[Event AQ] Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones [Ai/Sayuri]

[Sayuri]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}
U n c o v e r Y o u r R o o t s
+ Description: There’s a lot of talk and thoughts about things in the past, about relationships in younger days--what were yours like? A crush, a close friend, a rival? Whatever it is, maybe what’s happened lately has caused you to think about them again.

+ Meet up with someone you knew from childhood; what’s your relationship like now?: +2 Faberge, +1 Roost

+ Meet up with some current friends, compare what kinds of ties you have to people now compared to back then: +1 Faberge, +2 Roost

+ Realize that you were--or are--alone: +2 Guardians, +1 Roost

+ Requirements: None

It was cold in East Otonoki, the temperature dropping over the entire area as summer turned to fall.  The days were growing shorter, and with them the curfews drawing nearer.  Students that used to linger around in the late evenings now rushed back home to their parents.  Streetlights turned on earlier and earlier every single day, flickering dimly against the bright neon lights of various businesses.  Everything seemed to glow once the cold weather hit, light forever frozen in time as everything slowly grew quieter and quieter.

The park was no exception.  Without that summer heat to get people moving, the only stragglers that happened to stick around were pet owners and Faberge performers.  Compared to Seiyo's constant activity and noise, the entire area provided a peaceful pocket to sit and really think.  It was also an excellent place to hide.

Sayuri knew she was going to be lectured the moment she arrived home, but for now she couldn't help but ignore the buzzing of the cell phone next to her.  Her driver had already called her four times asking where she was, yet each and every time she simply ignored the ringer.  It was his own fault for being a few minutes late today, allowing her just enough time to sneak through the gates and head downtown.  Besides, she'd warned him earlier that she needed some time alone.  She didn't want to sit in her room all alone, she needed the fresh air.

Curling up on a lone bench, she glanced up at the moon.  There was so much to think about and so little time.  Sighing, she allowed her usual peaceful expression to turn sour, burying her head against her knees as she tried to think everything over.  Something was coming, something big, and she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to handle it.

She needed more time.

Ai

[Ai]

Although the seasons were swiftly changing, Ai's daily routine didn't change much. The boy was still as busy as ever, though maybe just a bit less smiling and energetic. With everything that was going on, it became increasingly harder to put on a happy face. No matter what he did or how much he tried, Ai couldn't keep all of his worries at bay for too long.

He'd even started talking to others about what concerned him to some extent, he opened up more about his feelings because part of him felt the need to. There was only so much he could take before everything became too overwhelming. Once he got over his fear of showing weakness, Ai discovered that other people were suffering as well. As he embraced their faults and weaknesses, the silver haired became more or less able to tolerate his own.

Today had been a busy day with the Faberge members working on setting up the stage in the park for the upcoming concert they were organizing. Even though the weather was becoming colder, everyone made sure to wear an extra layer of clothes and lend a hand with the stage preparations. During times like these, Ai was briefly allowed to forget about his worries while he focused on his work and his friends.

"Oh, can't believe it already got dark..." Ai mumbled to himself as he headed out, walking towards the station. The moon was already up in the sky when maybe just a few days ago, there would have been still light outside. The boy didn't like the cold nor the dark, so winter would be tough for him.

Except for all the Faberge members heading home, the park was mostly empty, so it came as a surprise to Ai when he saw a familiar figure on a bench, curled up and with her face out of sight. Ai stopped in his tracks, his eyes lingering on her as he wondered what she was doing here still. She seemed... sad, troubled.

Ai walked to her and, taking his jacket off, he gently placed it on her shoulders. "If you're going to stay here so late, at least wear something warmer. The weather is getting cold."