[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's early in the morning, just shortly after sunrise, and Richard is sitting on a fallen tree a short distance from House 6. Naoki had taken him there after CH 4 had collaspsed, and while it's far more crowded than Richard is used to, he's grateful to have a roof over his head and to be in the company of a friend (friends, possibly, though he's still not sure what Isamu thinks of him).

But eventually he needs some space, and that's why he's slipped outside to be alone for a while. Sure, he's seen several experiments by now, but this... this is completely different. Before this, Luceti hadn't seemed so bad at all. Now, however, he's not so sure.

And then there was that entire conversation he and Naoki had had the other day... it's amazing how confusing things could become in just two days. This is most certainly not the way Richard had been expecting to spend his 20th birthday.]

Comments

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki sinks down on the log next to him, stretching out his legs in front of him and resting his hands on it to either side of himself.]

Yeah, I'm not used to them either, but hopefully it won't be for too long and-- [And he grins a bit.] I promise I wasn't the one snoring.

[ledbythewind]

[That earns Naoki a laugh.]

I think I would be able to tell if the person right next to me was the culprit. From the sound of things, whoever was responsible was farther away than that.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki grins a little wider, gradually becoming more awake as he talks, though he still cuts off to yawn and run a hand through tousled hair.]

Ah, well, thought I should say so, just in case. [An idle nod.]

[ledbythewind]

[He nods as well, then turns his head to look upwards at the eerie reddish glow of the barrier. That's definitely been making him uneasy.]

I wonder how long it will take for the buildings to repair themselves... or if they'll even repair themselves at all this time.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki's fingers twitch a little--he's been avoiding staring at the barrier, for the most part.]

If they don't...we'll just make new buildings. [Murmured:] We'll get through this.

[ledbythewind]

We will. We're alive-- that's what matters. Buildings and items can be replaced, but not people.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Mm, exactly. It seems like we've turned out pretty lucky, I haven't heard anything about anyone dying...

[ledbythewind]

That's amazing, considering the level of destruction throughout most of the village. But I will admit that I was worried when I heard you yelling over the journals...

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki pauses, rubs his neck with his palm.] Ah, I was...really afraid. For Isamu, and my friends--especially those who share the same floor. I had to move quick...

[ledbythewind]

Are all of them all right?

[He knows Isamu is, but he doesn't know who else Naoki considers a friend.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

I got Helios and Kohaku out when I did Isamu--and I've heard from most others but there're still some of my friends that I haven't heard from.

[He bites down on his lower lip slightly, scanning the ground under his feet worriedly.]

[ledbythewind]

[Almost without thinking, Richard lifts a hand to rest it on Naoki's shoulder.]

I'm sure they're fine, but perhaps we should compile a master list of who is missing and who has been confirmed safe just so that others will know who to be searching for, and to keep people from worrying as well.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki glances over out of the corner of his eye, offers a soft, grateful smile at the touch.]

I was thinking of going to look around for people today--maybe look in at the barracks, in case any people I know have been hurt and brought there. Maybe I could help add some names to a list like that.

[ledbythewind]

Then I'll come with you, if you don't mind. There are a few people I'd like to check on as well. I'm certain Tsuzuki can take care of himself, but I would still like to be sure that he is safe. That way I'll be able to feel like I've done at least something useful during all of this.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Of course I wouldn't mind. We can go in a few, if you give me a few minutes so I can wash my face and wake up properly.

[ledbythewind]

That's fine; I'll wait for you here and enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki chuckles, places his hand on his shoulder briefly and stands up to wander off toward the river. He only takes a few minutes until he comes back, combing a damp hand through his hair, blinking and looking much more awake.]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard stands up when he sees Naoki approaching and stretches briefly before pushing his own bangs out of the way with one hand.]

I suppose later on I should try to battle my way to the shower once some of the other houseguests are elsewhere.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki grins at him, shakes his head slightly.]

I wasn't even gonna try and attempt it this morning. That's one battle I'll gladly put off.

[ledbythewind]

There's only so long I can put it off before it becomes a necessity.

[He indicates his hair with his hand.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki nods in understanding, gazing at his hair.]

I guess I'm kind of lucky I don't have to worry too much about that.

[ledbythewind]

But I suppose I could always...

[He pulls it back, gathering it into a ponytail with one hand while fishing around in a pocket for something to tie it back with with the other.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki looks at him curiously, studying his face with his hair pulled back like that.]

[ledbythewind]

[He doesn't even notice Naoki looking at him until he's managed to secure the ponytail with a piece of string he's been carrying around for that purpose. When he does, he blinks at the other.]

Is there something on my face?

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki blinks back at him, shakes his head quickly.]

Ah, n-no.