estoria | Dancing in September (Open)

Entry tags:

rock lee

Dancing in September (Open)

Who: Rock Lee and whoever!
When: Anytime between the 21st and 29th
Where: Around Cerealia
What: Rock Lee deals with odd dreams and elemental problems.
Rating/Warning: None? Will update if any come up?

A

[Early in the morning, Rock Lee can be found jogging around any section of the city. But as he jogs, he has a notepad open and is frantically scribbling in it, while dried tears are on his face.]

I must remember... every last past of that dream!

[Perhaps you hear him say that; or perhaps something more concerning is happening. He's not always paying attention to where he's going while writing, after all, so he may be about to run into something dangerous, or even collide into you!]

B

[Or you may find Rock Lee at a later point in the day, anywhere around the city. Regardless of where it is, the main thing to note is that several stalks of corn have started sprouting up around Lee. He looks around in confusion.]

Wh-what is happening?!

C

[Wild card! Feel free to come up with your own scenario, which doesn't have to be related to the event's effects. And for any of these scenarios, Lee could also be found at his jobs at the ramen shop or the gym!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It is very unusual. Even there, not very many people get the opportunity to travel between them. Most people don't know there are other worlds.

[ Her flicker of a smile is brief, especially because coming up with an accurate response leads her mind back toward more sobering thoughts. It takes a beat or two before she admits, ]

... This one.

[ Which is an unfortunate thing to have to say, she thinks, considering the circumstances, and the corners of her mouth tug ever lower. (It's one of those times she almost regrets her own truthfulness.) ]

The places I lived before - I was never as happy there as I have been here.

I... I see. [He looks at her steadily as he thinks about her words.]

I am glad that you are happy here. That very thought helps to fuel my happiness, Namine-san! You deserve it.

[He pauses and hesitates before he goes further.]

B-but, recently there has been much talk. ...Of getting to go home. ...What would happen then?

[He's worried. He wants to go home, but would Namine still be happy here if everyone else left?]

[ She knows his gladness won't last, that the logic will catch up to him. Nevertheless, she tries to offer a smile while she can, before it ebbs away in an only partially successful attempt at keeping her expression neutral in the face of his hesitation. ]

Then... people would go home.

[ That's just the truth of the matter, isn't it? But the lingering sadness around her mouth tells it all; she has thought of this eventuality many times and has no great love for it. ]

If I didn't have a choice, I would too, and that would be that. And if I did have a choice, I--... I don't know. It wouldn't be the same without everyone else. I'm not sure if-- I have the right to stay, or if I'd even want to.

[It's an answer that doesn't feel easy, or pleasant. He can feel the hurt within him, because he can see it now. If he can choose to go home, then doing so would mean leaving Namine behind. But that...]

You have the right to do whatever you wish, Namine-san... [He says with his voice heavy with emotion as he balls a fist, wishing only the best for her. Then, he can't help but to step forward and try to pull her into a hug.]

I am sorry... so sorry to ask such a difficult question to you!!

[ The answer is indeed neither; it's one of those many ugly truths that Naminé always seems to have the misfortune of accumulating. ]

[ And at first she is caught between trying to explain to him why she does not quite have the right to act as she pleases and trying to comfort him. Her mouth opens to do so - one or the other, she isn't sure which - but then he's stepping forward and she-- is quite unprepared. She stops short, unresisting, her hands hovering awkwardly, uncertainly to either side of him. Truthfully, she is really only familiar with hugs on a conceptual level, and finds herself at quite a loss. ]

Rock--

[ Her own voice is thicker with feeling than she thought it would be, and she swallows to try to clear it. Blinking, she bows her head slightly, sees his shoulder; goodness, this is a weird feeling. But after a moment she lifts a pensive hand. Hesitant, gentle, she flattens it against his back, returning the hug, so to speak, even if only with one arm. ]

You didn't say anything wrong. [ Comforting him it is, then. She hardly minds, though her own eyes prick when she says, ] ... Please don't cry again. You were just being a good friend.

[He holds his friend in a warm embrace for an extended moment, feeling very emotional but willing himself not to cry.]

...It- it is alright, Namine-san. I will not shed tears at this time. After all, I made a promise to a very important friend! [He says that with a sad smile.] Thank you for your kindness.

[And after a moment he releases her and steps back, unfolding to his full height. He gives a thumbs up.]

I promise to putting my all into helping you, Namine-san! We will find the most ideal conclusion to this that is possible. I will not let you down!!

[ Her eyes linger on his shoulder, searching it as though it might do in lieu of his expression as she wonders whether he truly will cry. At his words her fingers curl subtly, unconsciously against his back, like they might catch the material there - though in the end they do not, and she lets him draw back without incident. She's quick to look up and seek his face in earnest, though what she finds (or doesn't find) there seems to soothe her. ]

[ Warmly, not even realizing it, she smiles. Her voice, when she sees fit to use it, is soft. ]

You never have.

[ Let her down, that is. He's been an excellent friend from the beginning, and she hasn't quite got the words to express how much so. Instead, ]

I'm sure you'll do your best. But you know? I'm the one who should be thanking you. And even if we have to say goodbye for good some day, I... I'll always be glad to have met you, Rock. This whole experience, being here, the friends I've made... that can be enough for me. [ If it has to be. Oh, she'll always want more, as anyone would, but-- ] It's more than I could have ever asked for.

[He does seem to be almost on the verge of tears, in actuality. He sniffles every now and then, and his eyes do seem a little watery. But Lee is putting a lot of willpower into holding back his tears for Namine's sake.

His eyes and smile, though, are genuinely full of sincere happiness, especially as she goes on speaking.]

N-Namine... Your words continue to be so kind! I must redouble my feelings of gratitude! ...I cannot imagine ever saying goodbye to you for real. But, I will find peace with whatever path is best for you, Namine-san! [He bows his head gratefully.]

Every last experience... I am happy for. And I am honored that you look back on our friendship in such a way! ...Let us to continue to have such heartfelt experiences of youth!

[ But he's trying, and she appreciates that. It was good to see that he's not yet lost that battle, at least; 'watery-eyed' is much better than 'a crying mess'. Fond, she breathes out a laugh, not trusting herself to speak right away. Her own head bows slightly, lips still curled. ]

It'd hard for me to imagine, too. But I hope you do find peace, whatever happens.

[ And her mind threatens to stray in a sadder sort of direction for a moment, but she knows that path well enough to also know better than to travel it. (He wouldn't like it, she thinks, if she were sad.) She's quick, therefore, to urge her smile a little wider, peeking back up at him with it. ]

But for now - yes, let's. I hope I haven't distracted you from anything important, but-- if you've got time, we can go get ice cream?

[ Just to make sure he remains cheered up and she doesn't find him cry-jogging again later. That's a youthful experience, isn't it? ]

Edited 2016-10-23 03:48 (UTC)

[It's a valiant fight, and the wateryness sound fades away. Lee simply settles into a controlled happiness and a simple joy in Namine's presence, as well as her smile.]

Let us all find peace! [He chimes in as he steps back from her. And his smile only shines more brightly at her suggestion.]

Ah - ice cream? Do not worry, I do not have anything important going on right now! [He did not finish his morning jog, but that's not important right now.] And, I would really enjoy some ice cream! Come, Namine-san, I vow to treat you!

[ The more he recovers the more she finds herself able to unwind the remnants of concern still curled in her chest. Comfortable, she presses a hand delicately over her laugh to contain it. ]

I'm starting to think there aren't many people who wouldn't enjoy some ice cream. Alright, then, we'll go together. [ It's practically proving to be a universal good, at this point. And, you know, it's a traditional Friendship Thing where she comes from, so his agreement is met with a subtle brightening. Turning to angle herself the direction she intends to go - she knows where a shop is nearby - she adds half over her shoulder, smiling broadly, ] Not if I vow to treat you...! I can make promises too, you know.

Edited 2016-10-23 21:37 (UTC)

[Ice cream doesn't have much symbolic value to him beyond being associated with being a very youthful treat. But he can see the value of having some with a dear friend all the same! He eagerly follows her as she leads the way.]

Of course you can, Namine-san! Anyone in the springtime of youth can make a heartfelt promise! I would love to treat you... ah, but if you made such a vow, I would not want to defy your vow! It would be an insult!

[ She makes sure to keep their pace even, cheeks high with her smile as she looks over at him. It's a struggle not to laugh again at his response, and after a moment her eyebrows lift as though she's thought of something. ]

I know a way we can both make those vows and keep them. [ And save him the indignity of 'insulting' her. ] We can treat each other...!

[ Which feels awfully silly, but it's an 'awfully silly' sort of morning. ]

[When isn't it an awfully silly sort of time when it comes to Lee.

He gasps dramatically and smiles warmly at that response.]

Ah...! Namine-san... that... that is a brillian and beautiful idea! I love it!! Yes, let us commit ourselves to the youthful meal of mutual treating!!

[ Pretty much zero percent of the time. By now she's gotten used to it, so she actually presses her teeth into her lip to keep from smiling too widely at his dramatic gasp. ]

Sure...! I'll buy yours and you can buy mine. I'm flattered you agree.

[ She'll just breeze over the 'brilliance' thereof as an exaggeration, but it's... still nicer to hear than she'd care to admit. And since they're talking of vows - it seems like a preposterous thing to use it for, but he's seemed happy with the ridiculousness so far, so-- ]

Do you want to make it a pinky promise, or...?

I am happy that you feel flattered! This is a very reasonable decision! [He says with a bright smile.]

Ah! A pinky promise? That sounds very important! [He looks alarmed, but in an eager and joyful manner. He hesitantly reaches out his hand, with his pinky extended.] Is this really alright?

[ Naminé is... not hesitant, to her own surprise, though she does take a moment to nod in the hopes of reassuring him, smile still wide. ]

I think so.

[ She reaches to extend her own pinky so that they can link them together - though she stops short of finishing the move. ]

It's... nice, knowing it's a promise we can keep.

[ An easy promise, a lighthearted one - it's a pleasant contrast to the sort she's used to. ]

But we don't have to, you know, if you don't want to. I won't be upset.

[Rock lee quickly shakes his head, hoping to banish that very thought from her mind.]

Of course I want to! I... I would love to secure this promise in this manner! Please trust my word...!

[And he links his pinky with hers.]

Let this promise of our friendship, pure and heartfelt beneath the warm sun of the springtime of youth, endeavor and endure for all time!

I do.

[ Trust his word, that is. She's hard-pressed to imagine him not being sincere about something - and it's even more difficult to imagine him being any good at lying even if he did try it. There's a little raise in her shoulders as their pinkies link together, and she draws in and lets out a slow breath, pleased. Smiling, she nods. ]

That promise is much harder to keep, but... yes. No matter what.

[ 'Even if we never see each other again once all of this is over,' she thinks but doesn't say, 'I'll always be your friend.' ]

[He keeps up and smiles, tightening his pinky's hold before he ends it.]

I do pride myself on hard work. So I will gladly rise to the challenge, especially for someone like you!

Now let us both do our best, and obtain that ice cream!

[ She folds her hands together once she's withdrawn her own pinky, unconsciously cradling it with the opposite hand. Funny, how warm she feels inside. It really is wonderful to have such a good friend. ]

Yes, let's. [ Still in good spirits, she begins to walk. Something else occurs to her, quirking her smile for just a moment. It's hard not to think of all the things she has seen to be aspects of certain friendships now that she's experiencing one for herself. ] I would offer to race, but I think I know who would win.

[ Let the other Destiny Islands kids have their fun. She knows when she's beat before she even begins. ]

[Lee smiles, feeling all too warm himself as well. And he gives a firm nod at her words.

Normally, he would offer a race as well, but it does seem like the odds might be a bit unfairly stacked against Namine...]

Then let us simply move together! We can still enjoy a lively walk together!

[Flashing her a reassuring (and sparkling!) smile, he keeps on moving. And off they go, to a pleasant time with ice cream!]

That sounds good to me.

[ And it does. She meant it, of course, when she told him to hold onto his light - not only for his benefit but also consequently to her own, and she's glad for it now as they walk away in better spirits than when they met. ]

[ What more could someone ask for? And then they head off for ice cream and live happily ever (for some undetermined portion of the day) after. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Dancing in September (Open)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject