pathlesstraveled | (no subject)

(no subject)

Characters: Ven and Sora
Location: Destiny Islands
Summary: Despite their best intentions, Tidus and Wakka's attempt to set Sora on a blind date has only further dampened his mood. Being Sora's go-to source of optimism, Ven decides to fix this and maybe get Sora to speak his mind.
Warnings: Contains cute.

[Ven didn't know what to think when he found out about this. A blind date? But weren't dates supposed to be special? Either way, it wasn't hard to catch onto Sora's frustrations, which is exactly why he's opted to drag him out to the beach, complete with shaved ice.

Well, the shaved ice is supposed to be a surprise, but it's not like a trip to the docks is that suspicious, right? Anything to lighten his spirits.

So, as they make their way across the shore, Ven shoots him one of his usual grins before pointing out at the docks.]

So, you feeling better yet?

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[ sora lags back, barefoot and toddling about. he's short as short can be--unfortunately, and his legs can't quite keep up with ven just yet. a year later, and maybe. with ven, he often forgets he has to speak out loud, just looking to the blond and thinking before he starts and stammers. ]

Uh--uhm, n-not really. [ surly, at the sand. ] I'm g-gonna give 'em a talking to, wh--... when I get back.

[Ven chuckles and looks back at Sora with a sympathetic smile. It's okay; he knows Sora's still adjusting, after all!]

Well, if you need some backup, I'll see what I can do. That'd even the odds, don't you think?

[It's said in jest. After all, he figures Sora will want to sort this out on his own. All the same, this isn't about those two right now. It's about Sora, cheering him up, and getting his thoughts out on the table.

But to make things easier, he'll slow it down a bit. They've got all the time in the world to get there, after all.]

I c-can take 'em!

[ he fists his fingers, narrowing his eyes and raising his shoulders. ]

Who--who d'they th-think they ah-are?! Sh-sheesh.

Sora...

[Here, have a friendly hand on the shoulder.]

I'm sure they only meant well. Maybe they thought it'd cheer you up!

[After all, Ven knows how awkward it must be, given Riku and Kairi's romance. He's even seen how awkward Riku's been as a result. Poor guy...]

[ he goes lax underneath ven's hand, even as his brows knit together. ]

H-how? They've--they've gotta go g-get a girl to m-m--ugh! Meet! Meet me, 'cause I--I can't do it on m-my own?

Maybe they wanted to make it easier on you? They could know some girls that you haven't met yet. Or maybe they didn't think it through...

[His grip on Sora's shoulder tightens. C'mon, it's okay. Nothing to worry about.]

[ sora sighs heavily, head drooping. he knows ven is right. he knows that they meant well, but it just... makes him feel worse. he can't do anything right. ]

I wish... I-I wish they'd stop t-trying.

Maybe they will. You just gotta tell 'em what your boundaries are.

[He sighs as well, gesturing out towards the dock.]

But why don't we go take a seat, Sora? I bet a little relaxation will do us both some good.

[ ven's right. he exhales, shoulders slumping as he walks, falling quiet. ]

[And that's perfectly okay. If Sora needs a few moments of quiet, Ven won't pry. Instead, he'll stroll right down to the shoreline, stopping every now and then to make sure Sora's close by.

And once they reach their destination, he'll plop down, waiting for Sora to join him.]

[ sora hesitates for a moment before carefully settling himself down next to ven. ]

Ven, d-do you think... I fit in, h-here? Anymore?

Huh?

[Ven blinks, reaching up to scratch his head.]

Well, why wouldn't you? It's your home, right? And you've got your best friends right here with you. Isn't that what counts?

W-... well... sometimes, people grow o-outta th--their homes.

[ he looks at his feet. ]

Even--even if I've got... my skin back a-and everything--I still feel really. R-really Heartless... y.

Well, you've still got some adjusting to do! It's been a long time since you were human.

[He plops a hand down on Sora's shoulder.]

Don't you wanna be here, Sora?

[ sora thinks hard about this. he loves his big sisters, loves his mom, loves his friends, but... he can't help but feel like he's more of an outcast here than he's ever been. ]

I--I dunno.

Sora...

[This'd normally be the part where he pulls out the shaved ice, says something cheery to lift his spirits, and maybe goofs off a bit, but no. This deserves his full attention.

Ven's no idiot, and he knows Sora'd had his share of issues in the past. The time he spent working for Maleficent left deep insecurities that he still hasn't shaken. His time as a Heartless, Riku and Kairi's budding romance, everything hit Sora like a whirlwind. Ven couldn't really help before, though, beyond small words of encouragement.

But he's got his body back now. He's actually there...

So, whether Sora likes it or not, Ven's gonna pull him into a hug.]

You know, if you need to talk about it, I'd listen. You can just dump it all out if you want; I won't mind.

[ sora tenses when ven wraps his arms around him; he's so tiny (he's still the same as he was before, but compared to everyone else, he's so small sora always feels like he can't make much of a difference) he fits well.

after a moment or two, he just sags and exhales loudly. ]

I-I.. don't kn-know if I can.

Do you wanna write it down instead? I just...

[He pauses, keeping one arm around Sora while he rubs the back of his head. Darn it, he wants Sora to feel like he matters. If this is what it takes, Ven's willing to stay put for as long as necessary.]

Well, sometimes it's easier to just vent a little. Letting those feelings get bottled up inside you just isn't healthy.

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