poly_chromatic | 002 ♕ action.

[ Earlier in the day Sora's windy time had run out, but presently he finds himself fully clocked and able thus to amble around as per usual. It's not that he finds Ventus thanks to the network, instead spotting him from off the square, waving. When the other boy doesn't respond, he realizes the reason and trots over, using both hands to turn the winding mechanism until he feels slight resistance. ]

Should do it, [ he says more to himself, moving round to the front of the other boy and crouching down to peer up at him, head tilted, waiting for him to start up again. ]

[ He starts up slowly; the ticking starts first, joining Sora's ticks, and he opens his eyes, blinking before he stretches with a yawn.

Then, he really comes to life, jumping at the sudden sight of Sora, ] -- Sora! [ before feeling something wet on his pant leg. ]

Aw, crap! [ He glances helplessly at the dropped ice cream, making a noise of irritation, before looking back up at the brunette with a sheepish smile. ] Hi. Sorry, I guess I fell asleep, or something. [ Standing up, he flicks the ice cream off his pants with a sigh. ] What's up?

[ Unconsciously Sora's head nods a little, the way fingers would tap out to match the ticking coming to a gradual normality. They overlay and rather than a dissonant offbeat - the cicada equivalent of a bunch of clocks the City now resembles - there is something about theirs that seems almost synchronized.

His hands shoot out to steady Ventus if he needs it when he jumps, smiling to reassure him in a general sense. ] Hey. Nothing to be sorry for. It happened to me this morning.

[ He shrugs, hands going into his own pockets as he rocks back on his heels. ] Not much right now. Was gonna stay home but I got bored. Then I saw you sitting here.

[ Eyes falling to the ice cream, his mouth curves down. ] Sorry about your ice cream though. Want to get a new one?

[ Underneath conversation the tick-tock has taken on a warm quality. ]

[ He's confused for a brief moment - it almost sounds like there's only one ticking, and so it's the sight of Sora's winding pin that makes him understand, rather than the additional noise - before he nods as well. ] Thanks.

It's too nice of a day to stay inside, [ he says, looking up at the sky, ] so I came out to eat some ice cream. I guess you can tell how well that went. [ with a pause, Ventus grins, discarding the popsicle stick into a nearby trash can. ]

Yeah, let's go!

I wonder if we all work the same. [ He doesn't think before he speaks, mouth quirked to one side in the facial posture of Pondering Things. ] Either way, it's a good idea to go out with a buddy. Like when you go swimming.

[ A broad smile takes over and for a second nostalgia flashes there: the longing of someone who misses home, where home is not just a place but the people there. Then he shakes his head as if to clear it, smile still present and lighter - everyday. ]

You want to go where me and Roxas usually do? So far it's the best one we've found.

[ An inclination to sling an arm over the other boy's shoulder insinuates itself as they walk, but Sora checks it at the last second, his hands so far staying deep in their pockets after all. ]

Are you talking about Roxas? 'Cuz I don't have a job yet. [ shrugs. he should be looking for one, but why look for jobs when you can just blow your allowance on ice cream, I mean really. ] But hey - swimming sounds like a good idea. I bet it's not that cold. [ also if you're eating ice cream, then warmer-than-freezing water should obviously be ok. ]

Hey, yeah! Roxas took me there last time. They've got the best ice cream! [ almost better than Disney Town's! ] Hey, maybe we could get Roxas to come, too? [ heyy, there's an idea. ] And maybe swimming afterwards, or something.

[ Ventus - is used to the arm slinging, being Terra's friend and all, but he's not one to do it himself most of the time, due to Terra being the taller one of the group. What he does do, though, is bring his arms up to fold his hands together behind his head as they walk to the ice cream shop. ] What're you gonna get?

Oh! Er-- [ he laughs a bit, head knocking forward, watching his shoes scuff the ground as they walk. ] I meant these things, [ jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the winding-mechanism, ] but as for jobs, there's lots to pick from. But if you wanted, you could do what we do. It's not a lot but it's easy and you get to meet new people.

[ Watching Ventus sometimes out of the corner of his eye and other times just by turning his head a little, he adds, ] Might be kinda cold for swimming. I eat ice cream all year though. At home --

[ Again the pause, but this one he stumbles through audibly, an odd sort of lift to his voice, ] --well we swim all year too but it's different here.

Roxas would probably want to come too though. To ice cream, I mean. Not the swimming. [ Pause. ]

Aaaaanyway,[ he stretches his arms high above his head, a big yawn interrupting his attempt to return to their point of destination, ] I dunno. Might get three kinds. It's hard to decide.

What'd you guys get last time?

Oh. [ herp derp. ] I dunno about these. I guess they might? [ he pauses, thinking. ] That sounds fun. You do deliveries, right? Roxas was telling me about it earlier. He said he enjoyed his job. And I don't mind meeting new people, either.

[ He shrugs again, head nodding in thought. ] I guess it'd be a little cold. [ with a pause, he adds: ] Yeah? We did a lot of training back home, but we swam, too. My friend and I raced a lot. [ I always lost, he adds mentally with a nostalgic smile as he remembers Terra's grin and the pat on his head he got whenever he lost; Too bad! Maybe next time, Ventus! Terra'd say, and they'd go back to Aqua, who'd do the same.

It's then that Ventus glances at Sora, wondering briefly what it's like in his world. Then again, he's not really one to pry, so instead of asking his question, he grins, and with a teasing tone, he says, ] Hey, maybe Roxas's already there and eating ice cream without us. [ he's joking, although he also wouldn't be surprised if they did bump into Roxas at the shop. ]

I got a Milky Way, and Roxas got some seasalt ice cream. I'm thinking of getting something else this time, though.

[ MAYBE YOU WILL, BROS ]

[ He's not addicted he can quit anytime he wants ]

He did? [ Something in Sora's tone lilts upward; it's not that he thought Roxas didn't enjoy their part-time business, but it's another thing entirely to hear from someone else that they like it. His eyes crinkle with that smile and he nods, his hands going behind his head - not registering that this means they're walking the same way. ]

I'm glad. It's not super official or anything, but it's a good way to spend time and make some money. It helps me keep track of what day it is too.

[ Glancing more directly at Ventus results in Sora walking somewhat sideways, reminiscent of a crab - a spiky haired crab. ] I raced a lot with one of my friends too; I usually lost. [ Here it's Sora's turn to be sheepish, his heels dragging a bit, which makes for a slight stumble before he walks facing forward again. ]

He might be. [ Sora says this more in mind that he figures it's as likely he's there more than not, but as they get closer, he squints at the window in the decreasing distance. Dost his eyes deceive him? Blond spiky hair, blond spiky hair resembling the blond spiky hair next to him...

As he scrutinizes through the window's glare, he keeps talking, ]

Milky Way's good...seasalt too...but I haven't met an ice cream I didn't like. Yet anyway - so it's always good to try a new one; they've got so many. I'm gonna try them all eventually. I'm on--

--hey I think that is Roxas!

[ Contrary to ordinary mechanics, Sora's pin speeds up a little, cheerfulness overt while he picks up the pace toward the shop, waving his arm at Ventus to do the same. Beneath the strangely immediate and natural sort of ease they have, Sora has questions all revolving around a certain negative energy named Vanitas, but oftener than not Sora has been a creature of the moment - for better or worse. This is no exception. ]

Yeah. [ Sensing the uplifting mood with the tone, Ventus grins a bit more. ]

It sounded like it's fun. And I bet this City could use more delivery boys, it's got a lot of people.

[ He mimics Sora's walk, albeit crossing his legs over to step as if it's a dance, and purses his lips at the other's confession; if he was more prideful, he'd keep it to himself, but with a laugh, Ventus just shrugs, ] Ditto for me - Terra beats me all the time.

[ He hasn't noticed Roxas, instead nodding and turning to walk backwards toward the ice cream shop; ] They've even got flavors from Disney Town. [ with a pause, he blinks at Sora's outburst and turns to look - at once, he spots the face identical to his own, and .. really, he's not at all surprised. Still, he sprints, running to catch up with Sora, waving to the both of them as he bounds along. ]

[ Roxas is waiting inside the shop, staring up at the menu (like he doesn't know it by heart) before making his selection, but some sixth sense—a double pull on his heart—prompts him to look over his shoulder.

He grins when he sees them. It's a familiar smile; it matches both of theirs. ]

Hey guys! What, were you coming here together without inviting me? Gee, thanks. [ Ha, ha. ]

[ Sora tucks away the knowledge of Terra and Ventus, small though it is; there are always normal parallels showing up and while Sora isn't especially one for deep introspection, holding onto the things someone shares with him is natural to him. As they both dash into the shop, their shoulders jostle and he half-grins at Ventus before turning the smile on Roxas. It's not as disorienting as one might assume it to be.

He knows Roxas, and in a way he supposes isn't as weird as other situations might warrant, he feels he knows Ventus too, even if that last one is more mystery than anything still. ]

We were going to but someone beat us to the punch. Right, Ventus?

[ Sliding up onto the seat beside Roxas, Sora's stare goes up to the menu too. They could both really stop any time they wanted. Ahem. But ice cream is healthy. Dairy you know. And...stuff. ]

So! What're you getting?

[ He asks, not adding 'today' since on ANY given day, certain people ~~they~~ can be found in this particular establishment twice, if not more. ]

[ He follows after, nodding in agreement with Sora. ] Besides, look who's talking. [ he laughs as he lightly punches Roxas' shoulder. ] I bet you already know what you're gonna order. [ Ventus then sits next to Sora, taking hold of another menu to look it over. Unlike the other two, he's not quite familiar with the entire menu yet - but at the rate he's visiting this shop, he will be soon enough. ]

Hey, is the Rockin' Crunch any good?

[ Roxas laughs, but he really can't argue with them. ] Hey, I was still thinking about it. Otherwise I'd have it and be gone and you guys wouldn't have found me at all.

[ And that would just be tragic! ]

Oh yeah, it's really good! [ He has, of course, sampled everything at one time or another. ] The Double Crunch is a better value for your munny, though.

[ It's funny. Face twins though they are, Sora hasn't any doubt who is who. There are the obvious signposts of clothing but it's more than that and his heart knows it even if his mind would be hard pressed to articulate it. Sitting between them too has an odd effect, one also escaping description but if he had to try it would be something of a warmth - the kind associated with being in a room you know by heart or a secret between dear friends. A feeling made from a happening.

For some reason, just for an instant, he thinks he hears Kairi - laughter - and then there's Riku - laughter too though always a bit darker, serious the way he always was under his bravado.

Then it's over and his eyes focus in on what he was apparently staring at before: the menu in Ventus' hands. Unnecessary of course. He and Roxas have it memorized.

But he glances up at the specials anyway before nodding at what Roxas says. ]

What he said! But...you know, you could always get both.

[ Pointing with his finger, Sora begins a game of Eeny, meeny, miny, moe - caught it seems between several options, not the least of which is the Super Deluxe Flavorpalooza (complete with bananas, sprinkles, whipped cream, hot fudge, hot caramel, and a cherry...er...two cherries.) ]

Seriously though, I'm glad you're already here, [ he adds, looking over at Roxas again, grinning. ] Two's better than one and three's better than two. Especially today.

[ He punctuates it with a nod backward at the pin on each of their backs. Windy time limitations and all. Psh. ]

Good thing you didn't, then.

[ He's sorely tempted to get both - but, until the job thing works out, he should.. probably try not to spend too much on ice cream, and he already got ice cream earlier. ]

I've tried Double Crunch before, so I'll try Rockin' Crunch this time. [ with a nod, he sets the menu down, and looks over at the other two. ] Didja decide yet, Roxas?

[ It's only when Sora reminds them about the pins that Ventus really remembers that oh, he could die if this disappears - and he's grateful that Sora's the one thinking this time around, although really, he'd enjoy this party of three any time. ] Yeah - it'd suck if it ended up like earlier today. [ when he sort of just stopped working in the middle of enjoying ice cream. ]

I'll get Double Crunch. Don't wanna give people another reason to confuse us.

[ He says it lightly, almost jokingly, and it's kind of funny—a while back, he thinks he would have been completely freaked out to meet his twin without knowing why he had one. But whether it's because he's more secure in himself these days, knowing who he really is, or because he's just grown up—well, who knows. But it's fine.

Still weird, but fine. ]

Why, what happened earlier?

[ So far he's been lucky enough to get by without winding down all the way. So far. ]

[ it was never difficult to find Ventus, connected hearts and all. nor was it hard to tell when something was definitely up with him-- so it's probably not that surprising when a Flood finds it's way to Ventus and begins to-- draw on his face with a marker it picked up earlier. it doesn't get the chance to draw on him too much, because Vanitas follows after a couple minutes later and steps on top of it, smashing the Unversed down into the floor.

so he can reach out and knock Ventus onto the floor a few seconds after. ]

Move.

[ despite being kicked, he doesn't move; instead, he crumples to the floor lifelessly, winding pin sticking up as the ice cream smushes into his clothes, and he still looks peacefully asleep. ]

[ there's a few moments in which Vanitas just stares down at Ventus, watching him, waiting for him to move or speak or something, because he knows he's definitely alive.

it doesn't last too long. because he's raising his leg, and kicking Ventus' back roughly. because why not. ]

[ ow, that smarts. not that Ventus would know, yet - he just flops to his side, still looking rather unmindful that Vanitas is kicking the shit out of him. ]

[ ...

this is significantly less satisfying when Ventus isn't even reacting to it. he kicks him again, this time in the ribs, and then-- bends down, hand grabbing onto the winding pin to pull on it. ]

[ it comes out with a pop, and with the winding pin out of his body, there's no chance of ventus waking up now. good job, vanitas, whatever your intention was, you obviously succeeded in doing the exact OPPOSITE of waking him up!!!!

you fuck. ]

[ just gonna

casually

stare at this pin. then Ventus, then the pin again.

oh well. he stands himself up, pin in hand, and just walks off with it.

just like that. ]

[ YOU FUCK. ]

[As Setsuna approaches, he gently tries to brush the pigeons aside. Most of them disperse at the arrival of someone moving.]

That's gonna get sticky. [He points to the ice cream as he leans over, reaching between Ventus' back and the bench, to wind the person up. No, he doesn't need to know someone to do this.]

[ EXCEPT due to Vanitas being a dick, when Setsuna goes to wind Ventus up, the pin is --! not there!! Sorry, Setsuna, some fuck got to it before you. ]

What the hell?! [He stares, then looks at the person, wide-eyed.]

Can you still talk? What ass did that?

[ he can't talk, no - BUT WAIT! it seems that while Vanitas was a dick, he left the pin over yonder, glistening wet in the fountain water.

!!! ]

[And Setsuna's not yet aware of it.]

It's alright. I'll figure it out, somehow. And bring the key part back to you. [After he punches the person, assuming he ever finds them.]

[ that is not natural, and guess what, a scientist's first instinct is to pull the key. because turning it is too obvious! ]

[ when he pulls it, the pin comes out with a pop!

Well, what did you expect it to do? ]

[

well, shit. ]

[ che... cking... for a pulse... in the ice cream-free wrist?? ]

[ error 404: pulse not found. ]

[ this is like a damn awful fairy tale with no logic or soundness to the mad system and he hates this entire place —

canheplugthekeybackinandwindit. 8| ]

[ yes he can, and when he winds it, Ventus will wake up - with a yawn, before he looks down at the ice cream that is distinctly not on the popsicle and also on his pants and hand. ]

Aw, man!

[ oh, shit, the statue moves!

... and it sounds sort of annoying. ]

So it's really alive—?!

Huh? [ wait, are you talking about me? ]

Of course I'm alive! And I'm not it, I'm Ventus.

002 ♕ action.

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