mogmelodies | Written to Friends

November 1st

Dear [Insert Your Name Here],

I hope this letter finds you well. If it does, I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience, just to put my mind at ease regarding your well-being. Alert me at once should you have need of me.

As for myself, I am well, and rested. I wanted to write this before I resumed my duties to assist the civilians in the city. As I am certain I will be called to report to Esdham soon, now that the undead have been laid to rest, it is imperative that I find a chocobo of my own, so that I may travel freely between cities should the opportunity arise.

I plan to embark on a three-day expedition, from November 7th through the 9th, and you are welcome to accompany me during any number of those days. Be certain to bring warm clothes, fresh water, food that will not easily spoil, and a sleeping bag or tent. Until this time, I will likely be found assisting with the responsibilities of cleaning up and healing injuries.

Know that I will think well of you while I reside in Esdham, and I look forward to your letters. Do not hesitate to write should you ever feel the desire. If you wish to visit, you will be warmly welcomed. I will not be far, if you ever have need of me.

Sincerely,
Rukia Kuchiki

P.S. Now that I am not so busily engaged in the capture and detainment of rogue spirits, I would like to make good on our former agreement. Please notify me if you still wish to receive your date, and inform me when you would like to meet. If you have any preferred activities or meals, please notify me prior to our engagement, so that I can plan an appropriate evening.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There's really not much he can say about the Reaper encounter. He doesn't blame her -- or anyone -- for any of it, but he still doesn't like to think about it, even now. Not just because of what he himself went through, but that awful atmosphere alone -- comrades struck down instantly and effortlessly like that -- even here, in the light and safety of his home, it makes him uneasy and goosebumps quickly break out over his skin.

He pulls his knees up, nearly to his chest.]

Right... It just... when stuff like this happens, it seems like... picking up the pieces doesn't get any easier.

[Months ago, after learning about Eraqus' death and having the shadow of doubt and uncertainty cast over Terra -- Ven shut down completely. He recovered with help, only to fall into depression again after reading some of the truths in his file. Again, his friends were there for him, and now... well, Rukia's here, and he knows others will be, too, if he needs them. He just wishes he wouldn't get to that point in the first place.]

But thanks. [Again, Ven smiles a sad smile, staring down at his drink.] I think... my master would've said something like that, too.

[If the warmth in his voice is any indication, that's a compliment.]

Your master, hm? Perhaps I'm growing wiser in my years~

[She glances at him with a smile. She's kidding. He's making the effort to smile, so she wants to help that along. It's hard to see him looking this sad, and hating his flaws so much when there's so much more about him that she adores. He's kind, and cares so much about other people. He's been a good friend to her from the very beginning. Maybe he just needs to be reminded of that.]

I hope you don't plan on easily forgetting all of the good things you did. Like helping that troubled soldier find his peace. And standing beside your friends when they needed you.

[She sets the thermos on the table.]

I am still impressed by the courage you showed in every battle we have fought together. I know I can trust and rely upon you. Nothing will shake my faith in that regard.

[Rukia plants a hand on top of his head as she grins at him.]

Remember that, or I will be forced to remind you.

[It's both comforting and reassuring to hear -- that others trust and believe in him as much as he does in them, even when he lacks that same trust and belief in himself.

His smile quirks slightly, not quite a smirk.]

Is that a threat?

[...Ven doesn't show his sass all that often, especially around adults -- but in this case, it's a sign that he's feeling better.]

Perhaps...

[She raises her chin as she rubs it with an evil smile. Angst leads to sass. Sass leads to shenanigans. Shenanigans...lead to suffering.]

Are you testing me? I cannot be blamed for the consequence of your actions if you do.

[He gives a short laugh, but tries (and fails) to keep a straight face.]

Heh, if I was, you make it pretty easy for someone so wise.

[VENTUS SHUT THAT MOUTH]

[Rukia moves fast, leaping fully up onto the couch with her knees bent as she attempts to snag Ventus into a headlock. With her other hand, she takes out a marker, and pulls off the cap with her teeth.]

[It's moustache time.]

It's too late for forgiveness... Baron Ventus.

[As utterly relaxed as he's been up to now, the sudden movement catches him off guard entirely. Ven barely has time to look surprised before he's successfully headlocked, and confusion turns into ~~horrified~~ realization when he hears the pop of a marker cap (in the meantime, poor Rae has tumbled off the back of the couch with a startled KUPO because what even is happening here).]

Hey--! [He tries to make himself as small as possible by squishing down, hoping to slip out from under her arm -- but one hand of his is occupied with not spilling hot cocoa all over them both, and he's been on the receiving end of enough headlocks to know he's at a two-fold disadvantage.

Still, he's laughing as he tries (most likely in vain) to dissuade her.]

Rukia -- no -- don't even--!

[--think about it WHAT IS IT WITH YOU AND MOUSTACHES YOU CRAZY SHORT WOMAN]

[Doesn't he know? Moustaches are prime comedy, especially on teens who aren't even old enough to shave.]

[Her grin grows wider as the tip of the marker comes ever closer. But then...]

[The marker moves past his cheek, along with the rest of her arm, and she's just hugging him.]

Stop trying to muddle through these things alone. You have friends who love you, and care for you, as much as you love and care for them.

[Rukia smiles gently.]

If you forget this again, you truly shall become a Baron. I promise you that.

[Ven instantly stops his (halfhearted, really) struggling at that, looking startled for a moment -- and then he relaxes.

She's right, of course. He's gotten better about not derailing every conversation that touches on his full identity, but letting others touch the uglier parts of his present life is another matter, one he should -- as Rukia put it -- strive to improve. This kind of reassurance makes it easier, one step at a time.

His expression softens as he leans against her, finally nodding once with a quiet laugh.]

Yes, ma'am.

Good. I'm glad to see that you learn swiftly.

[She smiles, resting a hand on the back of his head. After a few moments, she releases him and sits back on her heels.]

When you've finished with your cocoa, fetch your sword. We could both stand to be a little stronger.

[And what better way to bond and vent feelings than to spar?]

[An offer to spar is definitely one of the quickest ways to his heart. He grins with a nod, but as eager as he is to make himself useful, he'll enjoy the warmth of the house with her a little longer while he finishes his drink.]

Yeah! That sounds great.

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