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[Call him crazy, but he was becoming familiar enough with Luke to figure out his hangouts and where he generally gravitated toward.

Ryuuji was aware of what was upsetting Luke. He actually made plans with Temari to help bring her out of it too, or at least not as down as she is now. He had a feeling that Luke would also be affected heavily by this development, so he couldn't help but try to console him. Luckily it didn't take long to figure out which spot he was lingering in.]

Hey, Luke.

[A soft, concerning tone. Ryuuji stood across from him.]

[Luke wouldn't be surprised, considering how they're living together. Luke's habitual in where he likes to go, anyway. In all honesty, he tends to go where he knows he'll be easy to find, in case he's needed.

So, as tempting as it was to go off on his own, to...think, a small part of him is stuck on the hope his friend will be found. He's a ninja, so he'd be able to vanish, for a bit, if he wanted, right? Heh...Luke knows that's just ridiculous.

Maybe all of this is made worse from the fact that Luke's been shoveling...quite a few things to the back of his mind. First, they've all been brought, there, against their wills...now, people are leaving, without warning. The very same thing had happened to Asch, only Luke had been there to see that. Again, Luke hadn't dealt with it. He'd bottled it all up, and moved on. Now, though...]

Hey, Takasu...

[He doesn't even look up, at first. When he does, though, he's giving his friend a weak smile. Then, looking down, he appears to be fidgeting with his device. Of course, he's really just...looking through it. Gesturing it towards the other teen, he speaks in a force-lighthearted tone.]

Managed to fix this stupid thing, finally.

[Normally he would have asked to join Luke, but it was true that they were roommates and spent a considerable amount of time together. Even when they were both busy from time to time. The dark haired teen gently took the seat beside him.

It was scenarios like this that prevented Ryuuji from branching out with too many people. They were already taken once from their world, and again from the world that took them. It wasn't a far-fetched concept to think they might be charted back or to another world altogether. It was a risk every day, and he knew it, Ryuuji just never outwardly showed it. Maybe it was a conversation they could no longer keep putting off.]

I know it's...stupid of me to ask if you're okay.

[A heavy loss was a heavy loss and only time could heal that, but...]

What's on your mind?

[Ryuuji wasn't sure what kind of answer his question would bring about, but he figured it would be better to ask than not at all.]

[As Takasu sits down, he returns to fidgeting with the device. He's unknowingly attempting to focus on any little thing, possible, to keep himself from...whatever it is he'll do, when he's not allowed to be distracted.

Luke's worried, though. More worried than he cares to admit. There's no telling where Gaara got spirited off to. It could have been back home, it could have been to the hotel, or it could have been...well, anywhere. It hurts to realize that they could continue getting close to people, only to have them vanish. It hurts to realize they could come to love people, only to lose them...over, and over...again. This thought has Luke's teeth clenching.

Green eyes rest on the ground, below, as he kicks at one of the rocks. Listening to Takasu with a forced smile, he attempts to ignore the pressure in his chest.]

It's not stupid to ask that. [In fact, it's...kind of nice? Damn it, he's not even sure where his own head is, much less why something like that is nice.]

... [The forced smile turns strained. Holding a blink, Luke's grip on the device tightens.]

My mind, huh...? [He manages a dry laugh, before his expression falls, completely.] ...I'm fine, in comparison. I'm more worried about everyone else, right now.

[Never mind that his body feels so weak, he's struggling just to go to work. Never mind, he hasn't been eating half as much...and sometimes, only pretending to sleep. He's doing what he can to hide those things, for the sake of not worrying anyone. Besides, Gaara had a sister and best friend...He's trying to think of how to comfort them. If possible. Glancing over at his friend, he manages another smile.] What about you, though? You're always worried about other people, but you never really talk about how you're feeling...

[Ryuuji wasn't looking for direct contact. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He didn't want to come off intimidating or forceful when asking Luke how he was. That wasn't his intentions, so if he just sat by him, he could avoid that.

The teen was a little concerned how Luke insisted he was fine when he wasn't. Ryuuji hadn't been entirely aware of all the stunts Luke was pulling recently, but he would start to catch on if it continued and grew more noticeable. Until then, he would remain oblivious.

It really wasn't until the last comment that Ryuuji froze momentarily. He never noticed that before. Did he really not talk about himself?

Ryuuji leaned back on the bench, and tilted his head toward the sky.]

I'd be lying if I said I was okay. [Ryuuji externally he was so well composed, it was hard to tell how bothered he was by all of this. His breaking point had retracted a couple weeks ago, and he found a happy medium again. It wasn't until Temari's broadcast that it started to falter again.]

But I wasn't that close with him. [Gaara. He regretted that, but at the same time he didn't. He felt horrible either way. The most he could do now was make sure Temari would be able to make it by, and he had plans for that already.]

I know there's nothing we can do about who stays...and who goes. [It's been almost half a year since they met, have five months passed by already?] But we can at least cherish the time we do have together, and with others.

[He was trying so hard to make this dark reality lighter. Ryuuji didn't want Luke to be sad.]

[He watched his friend freeze up, a faint tensing of his brow occurring as he smiled. Heh, so he...never noticed? Takasu truly was one of the most selfless people he'd ever met. Luke had been right in comparing him to Ion...hadn't he?

With that, his smile turned a bit sad, especially at the admittance that he wasn't okay. Eyes lowering, the redhead let out a sigh. Those words were spot-on, and the replica could feel his chest tightening.]

...You're right. Honestly, I could tell he was trying to push me away. He didn't want to become my friend, because of...the fact that we never know when something like this could happen. I pushed it, though, because...

[His hands tightened into fists.]

The more people I become friends with, the bigger the chances are that I won't wind up alone. I know...it's selfish. I feel terrible, looking at it that way. I didn't even realize it was like that, until this happened. Then, as the realization that what's happening to me, is getting worse, sinks in...I can feel myself panic, just a bit.

[With that, he was reaching out to place a hand on his friend's shoulder. He was staring at the ground, all the while, a tensed expression on his face.]

Even after everything...that I've done...everything that we've been through, death still terrifies me.

Edited 2014-07-19 13:05 (UTC)

[Ryuuji's glance drifted toward the ground as Luke went on. He could tell that his friend cared deeply about the redhead they met briefly. Did his friend really feel like he was going to end alone? Ryuuji had to wonder. As much as he wanted to, he could only do so much, and there was nothing else he could do to help Luke. It made him feel bad not being able to comfort him in a way that would make Luke feel better.]

It does?

[An off-handed comment. It wasn't something Ryuuji really wanted to hear, but he was glad Luke opened up to him anyway.]

Even if...

[This topic was heavy. Ryuuji wasn't equipped to just brush it off.]

We do come back. It's okay. To fear it.

[Yes, a part of him did suspect that everyone would continue vanishing, at random. A tiny voice in the back of his mind was asking who would be next...?

When...?

How...?]

Yeah, it...does. I worry more for the other people, though. Even if we come back, there's still the chance we won't...right?

[There's never a guarantee they'll come back. Asch had come back, but that doesn't mean they should just treat death carelessly. Besides, nobody's seen anyone at their time of "vanishing". They don't know if they're simply disappearing, or...]

[Ryuuji never once brushed off death because these strange places had the ability to bring them back. Their fate was never certain, and even seeing familiar friends was a gamble all its own.]

True. We might not.

[The teen let out a sigh. This isn't how he expected his life to go. How could it become so radical this quickly.]

But we're not actually living, if we're always afraid of what's to come. I guess it sounds kind of stupid, but it's easier living the moment.

[It is now, anyway. Now he didn't want to think about the past or future. Just these moments. They were the only things he knew for certain.]

[Ken has more or less been ignoring the network and staying low-profile since his arrival. He's had a lot on his mind... And he's been trying to familiarize himself with the city and its mechanics, get settled, keep busy. It's easier to keep busy and think about the here-and-now.

Color him surprised when the first thing he sees when he finally bothers to pick up is a familiar face.] Luke-san? Are you okay?

[He blinks at the response he sees, next time he checks. A-ah...so, it had recorded that much, huh? His eyes soften, briefly, and he lets out a sigh.]

Yeah...I'm fine. [He manages a smile, even.] There's just some people...missing, right now. One of them was a friend, and...one was-

[Well...Asch. He can't call him a friend or enemy. Calling him "the original Luke" is too much of a mouthful and would be an insult...and is an entirely different subject, altogether.]

-a person from my world.

Ah... [Ken knows how it feels to lose a friend, all too well.] Do you want to talk about it?

[Ken's not a leader or consultant, he's not like Minato.... But maybe he can try to be. Minato isn't around anymore. He has a more important job. Someone should try to fill the space he left behind.]

I'm not the best at comfort, but...I can listen, if you want me to.

[There's a pause, for a moment. He doesn't want to burden this guy, since he barely knows him. Not to mention, he's not even sure he's ready to talk about it.]

Well, uh...actually... [Even if he doesn't care to talk about it, right now...]

...I'm planning on grabbing a bite to eat, in the next few hours. If you're hungry. [He pauses as he scratches the side of his face, somewhat awkwardly.]

You wouldn't have to worry about paying, since I work there, and get a discount.

Alright. I wouldn't mind that... [Wait, that sounds weird.] Let's go. And... You don't need to talk if you don't want to.

[That's what Minato would say, right? Or maybe Shinjiro would? He knows he and Luke aren't really close, so he won't pry. Maybe they can just have a little fun instead.]

Um... [What was she suppose to do...or say, she had no idea how to conform humans. they were slightly different after all.]

I can tell something is bothering you and um... I'm sorry. [She flaps her ears down slightly. Nope she can't quite figure it out.]

[He shakes his head.]

I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you. I'm just concerned about some of my friends, is all.

[At least he didn't react to what she was at least. it's a first and a surprise but it's nice.]

I-It's fine. I mean, I worry a lot anyway sometimes, so it's perfectly fine.

[But she can understand being concerned.]

But, um.... I'm not very good at encouragement or cheering people up. But I'll keep trying. [She pauses for a moment, thinking about what to do next.]

But it's nice to know you are concerned over your friends. I'm sure they would be happy to know that.

[Fortunately, for her, he's seen some interesting things, in his lifetime.

There's a pause as he slowly manages a smile.]

Heh...you sound like me. [He's always worrying.] Really, though, it's...fine. You don't have to push yourself.

[Pausing, once more, his brow tenses, in spite of the smile holding.]

Heh...You think so? [Oh, if only Asch could hear that...He'd glare the glare of a thousand deaths. His smile softens as he continues, nevertheless.] Thank you. That means a lot.

But.. Oh, okay... [She wanted to try and improve, if only a little bit but taking it a day at a time.]

I do think so, I mean friends like it when friends care. It shows that one does care.

You shouldn't be missing work so much, Luke.

[ The young woman replied approaching him with a gentle smile on her face as he approached him. Of course, she has an idea of what is going on with him since she's always watching him, then and now. ]<,/small>

[His breath catches as he hears the familiar voice. Slowly, green eyes lift to her face, a sheepish smile forming, in spite of the hint of sadness within those eyes. He...truly doesn't mean to worry anyone, especially not Tear...

Reaching to scratch at the back of his head, his gaze lowers. The tone he uses could be a clear indication of his level of exhaustion, in spite of his attempt to mask it with a laugh.]

Hey, Tear...[The apologetic look intensifies, for just a moment, before he looks away, briefly.] I've been calling, ahead of time, to let my boss know. You're right, though. I'm sure it's...starting to annoy him, by now. [Holding a blink, he exhales.] I'll try to do better.

[He can't say "I promise", unfortunately, because he refuses to make one he can't keep; not to her, of all people. The thing is, however, he's starting to...feel as though he weighs three times the amount he does, in the morning. Getting out of bed, alone, is...exhausting. He's managing to hide it from Takasu, behind a mask of him simply liking to 'sleep in'. He'd rather them be under the impression he's being lazy, rather than......the truth of it. Even if they do already know of the general condition of his body. Not that he doesn't...genuinely expect them to have not already figured it out, by now.

He can hope they haven't, though, right?]

[ Tear watched him most of the time, of course, she would know that he was feeling down. She didn't let it slide. She wasn't as dismissive as she was. Luke was dear to her so she wanted to assist in her own way.

She doesn't really say anything for moment but smiles at him still. ]

It would be best not to lose your job. Is there something that bothers you?

[ She mused walking over to sit next to him. ] You have been acting a bit strange for a while now.

[ She honestly replied to him as he said those words to her. Tear didn't want him to lie to her and she would appreciate it if he told her the truth, but even Luke had secrets. She would respect it as long as he didn't lie to her completely. Tear hasn't put everything together but it concerns her that his behaviour is really different from his usual. ]

[He...still very much appreciated her always watching him; he wanted to know when he was screwing up, somewhere. Nevertheless, there was the fact that he was...worried about how she'd take the news. He knew he should tell her, but...]

...I have haven't I...? [He stared at the ground, a moment.] I guess I got so caught up in trying to wrap my head around it, that I...forgot how it'd affect the people most important to me. I'm sorry...

[He turned his head and gave her a long stare, just for a moment. Without warning, he leaned over and wrapped his arms around her.]

Or should I say, the most important... [He whispered under his breath.] There's something I need to tell you, but I'm... [Moving to rest his head on her shoulder, he closed his head. He was...tired. Just for a moment, he was giving into the desire to lean on her.] I don't want you to worry...or...

[...hurt...because of him...]

[ She does what she can for the person that she cherishes the most. She doesn't want to lose him again if she can help it. Tear's been struggling with a life without him for many years. It might not be good for her health if he left permenantly again. The fonist nodded her head in honesty. ]

Yes, your behaviour isn't as it used to be. It seems you are muddled by something.

[ She not sure what, but she tilts her head when he said those words. ]

It cannot be helped, but you are aware of it. It is more than enough.

[ She replied softly as he wrapped his arms around her, in which surprised her for a moment, but the fonist relaxed as she pulled him close to her. ]

The most important...? [ She didn't catch the last part, but she wondered what meant by those words. ]

You can tell me anything Luke. I am here it listen.

[ She gently replied to him. Somehow, she doesn't quite understand the attachment he has for her at the moment but she doesn't let it bother her too much as she waits patiently for him to speak. ]

I always worry regardless of what happens, Luke.

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action: waifu is worried :<

:C oh no he didn't want to worry her....

it's okay she's always worried for him. :x

cuuuutie

the cutest cutie XD; ironically have this icon for use