Squall &quot;Leon&quot; Leonhart

[Well, dear Sheena, let's allow his stupid male pride to tak at his place...]

I feel okay, I'm just really stiff right now but it's just because my muscles are still healing. [Quite the big lie for someone who clearly struggles when he has to walk or move around and is still up only out of sheer stubborness and determination... still, pierced bowels usually require surgery and he's regretting his life choices so much. Sheena had literally travel with him leaning against her shoulder and... No, they should probably have an adult talk here, she's no child after all...]

Actually, we need to talk. My wound isn't healing, quite the opposite.

Edited Date: 2016-05-06 01:24 pm (UTC)

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[ No worse than her pride, you know. ]

Yeah, and the cold doesn't help matters. So, maybe you should, oh, I don't know... Rest?

[ Bossy in text. That's our ninja. Not to mention genuinely concerned after the way she had to help keep him up.

And thanks for finally noticing she's not a kid.

Aaaand have a pause before the next text comes through. ]

What? Why didn't you say something sooner?!

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[Such a stubborn and ridicously prideful duo...]

Maybe. Later. Sleeping is for the weak.

[Still, he has been quiet since he arrived in the Pharmacy, considering how he tends to scavenge around and tries to mess up with buildings all the time. And she's right, he should rest.

And you're welcome. He noticed earlier but- eh, you know, big bro attitude.]

Sorry. I thought it was getting better until I tried to move today.
[He's lying, of course.]
It's probably getting infected, I'm only going to slow you down.

Edited Date: 2016-05-10 08:56 am (UTC)

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[ Who them? ]

What? Are you going to tell me that you can always sleep when you're dead? I don't think so.

And I'm not weak, either!

[ He's been trying to get her to rest, you know. ]

Save the sorry. You made a mistake, that's all. And you're not going to slow me down. We'll just have to take care of it, that's all. We're in the pharmacy; there's got to be something here!

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[This is so incredibly hard, too fresh after watching them down Sheena. All she could focus on was Quark and running as much as she could. Only when she couldn't see anything trailing behind them does she finally send a message to Leon. Please. Pleas,e don't be dead.]

Leon, please, respond to this if you can.

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[He knows something went wrong, the anomalies were supposed to focus on him, not... anyone else, yet they left the window he was leaning on and bolted away. The man has been ling on the floor, more or less unable to do anything more (and probably not even wanting to try), and even grabbing the tablet to reply takes a lot of effort since his dizziness decided to show up again. ]

I can. So you managed to escape, good.[He's short on breath, like he just finished a long run, but sounds otherwise fine. Now, please, tell him you all escaped...]

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Most of us did

[She doesn't want to have to tell him, not when he'd already put his own life on the line so that the rest of them could have a chance. But it's better than lying to him. He would be bound to find out, anyway.]

sheena was the last one out, but she didn't follow the rest of us

i think she stayed behind to try and help you

they took her

i'm so sorry

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[There's a long silence from his part, interrupted by occasional gasps when he has to breath deeper trying to grab some air, then he finally snaps.]

SHIT! That idiot- why had she to do that?

[He decided to stay behind especially to let her and Sora escape, he isn't going anywhere anyway in his conditions, they don't even know if the wonderful conditions they got from their dreams will actually fade, why couldn't she let him be?]

No no no no no no no no no no no no no no... Why no one made sure she *gasps* was coming with you guys?

[there's a low thud, like he tried to kick something] No, it's not your fault, it's mine. I should have let those monsters in earlier.
What if she doesn't wake up? And what am I supposed to do now?

[He rarely speaks so openly but the sum of all things combined is hitting Leon really hard.]

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Leon... Leon, please, calm down.

[It's obvious, now, why she hadn't bothered speaking this entire time. It sounds like every word she speaks is a physical struggle, not counting how upset her tone drags as she tries to keep her words in order. But she's too concerned that text alone won't reach him.]

One of them came after us as well... by the time... we realized she wasn't following in suit... t-there wasn't anything we could do...

It... it wasn't your fault, Leon...

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I know it wasn't your fault, ninjas are always so stubborn... but why? Stupid young brat, it wasn't what she was supposed to do, it wasn't what how it had to end! I'm the old man here, I should have been able to do something! Fuck!

[In any other situation he'd probaly grunt something not too nice to lether switch to text again but Leon isn't exactly himself right now. He didn't seem to acknowledge the last sentence, thought.

And now, if Sheena comes back, he's still going to be a weak man in need for help, mh? He can't allow that, he just can't...]

Luna, I need to ask you a favor. [The man takes a deep breath and turns to look at his backpack] Pretend this conversation never happened. I may have a small chance but I'm taking it... my conditions are getting worse anyway. [It should be clear what he's talking about.] I will be fine.

Edited Date: 2016-05-25 05:37 am (UTC)

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What? No, no -- Leon, please listen... you can't--

[Panic rises in her tone. She's caught what he's referring to, and she isn't okay with it. Especially not when he's so close by.]

You did do something, Leon! The rest of us... we're okay, we made it... w-we're going to come back for you, just like I said we would...

Please, don't do anything rash... please! This isn't going to fix anything!

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So what? [If he had enough energies he would be yelling right now. Sorry, Luna, he totally lost it now and he's definitely not being himself.] So I can keep walking around leaning on others and wait for the next anomalies to show up soo I can let more people die to protect me? I'm not going anywhere in the next days and it's only a *wheeze* matter of time before cabin fever or anomalies do the job for me.

I... [He's glad you and the others managed to escape, he really is, but knowing Sheena died... it doesn't feel like a victory] don't come back for me, those creatures may still be around and it's not worth the risk. You have to stay with the kid, remember?

I'm not doing anything rash. My conditions aren't improving- [well, he didn't give himself time to let antibiotics do anything so Leon shouldn't really say anything about it but- right now it seems the right thing to say.] and there's...

[Leon pauses, the dizziness that kept him company since he woke up hitting again and forcing him to lean down on the floor.]

There's a small chance that this is going to fix me.

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There's also a large enough chance that you just won't come back at all. It isn't worth it, it--

[The panic has quickly given way to pleading. Having to sit by while someone was murdered was one thing - someone taking their own life for perfectly treatable reasons was just unacceptable. Not for him... but for her.

She couldn't allow this.]

Leon, please, t-this... this isn't an answer. I know your mind is telling you that... that this is your only option. But you have to be patient with yourself-- you can't jump to dire conclusions when you haven't had time to heal properly! You aren't a burden!

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[He'd spent the last three days moving. Two of those days his mind had been out of sorts and he'd been convinced he was dead. Sora knew what had happened down in the ice tunnels--knew that some of the people he'd been traveling with hadn't made it--but he'd just fled. Had been convinced he needed to find his body.

And then the third day he'd found Roxas and his world had just fallen apart.

It was the evening of that same day and he has no idea if any of the people he knows are safe but he has to try, right? Leon's the first person he tries, his voice far too soft considering how Sora normally is.]

Leon I...I'm sorry. That I wasn't--that I couldn't...

[Sora goes quiet, rustling heard as he shifts and draws his knees up.]

...I hope you're okay.

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[Sora has been somehow... lucky? Because not too far from Roxas he would have noticed Leon's body in another cell, it's a blessing that others convinced him to leave before he went further inside...]

I'm okay.

[That's all he says, verbally, before immediately swapping to text before he loses control on his words again. Since Leon woke up he kept saying out loud everything that was in his mind and even if he wanted the kid to hear his voice -he suspects Sora will appreciate it more than a plain text- he'd rather deal with the issue only when they will meet in person.]

It wasn't your or anyone's fault and I'm back, things will be better now. Where are you? Are you safe?[He saw Cloud and Tifa's names in the obituary and, of course, Leon is worried]

Edited Date: 2016-05-30 01:09 pm (UTC)

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[Yeah that wouldn't have ended well. At all.

It's a relief to hear Leon's voice and while he's not sure why the other switches to text so quickly, it's better than nothing. A shaky sigh escapes Sora and he switches to text as well, fingers trembling as he types.]

Things are going to be different from now on. I promise.

I'm safe. I'm in the tunnels heading downtown. Zell and Zack helped me figure out where to go.

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[But Sora is alive, Sheena too, things are going to be awesome from now on! ~~an old man can dream~~]

I know, this place isn't going to kill any of us ever again, we're escaping from here.
[He, Sora and Sheena, as much as he cares and worries about the others he has his priorities.]
This place isn't going to kill me again.

Can you wait for me? I'm out of food but I am nearby, we can go to downtown together.

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Good. I don't want to lose anyone else. Especially not you.

Yeah! I can definitely wait! Cloud's meeting me here so I can wait for you too.

From:

[So he probably should have checked in with Leon and Sheena sooner and he feels terrible that he had...completely forgotten to do so. He'd just been so caught up in exploring the tunnels that it had slipped his mind.

Hopefully Leon wouldn't be too mad at him.]

...So I know we were suppose to meet up but I found out there were parts of the ice tunnels that hadn't been explored and I--ah--got...kind of excited about exploring them so that's where I've been.

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Hey Sora...

[It's a relieve to hear his voice directly, as much as Leon keeps an eye on the network to make sure Sora is still around it's different when he can directly tak with him.

And don't worry, Leon isn't mad at Sora. Worried? Yes. Angry because the kid keeps running around on his own? Sadly that's how it's always been even in their world, isn't it?]

It's understandable, just try to stay safe. I'm currently downtown with Sheena, let me know if you need supplies or help. And don't do anything stupid, if you don't see any bulding in sight make sure you have enough time to return to a shelter before lockdown.

From:

I'm being careful, I promise! There's a lot of unexplored spots, that's all.

[It was helping him keep his mind off things too; helping him focus on something that might help people.]

Are you guys doing alright?

From:

That's why you have to take it slowly, we have no idea of what awaits in the caves.

[Leon can understand, really]

Sheena isn't feeling too well so we slowed down but... we're relatively fine. Found nothing of interest recently. You?

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I will be, Leon. I promise.

[Daaaddd stop worrying so much!]

Wait why isn't she feeling well? Is she sick? I can see if the pharmacy has anything if you guys want!

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Don't forget you can always call me if you need help... we're all supposed to work together, aren't we?

[It's a father's job to worry, Sora!]

Muscle pain, apparently. I assume she pushed herself too much, so I'm trying to get her to rest. And don't rush anywhere, we will eventually check the pharmacy on our own, you just have to worry about staing safe.

...
You know how important is for everyone that you return home, don't you?

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Yeah, I know. And I'll keep you posted on everything that I find or run into.

[But dadddddd!]

Alright--If you're sure. Because I really don't mind!

[Kind of sounds like what he's been experiencing..but he's just going to keep that to himself.]

...You too. You're important to everyone in Radiant Garden. So we both need to get home.

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Good.

[No puppy eyes allowed, son!]

We will manage, I'm just going to let her rest for a while. We're close to the grocery store too, if supplies are needed.

[Leon frowns, as important as he may be as the committee's leader it's nothing compared to the chosen one. Did you know, this old man has been awfully jealous to see him with a keyblade in hand and... as far as he knows Sora is still the only hope of all worlds. Definitely worth protecting more than anything else.]

When we will go home I will ask the other to throw you a party. And I will personally make sure Cid and Aerith gets no access to the kitchen.

You know- [There's an hint of amusement in his voice now]I almost miss their 'everything that was in the fridge' meals. I swear, no one can cook in that house, it's a good thing Merlin's furniture and kitchen tools can cook by themselves.

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[Don't tell him what to do! He'll do what he wants!]

Just please take care of each other, okay? I don't want anything bad to happen to either of you!

[Because Sheena's family too now.]

A party would be a lot of fun.

[There's a wistful note to Sora's voice, one that ends up turning into a more amused sound as Leon continues.

He can't help but laugh softly by the end of it.]

I can't really say much! I never really learned how to cook. Goofy did a lot of that while we were traveling--or we just bought stuff.

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[Oh, come on!]

And we don't want you to get hurt either.

[...yeah, he agrees on that.]

It would. Loud but fun. [He's not too fond of parties, mind you, yet he keeps talking because Sora seems to appreciate the thought.] And the committee and your friends would have a chance to actually know each other, it's about time, isn't it?

[There's a moment of silence from Leon, like he's considering what to say next]

When we go home I will teach you how to cook, the basics at least, any man should know them. And I've been told that it's great to share food you made with love with your friends- at least it's what Aerith keeps saying before attempting to my life with one of her drinks.

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I'll be alright, I promise!

[Which means he's probably going to get some bumps and bruises--oh and there's that lingering pain that he's been experiencing but hey! He's totally okay!]

Yeah! They would! You guys would love Kairi and Riku! They're the best and I know they would love you guys too!

[All of his friends--his family--in one place. What a thing that would be.]

I'd really appreciate it. Maybe I can get good enough to cook dinner for everyone sometime!

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Good.

[Oh, boy, Leon would so not like to find out about that. Hopefully things will get better with time.]

Just make sure Yuffie doesn't monopolize Riku's attention. ANd don't show Cid too much love, you three, or he will start thinking he's awesome or something.

[Trying to... joke, here.]

I'm not a great cook but I know the basics and how not to poison the people who live with you so feel free to stop in our kingdom whenever you want and after training with our weapons- [Because, priorities] We will cook for the group too.

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[His goal is to make sure Leon doesn't find out, okay.]

Aw, come on Leon! That's not very nice.

[The smile is obvious in his voice, a tinge of laughter dancing on the words. He appreciates the effort, Leon. Really.]

I'd like that a lot! We definitely have to do that once we get home!

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[But what if dad finds out?]

I just know who we're dealing with, kid, I spent ten years living with them. Cid is just the worst when he starts receiving too many compliments. Once...

[He is tying his best, glad to see the kid appreciates.]

Once Yuffie made a picture frame out of pasta and beans and wrote inside it 'thanks for adopting me'. Silly and naive but she was a kid- and you know what happened? Cid kept accidentally mentioning that for months.

[It may or may not be true but Leon already suspects they're from different 'similar' worlds, even if it was a lie it would hurt no one.]

For once I agre with you.

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[ Yes, they're traveling together, but there are just sometimes when you just want to text someone.

Like now. ]

Hey. Hey, Leon...

:P

[ Someone's in a good mood. ]

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[Oh, sheena, it's been so long from the last time you spoke with him! Ten minutes? Maybe eve fifteen?]

Hey. Hey, Sheena.

（￣へ￣）

[You can't beat him at emojis, Yuffied teached him well. But- hey, it means he's in a good mood as well!]

From:

[ An eternity...

And don't give her that look. She'll give you this one: ]

（⌒▽⌒）

From:

[Sheena, you're supposed to behave like a proper lady, you know? And proper ladies don't emoji without a reason, he'd judging you.]

(;¬_¬)

[At some point he will probably question this, mostle because you're sitting in the same room, but- DETAILS]

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