, but even if he's honest with himself, he's not about to be that honest with Riku.]

[limitstorm]

[ he frowns a little at axel's sincereness; he's used to seeing that on a non-tattoo'd face. ugh. he needs to stop comparing them. ]

Maybe you should get a job.

[got_it_memorized]

[A job??]

[got_it_memorized]

[Riku. Riku pls.]

[got_it_memorized]

A job? Please. I'm enjoying the vacay~ I don't have to take anybody's icky orders anymore and you want me to give that up? You're dreamin'.

[limitstorm]

What vacation? We're in a war. You still follow orders here, they're just not every day.

[got_it_memorized]

And that's the vacation. I can handle putting my skills to good use for someone else's benefit once in a while, but why would I give up being able to loaf around like a lump the rest of the time when I get free housing anyway?

You 'good guys' and your work ethic.

[limitstorm]

You're one of those good guys, you know. [ grump. ] In time.

Enjoy your vacation while it lasts.

[got_it_memorized]

[This face. Srsly.]

Hey, now, change of 'heart' down the line or otherwise, I'm pretty sure my affinity for schlepping around and doing as little as possible for as long as I can get away with it is fundamentally ingrained in my character.

[limitstorm]

[ smiiiiirk ]

Until the fire gets lit from underneath you. From what I remember, you were working real hard.

[got_it_memorized]

[He folds his arms and gives him a very stern look.]

Hey, if I'm working hard, then I'm sure it's for a really good reason. But I'm just as sure that punching a cash register around this funhouse? Ain't a really good reason. [And he leans back again, assuming his usual lounging posture.] So until such time as a really good reason presents itself? I for one plan on continuing to schlep.

[limitstorm]

[ eyeroll. ]

I can't stand staying still. You've got some talent, there.

[got_it_memorized]

You know, it might look like I'm doing nothing at all, but I assure you that on a cellular level I'm extremely busy. Don't wanna overdo it, you know.

[limitstorm]

What're you gonna do, sprain a duplicating hip cell?