thecrossinglogs | Wind In the Desert Just Sounds Like Music

Wind In the Desert Just Sounds Like Music

WHO: Sunny and You! (This happens right after the therapy meet, but it’s OTA. If you weren’t attending the meeting, you can still see Sunny running off ^^)
WHAT: Sunny got upset and ran off. Now he’s lost in the Desert. Help?
WHERE: The Desert (and Dunes. Really he might end up at one of the inserted locations too, TBD)
WHEN: Post-Therapy Meet, Pre-Second Crossing
WARNINGS Most likely signs of PTSD and anxiety. Will update in Subject as needed :)

Sunny didn’t know where he was. He remembered getting upset, running off… but he didn’t recognize any of the surroundings nearby. He wasn’t in the Oasis… and, because he had spent all of his time in said safe haven before now, that fact filled him with dread…

He needed to find his way back. But… that meant finding everyone else, which would probably lead to more questions. Questions that he didn’t want to answer. Questions that caused his stomach to cramp and his breath to come short all over again.

Maybe it was better to stay here…

[OOC: OK! Here’s the search log for Sunny! I’ll be making several prompts below, and whoever ends up finding Sunny will be left to random draw to keep it fair ^^ But feel free to mingle, join the search with someone else, etc. Any of the locations added by us are fair game to explore too!]

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[Hmmm. Seems like Kel was easy to rile up… even when Hanako wasn’t trying. Noted.]

First as in… like a race? [Even though he suggested the possibility, he seems unsure. Kids these days certainly didn’t think the same way.

Hanako blinks though… what was that Kel said.] ‘Mental state’…? [Interesting.] I meant more… children like to take things out of proportion. Something sent your friend running from that meeting, and while we don’t know the cause, it’s best to nip it in the bud before speculation gets the better handle on those left here.

[Hanako hadn’t mentioned a mental state so… what was Kel implying? That Sunny might not be as stable as the quiet boy seemed?] Of course, I’d rather have him found and any rumors put to rest before they start.

[When he's in danger? He's chill. When his friends are somewhat in danger? He does tend to get overly involved- ask Basil and how Kel decided to help him after seeing him bullied, Ask Sunny about how Kel had probably managed to look like a complete idiot in the few days they spent together before their death.]

Well, this is definitely not a race. That's one of us, the group of people stuck in this shitty situation, being lost. It doesn't matter who finds him as long as we all manage to find him again.

[He's not naturally competitive, probably growing under the shadow of his brother shaped him that way, but even if it was? The safety of Sunny is not a game.]

Well- [he crossed his arms, sounding suddenly more on the defensive side.] We don't know, we can't tell unless he chooses to tell us.

[Mari's death, those four years of solitude, what Sunny did at the hospital, what Basil did to him too- there's a lot but Kel isn't talking openly about any of them. Perhaps he did share some of his truth with Frieda, but he's not spreading rumors around, not about one of the people he cares about the most.]

And if they think they want to have fun gossiping about him? Something I don't believe will happen? FINE. I will throw stupid rumors around about myself so they won't focus on him. Sunny doens't... need to feel ~~even more~~ pressure on himself. And this isn't high school.

[At least he does seem to agree to the last bit and nod.]

[If Kel had been in a calmer state of mind, Hanako might have insisted that this search was a race - but not so much against people as it was weather conditions. Day, Night, Rain or Shine… all of those were unpredictable here.

But… mentioning that to the already distressed teen didn’t seem like a good idea. Hanako knew when to stop pushing.]

There’s only so much you can sacrifice of yourself before there’s nothing left. [Hanako knew that. Not that it seemed like telling the other would do much good - Kel seemed more likely to run himself into the ground (and then some) in pursuit of the people he cared for.] The three of you are friends, I’ve heard, but it’s best to keep your calm in this kind of situation.

[But those couldn't hurt them, could they? It was part of the 'dead' experience, things could hurt but not really be dangerous until the time of Crossing. Then again, he would have taken the point.

Kel crossed his arms, looking at the other. Such a young... kid. Yet speaking in a old man's tone-]

There's a lot of me, though. I can still take a hit or two before having to start being... careful. [As if. He loved Sunny. He loved Mari. He was not going to easily find a proper place where to 'stop' unless someone helped him finding it.] I am.. aware of that, at least. He's one of my best friends in the world, it's hard not to get worried.

Hmmm… well! Far be it from me to tell you where your limits are! [And just like that, Hanako’s perked right back up. Warning given, though… he’d keep an eye on them. And…] Oh! If you find yourself out in the desert and spot my assistant, make sure she isn’t getting herself into too much trouble, alright~? She’s wont to throw herself into searching for your friend too.

Yeah. I know I still have to reach them.

[He died for Sunny before, he's not afraid to die again. No, okay, he is but he's also determined to protect his 'family'- even if.. even if the bond isn't so clear in his mind anymore. He loved Sunny, he loved Mari, but he doesn't remember where this 'they're going to be part of my family' feeling comes from, not with Hero lost from his memories.]

Mh? Huh... who is your assistant? I am going out searching so I can look for her as well.

[With much less effort, though. She may be more of a 'if I meet her while looking for him' kind of deal than anything else.]

So you say~

[And he will leave the remarks about Kel’s limits there. Besides, teasing Yashiro was so much more fun!]

She’s a lot like a daikon! [Or a hamster, when she puffed her cheeks out when angry.] Her hair’s a gradient blonde to green! She means well, but tends to get into trouble. No matter how hard I try, she always seems to attract the wrong attention - too many apparitions and hot guys~!

[Then a bit more seriously…]

Her name is Yashiro. Make sure to take good care of her if you cross paths. [There’s something chilling in the smile Hanako gives Kel then.]

So I do say.

[He wants to drop the topic and just catch a bit of breath before being back out there looking for a certain boy. Sunny is priority number one- Mari, if also lost, would be priority number two (but she's still okay, right?)... but he can entertain the old man in the body of a kid who died on a toilet (what even is his deal?).]

oh? Oooh, yeah, I met her when she arrived and a couple times after, she's really cute!

[The 'she would make good little sister material' kind of cute. Kel doesn't care about pretty girls and definitely doesn't consider himself a 'hot guy'.

The way the other looks at him though? It runs deep, it's uncomfortable, he feels... like a grandpa is telling him to take care of his only grandchild. Considering this guy is all weird and she's actually acting like a young kid, maybe that's the case too? At least to some degree? Who knows- still, it feels almost necessary to offer a positive answer.]

wha- yeah, of course. Worry not, I will take great care of her. After all, who wouldn't find her daikon-like style endearing and her manners cute? Don't worry, if I find her- I got this!

Hmmmm…?

[Hanako takes a few moments longer, staring at Kel like he can see through the other’s soul (and they were all souls! Good thing they weren’t actually see-through!), his hum being the only sound permeating the air…

Then, he gives the teen a bright smile.]

Good! [As if assured of something.] I should let you get back to it then!

[‘Cute’… he’d just have to… keep an eye on Kel when Yashiro was around. Which made him want to leave his post here and secretly follow but… no. He couldn’t do that. Someone had to be here in case Sunny came back. At least Yashiro had already seemed to endear herself to Kel… ~~one less person to worry about… and maybe to worry about more in other ways~~.]

[Why does he feel like this?

Like he's in front of a judgmental father who is weighting if he should let his precious little daughter spend some time in the playground with kids? Hell, he suddenly feels like a creepy adult standing right next to said playground- or at least he feels judged as one.

Weeeeeird. Okay. Dude-Who-Died-On-A-Toilet must be really old and she must be a descendant of some sorts. It's the only explanation he gets from how... strange the whole situation feels.]

I... [He felt incredibly uncomfortable. His 'I am emotionally sensible' senses were tingling, just not registering the right message for once.] I will! I will find Sunny for sure- or someone else will, meaning we'll still celebrate and-

[He does move closer. Listen, 'dad', Kel can commit to a 'big brother' role, really. He never had siblings but-]

Yashiro too. [He does attempt to get the other dude's hand, trying to grasp it between both of his palms in what was a most awkward handshake] I'm going to take care of your grand-something-kid, okay? Promise.

[Just... after he found Sunny. Sorry, man, Kel had massive priorities.]

[Kel’s motives were surely well-meaning. Hanako could at least sense that, even if the fact that other was so earnest in shaking his hand in this manner was-

Wait…]

‘Grand’… eh?

[That somehow freezes all of the theoretical gears in Hanako’s head to a halt.

Kel thought-

. . . .]

EHHH?! [Hanako let out a louder noise of surprise, taking a step back with what had to be utter shock on his face.] Wait- you really thought-?! She’s not my kid! We’re not even remotely related! I’m thirteen!!! [Or was, but the specifics really don’t matter when he’s trying to somehow clear up this misunderstanding in one breath!] She’s my personal assistant! That’s a Job! Do you think I would really put a descendant to work if I had one?!

[WHY IS THIS DUDE GIVING OFF ALL THE WEIRDEST VIBES, THEN?]

But... you feel like- a protective grand-grand-grand-grand-something grandpa? It's literally the energy you give off!

[Kel, no, slip back the filter between brain and mouth, please.]

Thirteen- I just thought you turned back into a younger body or something, you have such massive 'old geezer' aura! [That's not a compliment, man] And who knows! My uncle Alejandro got both of my cousins working for him during summer breaks- his children. It's not so hard to imagine an oldie asking their descendants to work! But it's okay, my point stands, I shall take good care of your assistant.

‘G-Grandpa?!’

[Well, might as well have Hanako exorcised and expire right then and there…]

I may be old-fashioned, but that’s more the fault of time than it is me! [Geez, if only he could go complain to No.1 about this!] Plus I haven’t aged a day!!!

[He’s not bothered by the implications of this at all. Then, it’s like the energy that had burst out of him deflated, leaving his cheeks burning in… shame? Embarrassment? Whatever this was, it’s too hard to hide. If he would have been related to Yashiro, then that would have been too cruel.]

Just… make sure she stays safe…

[His words come out in a mumble as he averts his gaze.]

[Ffffff-iddlesticks. He got that so wrong- his cheeks do turn red in front of what feels like being scolded by his own gramps. In a certain sense, it makes him miss his old family reunions, when he still wasn't the 'disappointing middle child' (not like he had siblings but the feeling was there) and just had fun.]

Chill! It's okay to be old inside then, really!

[At least this was a mediocre distraction from his worries? Two moments to catch his breath before rushing out to search for a Most Important person? But, right, they... they had to focus on what was happening and-

oh, man, the way Hanako deflated- He must have hated being called an old geezer.]

I will! I will find Sunny- we will- and as soon as he's safe I will look for her too, okay? I will make sure to keep an eye on her and treat her well no matter what! who would like to see a frown on such a cute face after all, right? Right?

[The big brother vibes, that should be strong in this moment, may be a bit off by how flustered he seems due to his gaffe.]

Pinky promise I'll take care of her as good as I can, huh?

[Kel’s assurance that being old inwardly just has Hanako deflating further. Geez, kids these days…

The teen’s reassurances at least has Hanako’s amber gaze focusing on Kel again.]

Pinky promise…? [It’s not that he’s unsure of what that means but… hesitantly, the boy hold’s out his hand, pinky extended.] You really do promise to protect her?

[Is this dude really taking a prinky promise seriously?

So he REALLY is thirteen after all, huh? He doesn't even know what to say at this point, he just said pinky promise just to say something silly. After a moment of hesitation, he does reach up with his own pinky and grabs the kid's one, giving it a strong shake.]

I pinky promise I will do my best to protect her, yes.

[Small kids are high in his priority list of 'must protect' after all. He will be honest about something, though-]

The two siblings, my non really related siblings, are my priority for now. But Yashiro? I will do my best to keep her as safe as this place allows me to.

[For all that Hanako would joke and avoid responsibility, he really did take pinky promises seriously. The only other person he had made one with (in recent memory) was Yashiro… and that was before ending up here.]

Hmm… [Hanako absorbed that information, but smiled after a moment.] That’s understandable. I’ll just have to take your word for it. [And the pinky promise.]

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Wind In the Desert Just Sounds Like Music

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It’s not super obvious, but this is basically a tsundere blush at this point XD

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