Action - 004 [4th Wall - Open to all]

[moezama]

[...there seems to be a lot of people showing up today here in Luceti. Technically New Feathers were still showing up but...today there just seems to be more of them coming in than usual.

Well, he'll try not to get into people's way as he tries to head for the library. There, he'll just hide out in his usual spot, in a corner of the library and hide behind his books. He's been here so many times and still couldn't locate what he was looking for.

You can meet him anywhere along his path to the library, or at the library.]

Comments

[not_meatbuns]

[Ah, she was hoping she would run into you~! You better be ready to be scooped up into a loving motherly hug.]

Kazuma! I'm so glad to see you!

[moezama]

[He stops, stuck where he stood. That voice...he didn't think he would hear it again. Slowly, he turns around, heart racing, wanting to see her, but afraid that he would find nothing. Not like this would be the first time he heard voices, but...she was there, smiling happily at him when he turned to look.

The next thing he knew, she was hugging him before he could say anything]

... [...This was real, wasn't it?] Miss...Litchi?

[not_meatbuns]

[After just a moment's hesitation, she releases him enough from the hug to smile up at him warmly. And nod.]

It's so good to see you again. I've missed all of you.

[You know, ever since getting back. But getting hit by the freight train of memory upon arrival sucked.]

[moezama]

... [This whole time his arms were at his side, but for just this moment, he raises them to return a light hug. What an odd feeling...but he felt like he needed to do this.]

It's...really good to see you too. [He smile the most fondest of smiles at her.] Have you seen the others yet? There's...been a few changes at the house since you left. I hope you don't mind...

[not_meatbuns]

Is that so...? I suppose it's fine as long as I can talk to all of you. But you're the first I've found since I arrived.

[Ah, not!son, she's missed this. She's missed you.]

Has everything been alright? [And now there is a look of MOTHERLY CONCERN. And a hint a warning in her tone.] Have you been taking care of yourself?

[moezama]

Well, everyone's still here and doing well. Miss Tsubaki moved out to live with Miss Noel and Miss Makoto. My...friends Seto and Firo moved in with me and Tao.

[That's ok right...? He goes quiet at her last question] Um, I've been...well. All right, yes. [He hasn't been able to get much sleep, but that's nothing serious, right?]

[not_meatbuns]

I'm glad your friends came to stay with you. That house can be... very lonely when it starts to empty out.

[That answers your question, right? Except that she's eyeing you with that judgmental doctor eye. Her tone is still sweet, but yet forewarning doom.]

...Is there something you aren't telling me, Kazuma~?

[moezama]

[Kazuma is used to being on his own, but after having a taste of living with others...it felt awkward being in a slightly emptier house.]

Ah...[He glances off to one side sheepishly] I'm fine, really...I've just had nights where I couldn't sleep that's all, but I have been taking care of myself. [partially true. Still just a little better than before he stayed with Litchi.]

[not_meatbuns]

[She gives a small headshake, but smiles again. Taking care of himself is good. She would worry about him not eating right without her or Dave here to force him into it.]

I'll have to make you some relaxing tea to help with your sleep. It should do just the trick.

[moezama]

Heh. Your teas were always nice. [As he lets her go, he noticed something...or at least something missing.]

Where...are your wings?

[not_meatbuns]

You know, I've been wondering that myself... I can't think of anything that would make the Malnosso delay putting the wings on us.

[With a small frown, she looks around at the very crowded conditions.]

...Unless there are just too many all at once.

[moezama]

[...] Maybe that is the case. [He has this feeling of dread though...that maybe she wasn't going to be here for very long]

There are a lot of people here today. Maybe something malfunctioned...?

[not_meatbuns]

[She's getting a nagging feeling that that is the case. Especially with whispers bouncing off the Boundary of arriving here with the wings actually attached. Something isn't right, but that doesn't mean she isn't going to make the most of her time here with her "family."]

It's certainly possible. Maybe they'll just catch up later. [She hopes.] I just hope they come by for it while we're all asleep.

[moezama]

Eheh, I hope so too. [...] It's already the New Year here since you left, about a month ago.

[Might as well catch her up on how long she's been gone]

[not_meatbuns]

[Hnngh that long already. That hurts way more than it should.]

I... I'm sorry. I wish I could have been here for it.

[moezama]

It's...it's not your fault. Don't worry about it. [He gives her a reassuring grin]

You're here now at least.

[not_meatbuns]

You're right. And being back here with all of you is what matters the most.

[Even though they're still missing one other family member and -- she's just going to stop thinking about that, the hurt is still far too much.]

Has it been this snowy all winter? I haven't seen so much snow since I arrived the first time.

[moezama]

A bit, yes. [Much to Kazuma's disapproval] I hope Spring will come soon. I can't stand how cold it is...

[not_meatbuns]

It certainly is rather cold... but spring shouldn't be much farther off. It normally starts to warm up around March.

[Ah, and spring here is so beautiful, too. She hopes she's still here to see it.]

[moezama]

So another month of this weather? [woe]

Ah, did you wanted to stop by anywhere? The house? ...it's a little crowded out here right now so...

[not_meatbuns]

I'm afraid so, but... Perhaps a visit to the house would be a good distraction? I can make you some tea when we get there.

[And also some dinner.]

[moezama]

[uwah, Litchi's cooking *A*]

I would appreciate it, but you don't have to if you don't want to.

[not_meatbuns]

Of course I want to. You know I love cooking for everyone.

[moezama]

[His face is glowing at the prospect of Litchi's cooking]

And I'm sure everyone else will appreciate your cooking as much as I will. [Let's go, let's go! Back to the house now]

[not_meatbuns]

[She's coming, she's coming! Just a little slower than usual. She hadn't noticed how much she'd gotten used to not having the Boundary pain here until she got it back.]

Now, now, no need for flattery. But I appreciate the sentiment.