[Video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[So it does happen on occasion that Sora likes to play Sherlock. This particular evening, inspiration strikes while in the midst of training exercises in the woods (taught to him some time ago by a certain blue haired master). His hair's a little mussed, outfit slightly askew. But here's something new! Sora's sporting some new duds: At the moment, his left arm's covered in what appears to be some well-crafted armor.]

I've been thinking... Back in my world, there used to things called Gates that helped get you from place to place. Thing is, they weren't all that easy to find, and they didn't just open for anybody or for any reason.

Only, if I'm right, I just might know a way to make this work!

[Hence, his next question. It's completely relevant to the previous matter, he promises:]

What's most important to you? What's something you guys just can't go without?

[Tell the sixteen year old about your precious items, Siren's Port. So he can ask to see it. Toss it in the air. Point a weapon at it.]

[It'll turn out just fine.]

[Probably.]

Comments

[pullsheavendown]

I dunno. Leaving here isn't just heading off to another world; the different times, and the way people forget things...sometimes there's no going back.

[That goes for people from their universe and others. Jinx, Ahiru, Godot...he doesn't want to lose any of them, either.]

[lockandkeyblade]

Actually I used to worry about the memory thing too, because I have all these memories of the things I need to do, and I didn't want to forget when I left Siren's Port.

[pullsheavendown]

I know what you mean. I've done so many things here, gotten to know so many people... [Even if I had more time back home—] I don't want to lose any of it.

[He lifts his head to look at Sora.] 'Used to'?

[lockandkeyblade]

Somehow, it just feels like memories can't be that easy to lose. I was hoping the Gate would work, since all the times before, it let me off all the worlds with them intact.

I just... remember someone telling me once that you can't destroy a memory. That they're always there somewhere, buried deep down.

[pullsheavendown]

Yeah. I think you're right about that. When I first got here, I didn't remember Xion at all. But sometimes something would make me try to think of her, and it gave me these really bad headaches—and then when she got here, it all came back.

So I think the memories really were with me, all that time. I just couldn't reach them.

[lockandkeyblade]

Right. This place may be strong enough to keep us here, but there's no way it could be strong enough to take away all the friendships we've made.

We're all connected. Not even the Pull can take that away.

[pullsheavendown]

No. It can't.

[For once it seems like he and Sora are entirely in synch. It probably won't last, but it feels surprisingly good knowing they look at things the same way.]

Try not to worry about the gate. Maybe it just means you'll make it out of here when you're supposed to.

I didn't really want you to go, anyway.

[lockandkeyblade]

[Sora turns to the other, in something like surprise. He knows that Roxas isn't exactly in a hurry to get rid of him. He also knows Roxas doesn't hate him either. They've been getting along better and better lately. It almost feels like they're friends, even. But he just... hasn't ever heard anything like this put into words by the other.

The pause stretches on for a bit before it blossoms into a smile.]

I would've missed you too, Roxas.

If I had anything to thank Siren's Port for, it'd be the chance to meet you.

[pullsheavendown]

[An awkward half-smile creeps across Roxas' face as he ducks his head and kind of shrugs, kind of nods at the same time. There's no reason to be embarrassed, he knows, but he's not used to saying this kind of thing aloud.]

Thanks.

[He isn't sure if that's the right thing to say, but then he's not sure what else he can say.]

Want to finish the milkshakes?

[lockandkeyblade]

Best idea I've heard all day.

[In a few moments, Sora will be sitting back down on the couch again, with the milkshake in hand. He lifts the glass to the other, as if offering a toast. To what, he doesn't know. To staying longer, he guesses.]

[pullsheavendown]

[Roxas retrieves his own and pauses for a moment as he halfway turns to Sora. It's not uncertainty over sharing the milkshakes; that was his idea, after all. But he feels sort of like they've come a lot farther than he expected today, and at the same time he's not sure where they're headed.

All in all, he doesn't think it's a bad place.]

Cheers.

[He taps his mug against Sora's, just like he's seen people do in the bar. Takes a sip. And smiles.]