vatheon | Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me

Who: Zelos and various CR
When: late evening
Where: Plaza; later at home
Style: Action plz, but if you prefer something else feel free
Status: Closed 'scept to close CR that would be waiting at the coral. There's a network post for those who want to ~~yell at~~ talk to him after~

[The first sign that Zelos was about to return came in that his crystal and crest simply vanished. No matter who looked and how hard, the red gem set in its newly repaired inhibitor was nowhere to be found.

The second sign, only minutes after the first, was his body vanishing, leaving nothing but a small pressure indent in the sheets.

There wasn't a third sign. There didn't have to be.

Zelos reappears that evening, crest and crystal in their rightful place. He doesn't open his eyes right away, though, instead keeping them shut tightly and rolling over onto his side. It's not like the first time he activated his crystal, nothing could ever be that painful again, but it does sting and the memory of the mana distending his limbs and racing his heart as well as the blade plunging into his stomach and the aching coldness thereafter wash over him all at once.

And then they're gone.

He folds one hand over his stomach where he'd dealt that final blow as he sits up, wondering if anyone was even here for him now that he's back, wondering if he even wants to be back. And then he opens his eyes...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Guy, in contrast, remains a bit tense in his posture. He hadn't been around to talk to Duke, or to hear exactly what others had found out. He only had that small broadcast to work off of. And, well... he didn't quite know Duke well enough to know if he would attack someone deliberately like that.

Even if he hadn't been aiming for Zelos' crystal... Mmm. But he keeps his doubts quiet.]

Might wanna be more careful, if you're gonna get into scuffles like that. Just because you can piss people off doesn't mean you have to.

[Blah blah mother mother; really, Zelos, he's just glad you're alive.]

Yeah, yeah, I know.

[Tethe'alla's Chosen runs both hands back in his hair, turning to start for the interior of the city. Right now, he's feeling smothered even with just these three, as glad as he is to see them and as much as he does care. It's such a strange feeling, knowing he'd died, that everything had stopped and the he'd been pulled back here. He's glad his friends won't continue to be upset, but...

Does he really want to be back?

The terrible thought comes unbidden and he shoves it away. Of course he does. He must. He's got people who want him around and that's his purpose as things are.

As exhausting as it is sometimes.]

H-hey, wait up!

[Having just lost, then regained, his best friend in this city, Lloyd doesn't want to just let him walk away. There's still an unconscious fear that if he loses sight of the man, he'll die or disappear again. He follows after him, lengthening his pace to catch up to Zelos's side. He's not thinking about the fact that he might be smothering him.]

So, what're you going to do now?

[Such a simple question with no real answer. There's nothing he can do. Can't even try to apologize for something stupid without it resulting in his death, which isn't even permanent and yet apparently freaks people out anyway. Not that he's in a hurry to do that again or anything, but knowing for certain the option of death is truly taken away... he doesn't feel like doing much of anything.]

Probably just lay low for awhile. Coming back was a little draining.

I imagine that it would be. Like most healings, you'll probably feel tired for awhile. You should rest when we get home.

["Alone" is quietly implied, but she's not sure Lloyd will pick up on it. Sorry, Zelos. But oh, the things he must be thinking right now...]

[Lloyd? Pick up on subtle hints? Hasn't Zelos told you about Lloyd, Zelda?]

Yeah, I guess I can understand that. How about I come with you? I can make you something to eat and we can catch up.

[Guy tries to hide the wince that crosses his face at Lloyd's words, his posture tensing slightly.]

I'm sure food would be a good idea. But hey, remember, he just came back. I doubt he's going anywhere for a while - why not leave him the evening to rest, and save the catch-up for a different night?

[Not that any of them were still shaken by this whole mess or anything. 8|]

[A small frown crosses Zelos's face but he quickly replaces it with a shrug and another grin, clapping Lloyd on the shoulder again before continuing on out of the plaza.]

It's fine, I don't mind. I'd like to hear what I missed.

[He's lying through his teeth, for as much as anyone can ever tell, but Zelos can't tell Lloyd no. Not when he still seems so desperate to keep Zelos in his sight. He'll just show Lloyd he's fine, make him feel better enough to go off about his business, then deal with sorting through whatever mess is roiling around internally.]

I'll start some tea when we get home then. Will that be alright?

[For Zelos's sake, she'll make it something that's apt to make Lloyd sleepy. She won't drug it, but certain blends are known for calming people down. After how much Lloyd has been stressing over the past week, chances are a drink like that would put him to sleep.]

[Lloyd misses the frown. It's far too easy to see what he wants to see and hear what he wants to hear. He's just so glad. So glad to have Zelos back with him.

Smiling happily, tension easing, he speaks. Everything spills out, most of it minor, meaningless things, but it feels good to talk about normal things. Still chattering, he follows Zelos all the way home.

Yes, tea will probably be a very good thing.]

Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me

no subject

skipping Zelda since Mandie said she'd be quiet

no subject

Skipping all y'all because I'm boss

Slipping back in because I am also boss

Makes you all wait LIKE A REAL BOSS

Showing up out of order like a BOSCH /shot

Still on hiatus and yet tagging. Such a boss I'm a CEO!

I think we all know what the pecking order is here. Bend over, boys.

Zelda just wants to cement her position as the manliest of men.