towerofanimus | unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

Entry tags:

unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

Characters: Some death kid (Ryoji), a swishy-haired jerk (Sephiroth), and you!
Setting: Dorm 4-16, and Floor 14 to start, but the rest can happen anywhere else. Sephiroth will be training in the gymnasium as well, should anyone want lone encounters with him.
Format: Prose to start, but I'll match.
Summary: Ryoji has just woken up in his new dorm room, and is going about a 'normal' day in the Tower, though he does feel a little strange...
Warnings: Someone is messing with Ryoji slightly, so expect threadjacking that results in bizarre mood swings and paranoia. Ryoji's opinions of various CR may be slightly messed with. Other than that he should be fine this time around.

Dorm 4-16

Even though Ryoji had gotten that letter, it was still a bit of a shock to wake up in a new room. As soon as he was able to move, he sat up as quickly as possible and checked the trunk. Everything there was still the same. Nothing was damaged. It seemed so strange, to be magically transported a few rooms down in the middle of the night, but he supposes stranger things have happened.

He's a little embarrassed that his love-sick request actually got fulfilled, but he has to admit it isn't too bad. He's managed to at least partly forgive himself for brutally murdering Diarmuid, enough to be able to look him in the eyes and smile honestly again, and though he didn't know Lancer very well, he seemed nice enough. Strange, though. Diarmuid hadn't mentioned who his other roommate was...

He'll stay in the room for a while, just to get his thoughts in order, and maybe see if anyone shows up, but after a while, he's ready to go about his regular business. As he leaves his doorway, he pushes a bit of an uncomfortable feeling to the side. He felt strange, but he was certain he wasn't sick. It was simply an interesting start to the day that made him feel like this, nothing more.

Floor 14

A few hours later, Ryoji has already forgotten about that nagging paranoia, and is enjoying an animated film with some cartoon animals. He hasn't seen this one before, and is clearly invested in the story. His eyes light up as one of the characters bounces onscreen, and he's laughing at all the right times.

If anyone decides to enter the floor, he'll be a little too absorbed in the movie to notice them, but he still wouldn't mind a distraction.

Any other public area in the tower

Unfortunately, some of those distractions ended up going a tad awry, and now Ryoji's starting to suspect that he should have trusted his instinct this morning. He can be found on any other floor, but whether he's reading in the library or getting rid of some of the monsters on infested floors, he's keeping his distance unless spoken to. Then he'll shove his worries down and try to hold a regular conversation. He just hopes he's just having a bad day. His friends are still trustworthy, aren't they? He's just reading into things too much. Maybe he didn't completely get over how he acted during that experiment.

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Hey, it's okay. I think you're perfect the way you are.

[She's giggling still. It's cute, really, now that Ryoji listens to it. It's the sound of pure happiness, and it's enough for him to push most of his worries aside. So what if he's only good at watching TV? It still gives them something to talk about. She's not perfect either.

He gets to his feet, one hand still holding hers while the other reaches up to scratch the back of his head.]

I guess it is a date! I-If you want. I know it's not a really good first date, but there aren't a lot of restaurants or anything...

But as long as you're okay with it.

[She blushes and holds up her free hand, waving it a little, but it's the kind of flustered that means 'you're definitely flirting with me, and it's definitely working.']

You're going to make me blush even more than I already am, saying things like that...

[Yukiko giggles again, but when it fades this time, it fades into a blushing smile.]

You know what? In a place like this? I think that maybe it's better that way. Because since money's not really a thing here, who knows what they'd actually want you to get them as payment? I don't want you to get hurt any more. You've already gotten hurt by this place, and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt again because you were trying to do something for me, okay?

[She looks down at their hands, and her cheeks flush a little darker as she squeezes his hand, then looks back up at him, letting her eyes meet his.]

It doesn't matter to me if it's not whatever a perfect first date is supposed to be, Ryoji-kun. I'm happy, because it's with you.

Well, I think you're cute when you blush.

[Yeah, he's not going to stop saying things like that. He's naturally flirtatious, and seeing her reaction is helping him gain a little more confidence.

...Though having her talk about preventing him from getting hurt gets him flustered again. Isn't he supposed to be worrying about her?]

Oh, it's okay! You don't need to worry about me getting hurt. I know my way around here, and I can definitely defend myself.

[Note that he is not denying the fact that he'd get himself hurt for her sake. Regardless, right now he's happy.]

Then I'm glad. Come on, I'll lead the way!

[He'll gently guide her along to the entertainment room with a pleased grin.]

[Which, of course, makes her blush even more. Sheesh, at this rate, she's going to turn the color of her sweater...]

I - I am not cute when I blush, sheesh...

[There's a moment, where she remembers her Shadow, and all the stuff it had shown everyone on the Midnight Channel. All that stuff it had said about her being helpless, about only wanting to be with someone to help her escape fate - that might have been true then, and there might still be that piece of her, but she's made her peace with it.

She smiles to herself, thinking I'm doing this because of my own feelings, not because of anything else.]

Just - be careful, all right? You can be Prince Charming, but this princess has a Persona, and she'll come after anything that even tries coming after you.

[And her smile widens as she says that. It's definitely okay like this.]

All right!

[It's with a bright laugh that she goes along, unable to keep her smile off her face.]

[Alright, so he can't be persuaded one way perhaps Sephiroth could push it to the other extreme. Being obsessively in love can be as damaging to a new relationship.

It isn't an emotion that he's much experience with though all the same, he needs to know what limits there are to this influence he has. He's been made to be possessive before though, in the Tower. ~~Ryoji might remember that~~

Ryoji will want to touch her, hold her hand and tightly. He'll start to feel as if he'd curl up and die if she wasn't permanently close to him. At all times.]

Okay. You aren't cute.

[He squeezes her hand tighter.]

You're absolutely beautiful.

[He may tug her to the stairs a little quicker than he was before, but other than that, he seems normal. Of course, inside, he's making sure that he can spend every spare moment with Yukiko. If something gets in their way, well, he'll have to get rid of it.

Anything for his princess.]

[Yukiko blushes again, but she smiles this time, squeezing his hand right back. She doesn't protest this time.

It's all right, if they move a little quicker. They're both happy and excited, after all, and she chalks it up to that. She doesn't see anything wrong with wanting to start this a little sooner. If she's honest with herself, that's what she wants, too.

Her light, happy laughter trails all the way up the stairs.]

[When they arrive at the media room, Ryoji leads Yukiko to the couch, waiting for her to sit down, before he starts hooking up the CD player and other equipment.]

It's not completely like karaoke... we don't have any words on the screen or anything. But I hope it's close enough.

[Before she does, she takes down a binder full of CDs, so she can flip through it.]

That's all right! I know the words for anything I'd try, anyway. I'd be a little too afraid to try singing something I didn't know...

[Flip, flip - and there's a slightly awkward moment when she sees a single of Rise's in there; it'd just look like she was trying to make fun of her if she tried singing that, so that's definitely out - oh, there's the one she was humming earlier. Time for a quick Courage check, then.

>...

>...

> Yukiko sets the CD and its booklet aside. That's a yes, then.]

Yeah, I guess that makes sense! I would at least want to know the tune of the song before trying it, or I'd sound pretty bad...

[He sits down next to her, shoulder brushing against hers as he checks out the selection. There isn't a lot he knows, but he has a few ideas.

Of course, he gets distracted once she sets the book to the side.]

Oh? Do you have one picked out already?

That's it exactly! If it's something like this, it's a lot better to have an idea.

[That brush against her shoulder is a little surprising, but it makes sense that they'd need to sit pretty close, if they're both looking at the same thing. It's not a big deal at all, and it's forgotten the moment that CD gets brought up.

Yukiko can't exactly put it back now, but it doesn't stop her from blushing just a little.]

Well, um, they had that song I was humming earlier, so I thought since it's here, I might as well give it a shot...

[His smile gets a little wider at her blush. How does she manage to look so perfect, even when she's embarrassed? Ryoji is certain that no matter how many flubs she makes, he'll find her singing is perfect to him as well.]

You should definitely try it! Why don't you get it set up while I choose a song of my own?

[He picks up the book, flipping through the pages idly. Hopefully he can find something that will impress her...]

[She would argue that she really doesn't look perfect at all when she's embarrassed.]

Right. Yeah, let me do that...

[Yukiko picks up the CD and its booklet, just doublechecking - oh, good, this does have a karaoke track. On the one hand? It means she won't have to worry about echoing the vocals in the places where they echo. On the other? She's on her own for the main lyrics.

She puts the CD into the player, forwarding to the right track number.]

Okay, I think I'm set up, just need to hit play...

Sounds good! Hm, I just need to see if I can find something.

[He starts skimming through the booklet a bit more frantically. He really doesn't know a lot of music, does he? He ends up picking one at random, thankful that at least sounds slightly familiar, and then sets the CD to the side, ignoring his nerves in favour of listening to Yukiko.]

Alright, I'm ready too. You can start.

[He's sure she's going to sound beautiful.]

[Okay, this is it. Yukiko hits play, debating striking a pose - no. No, she can't do that, it would look awkward. And she can't - what's the trick, sticking your finger in your ear to make sure you're on-key? She can't do that, either. The song's introduction is way too short.

Then she starts to sing - she actually is on-key. The first few lines are easy enough, and she doesn't need the lyrics.

It's when she gets to the lead-in to the first chorus that she stumbles a little, looking at Ryoji then looking away for a second, but it's a quick recovery. She's fine, really.

The second verse is easier, as is the second chorus, but the bridge...that's where she flat-out blushes. Yukiko isn't Rise; she's not used to singing things like this all the time. Even if they're true, in this case; that just makes it harder.

For a minute, she's worried her voice is just going to flat-out quit, but it doesn't. She manages to finish strong.

...those lyrics? Kind of ridiculously obvious, though. The reason the song was in Yukiko's head in the first place was her crush on Ryoji and how she was making excuses not to do anything about it.]

[Ryoji watches, clearly excited for the moment when she starts to sing... and when he hears her, she's just as amazing as he anticipated. He doesn't even notice her stumble, just offering her a bright smile and a prompting nod when she looks over.

He is a little surprised by the song choice, but he can't say he isn't happy. It's nice to hear something like this, something that proves that the feelings he's developing for her aren't unrequited.

He taps his foot along with the rhythm, watching intently, and then stands to give her a round of applause once she finishes. He comes to her side, grinning.]

See? I knew you'd be amazing. You really are a good singer, Yukiko.

[Better than he's going to be... his nerves are getting the better of him now, and he glances back at the CD he's selected.]

W-what? I totally fumbled the lyrics a few places, and I'm amazed I even got through the bridge...

[Yukiko can't help blushing at the compliment, though. She thinks: Maybe that's all excuses. I'm not okay with unrequited feelings forever. Maybe...maybe I do have that kind of courage.]

If I can do it, with those - well, those lyrics are pretty obvious, aren't they? I...I do. Like you. Like that. A lot.

...and I...I just said it. After I sang it.

[Her face is now as red as her sweater.]

A-anyway! You're going to be great. I know you are.

You were still doing all that on the spot. I think that's really impressive. I didn't notice any mistakes anyways.

[But oh, it seems all the complimenting may be paying off. Ryoji's eyes widen, and he feels a grin appear on his face. He doesn't blush-he was already convinced he and Yukiko were meant to be together-but he still can't hide how happy he is.]

You did just say it, didn't you? And here I thought I was the one who was obvious...

I like you a lot too.

[And he just ignores the TV, the CD he placed to the side, the fact that they're in public and anyone could walk in. He ignores everything except Yukiko, who he suddenly holds by the shoulders and kisses.]

[Didn't notice any mistakes? Yukiko wasn't sure if that was pure luck or something else. There were definitely mistakes.]

Are you sure you aren't just saying that? Because I definitely messed up in a place or two...

[And there goes her blush again. Is this - did she hear that right? It's mutual?]

N-no, I'm definitely the --

[Oh. Oh. Yukiko hadn't been expecting Ryoji to just hold her by the shoulders and kiss her like that. It's a surprise she likes, though, more than she wants to admit.

After a beat, she decides that entirely forgetting where they are and the fact that someone might walk by is an excellent idea, and she kisses him back, putting her arms around his neck.]

[He deepens the kiss with a pleased hum, hugging just a little too tight, so more of his arms are visible than her torso. The kiss and the touch still remain sweet, but behind her back, his arms meet in an 'x' shape, as if forbidding anyone to come near her.

When he pulls away, he smiles tenderly.]

You didn't make a mistake. You're always wonderful to me, Yukiko. Always.

[It probably should set off alarm bells, being hugged a little too tightly. Yukiko's surprise and happiness hide those signs and silence the alarm bells, though.

This is what it's supposed to be like when you're falling for someone, right? The movies and television all say it is: a confession, the feeling like there's no one in the world but the two of you, a kiss like that. She hardly notices the way his arms cross behind her back.

Her cheeks are pink when he pulls away, and they only go a shade deeper at his words and that look on his face. She can't help but smile back.]

I couldn't be happier if I tried right now, Ryoji. You're the one that's wonderful to me.

[Honorific-dropping is a big thing. She recognizes that, but it makes her happy, too.]

[Ryoji is convinced that this feeling is more than simply falling for someone. He's already fallen for Yukiko, hard, and saying that he has a simple crush is an insult. All his thoughts, words, actions, his entire reason for existing is Yukiko, and he needs her to feel the same way.

If she doesn't return his affection, then he'll have to...

But he shouldn't think about that. Yukiko clearly returns his feelings, so he doesn't need to worry. He bends forward once more to kiss her cheek, and he still keeps his hands on her shoulders, unable to even handle not touching her.]

I'm so glad you're happy too.

[He smirks, a bit of his teasing nature showing through, even now.]

How can you call me wonderful when you haven't even heard me sing yet?

[No making her pass out from blushing too much, sheesh.]

I don't need to hear you sing to know that. You just are.

[She nods her head once, then giggles a little. It's her naivete that's allowing her to think it's all normal; it's easy to get caught up in the moment.]

But if you want to go on ahead, by all means.

[Ryoji chuckles at her light blush, and shakes his head.]

No, I'm really not wonderful just like that. I need to prove it.

So let me sing, alright?

[He fiddles with the machine, inserting his CD and then turning to face her with a charming grin. Always the Casanova, especially with a song like this coming through the speakers.

He's mainly on key, and he's confident enough to keep a normal volume. He stumbles on a few of the words, but he tries not to let that bother him... and it's a lot easier to forget about that when he reaches out to take her hand while the song continues.]

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unchanging, the earth will always keep on spinning

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handwave the stairs?

o7

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wow I am lame