snowblindrpg | [log] Inncoming [open]

Entry tags:

[log] Inncoming [open]

Characters: Sad Losers and Guests
Location The Hotel (162)
Date: Various times during days 124 - 125
Summary: Hanging out, giving out keys, and being sad.
Warnings: Dumb Teens, Grumpire, Brian, a lack of symmetry, and anything else.

A hotel--the Norfinbury Inn. By hotel standards, it's not especially large, but it's the largest building in the downtown area. The lobby is mostly empty and seems a bit old-fashioned in design, with what appear to be wooden floors and fairly plain walls. There are a few cozy areas where people can sit, and a fireplace in the center that, while it has no wood, is in perfect working order. The front desk has nothing of note except for all the keycards to the various rooms of the hotel. It looks like there are a total of twenty rooms. There is no elevator--looks like you'll have to use the stairs the old-fashioned way.

There is a small dining room area, although there are no tables or chairs to be found. The room echoes uncomfortably due to its emptiness. It connects to a small industrial kitchen, although there is no longer any food or appliances to be found. It seems like the ovens and stoves were cut out of their places. The sinks still work, at least. There is also a door that unlocks with a management keycard that can be found in the lobby that leads downstairs.

The basement is very simple. It's colder down here than in the rest of the building, and utilitarian in style. There's a small break room, a laundry room that no longer has any of its machinery but does have large rolling baskets for moving clothes in bulk (that refuse to leave the hotel, unfortunately) and some cleaning carts devoid of cleaning supplies (that are just as stubborn as the clothes baskets). There's a small room with space for what must have once been a furnace--and an actual very old-fashioned incinerator. It's not on, of course, but if a fire were started manually, it would still function. There's nothing inside it.

The first floor of the hotel contains rooms 101 to 110. There are five single rooms and five double rooms. All of the plumbing works, though the water runs cold. The second floor, containing rooms 201 to 210, is identical to the first floor, except for one door that has no key, only a note on the front: "All at once, use the keys". There's no place to insert any keys, however.

Tied to the knob of the front door is various eating utensils, nails, screws, and a spare house key. Looks like someone rigged a doorbell to be alerted to newcomers. The fire is going in the lobby, and there appears to be a mattress close to it.

((OOC: Miiiingling. Toss up your own starters))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ As much as he worries over touching Zell, it's in the moment the young man grasps him by the arm that he acts, himself, hand on his side to help steady him up until his friend decides to duck forward like he does. Before he knows it, Zack's got him practically on top of him, arm curling around his body. After those long days feeling nothing, he would usually appreciate something like this, but after what just happened...

Still, at that apology, tension falls from his expression, fear draining away but none-the-less leaving concern in its wake. Zack very gently loops his own arm around Zell now while his other hand reaches to rest on that arm around himself, careful not to elbow and disturb Kunsel in the process.

He lays like that for a moment, trying to even out his own breathing, trying to settle his racing heart as he rubs at Zell's back. An attempt to ease that pain though he's got no idea if it actually helps any. He grimaces at that weak joke. ] What did you expect? [ The question's tired though, rhetorical. Zack breathes out a long exhale as he watches him with a searching look. ] Are you okay?

[Feeling Zack’s arm around him is grounding and he concentrates on all the sounds he can hear. It’s tempting to stretch out to touch the other Soldier to make sure Kunsel is fine, but he can see the rise and fall of his chest from here. He can feel Zack and that’s enough for now.

Zell isn’t going to complain about the back rubs. Just staying put as he feels Zack’s heart beat from there. He can already tell it’s much different from listening to Jim’s. Meeting Zack’s gaze for a moment as a sheepish look cross his own features.] Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve been hit with worse before. Think dragons. [Those can leave a mark. Even if it might have been rhetorical, Zell is churning the question around a bit.]

Jim’s on watch and I wanted to make sure you’re both… [He wanted to make sure they both were still alive. That they both were still real.]

[ Think dragons, he says. That earns a small huff out of him, one of almost the weakest touch of amusement. Amusement that almost hurts, too, in a way. Makes him think for a moment of a conversation from a long time ago. All that stupid teasing.. ] Been there. [ He acknowledges it quietly all the same, but in the end, that's far from his focus.

At least he didn't hit him somewhere else, he argues. At least he didn't break anything. It doesn't lessen the guilt... but.

...But that comment's certainly enough to distract him from it. Zack finds himself tilting his head to the side now, watching him. ] Make sure we're both...?

[Concentrating on various dragons is enough of a distraction to give up the urge to touch Kunsel. He at least has confirmation that dragons other than Bahamut was a thing and Zack knows how that can be. He's mildly concern about how quiet Zack sounds, but then Zack is asking clarification. Tapping out code against his friend for a moment.] Here. Alive.

[He forgets that Jim is the only one who knows. He focuses his attention on the bracelet Jim made him.] It's hard to tell what's real or not. [And the whole dream effect set him back a few steps.]

[ The moment those words leave Zell's mouth, Zack almost regrets asking. Almost. But he would rather know than not, even if it hurts to know. Even if it's not easy. It just gives him all the more reason to curl his arm a little tighter around him. Another definite reminder. He's here. He's back. And he's not going anywhere if he can help it.

He.. pauses but if only for a moment at the feeling of that tapping against him. It takes a moment for something to click.. but between that and his next comment, he hums quietly in acknowledgement. ]

Because of that hallucination... huh. [ Or at least so he reasons, but... there's something off. Something... ]

[His attention is locked on the gold piece of eight. Tapping after Zack’s words as he repeats it in his head a moment. With the pair of Soldiers being confirmed as alive and here, he’s already feeling prickles of apprehensive over Jim. Taking in a deep breath as he wills himself to focus on the here and now.] Hallucination?

[Oh. He was thinking about the masks just a bit ago.] They didn’t help. [Which also implies that they aren’t the root of the issue. Giving Zack a squeeze as he stands straight.]

I’ll be fine. [Giving a reassuring smile as he points to himself.] It just takes a bit after I first wake up. [Normally he can locate Jim pretty quickly when this happens. He's probably expecting Zell pretty soon because of the pain killers though. Might have to double the dose with his forming bruise, which reminded him it existed with every breath he took.]

[ It's that first question, clearly lost, that tells him point blank- that's not what Zell was thinking about. But it's his second comment that makes something in Zack twist.

'Didn't... help?'

That something that's off... is definitely off. Off enough that even through that squeeze of reassurance, even as Zell starts to back away... Zack's twisting to sit up on the edge of the bed. He knows that kind of dismissive smile- he's used it, himself, plenty before. There's a grimace overtaking his own expression now as he reaches out to catch his arm. Not roughly but there all the same as he meets Zell's gaze with studious, gleaming eyes. ] Zell.

Edited 2016-06-14 15:50 (UTC)

[He winces at the grab and the tone. It’s enough to make him freeze and put the plans on vacating the room on hold. Glancing down at the hand on his arm and then catching that bracelet again. Reaching over to place his thumb on the coin as he looks up to meet Zack’s gaze head on.]

Something happened in my world. It messed with our heads and showed us everything it could to make us fail. [Shaking his head a bit as keeps himself grounded in the now. Fingers brushing along the leather straps that Jim used to make the bracelet. They were the same color as Jim’s eyes and Zack might recognize them as the very same strips Jim used to tie his hair back with.] It was getting better after I made it home.

[ It's the wince that ultimately gets him to let go, to give Zell the space he seems to need. But he's there. He's there and he's listening. And he's... tilting his head again, watching the way he fiddles with that bracelet as much as his words. The coins- he realizes -he's familiar with. Familiar and... hm.. But that's something not at the forefront of his mind. No, it's those answers that give him a sinking feeling. When he speaks again, his tone's softer... Trying to understand if not knowing that this might very well be territory Zell may not want to cross much more than with what he wants to say, but.. ]

How did it mess with your heads? Was it like the hallucinations here? [ He won't ask for specific details if Zell doesn't want to go that far into it. He gets not wanting to talk about things... especially considering all the things he tends to hide. But...

This isn't something small. Not at all if it's got Zell coming over to check if he's still even there. ] Was it a sorceress?

Edited 2016-06-14 22:25 (UTC)

[After Zack let’s go, Zell crosses his arms against his chest as he shifts from foot to foot. It’s one of those things where he still has issues wrapping his brain around. It’s best not to stay in the past, right? Dwelling on it seems like a waste of time compared to all the other tasks he could be doing or putting his energy towards. Which is what makes it hard when it does come back to weigh him down.]

Yeah, it’s a lot like the hallucinations that happened on the tablet before. Remember when the group split up? [Pausing a moment to lift a hand to Zack’s forehead to give it a poke.] It was a lot like that. [The next question is harder. He’ll leaning to a side before shaking his head.]

It was partially the sorceress It’s hard to explain, but our Sis did it. It was the only way we could reach the Sorceress to kick some butt and save everyone. [He remembers Laguna’s speech before it. Believe in your existence. Believe in your friend’s existence. Think of a place that reminds you of your friends…] Jim’s been helping me with it.

[ So, a consequence. A side effect necessary to stop that sorceress... Voluntary but for good reason. Something Zell would do. Something he'd do if it meant saving everyone. It doesn't necessarily make it any harder to swallow the fact of what it had done to Zell. No one should have to go through something like that, even in an instance. No one should be messed with like that, being fooled into whatever false visions they're seeing and outright tortured with it.

That smallest poke doesn't break that tension in the slightest, if anything further solidifying just how bad it must have been. The difference between what's real and what's not... 'It's real'. He'd heard Zell say before... and now he knows why.

Zack.. slowly slides off the bed and onto his feet, standing tall. ] That does explain some things. [ Admittedly, he feels like a heel that it's something he never picked up on, but... it's not something obvious in the wave of all the hallucinations they've faced there. Still.. Zack doesn't hesitate to place his hands on Zell's shoulders to further ground him. ] I don't have a problem with you checking up on us if it helps. Just don't sneak up on me when I'm sleeping next time. That's all.

[ There's no anger, no shortness to those words. Just a simple request. A request that's shortly followed by a thoughtful side glance. ] You kick her butt, by the way? I don't ever think I heard the end of that story. Actually.. I don't recall you ever mentioning you had a sister either, come to think of it.

[At the the time they didn’t know the full extent of what they were facing. After experiencing it, Zell can say for certain he will choose to repeat it if necessary to keep everyone safe. For a while, he was starting to be okay with others taking a risk. He made promises to take care of his partner and start looking forward to waking up tomorrow to the same faces.

That’s starting to change again. Feeling Zack’s hands on his shoulders and telling him it’s okay to check up on them is helping to reaffirm his earlier resolve. He needs to protect this family with everything he has.

There is a 29% chance of revival after the first death. There is a 20% chance after dying a second time. That’s 20% of the 29% that revived. The chances weren’t in anyone’s favor of coming back. It’s about 4% of the total deaths for people to come back a second time when it’s all added together.

The question does back Zell of his dark reverie as he focuses on Zack again. Giving a mute nod at both not sneaking up and kicking some butt. The story is long and he’s really only shared with Jim at this point. Tapping a moment on his arm as he gives an triumphing grin. The way he holds himself changes from tense into being more relaxed. It’s easier now that he has something to throw his focus on that wasn’t depressing.]

I’ll tell you the whole thing when we don’t have to worry about waking your partner. [A glance over to Kunsel’s form on the bed. It wouldn’t be surprising if Kunsel was already awake and just faking it to make it easier for them to talk] As for Sis, she was the oldest of our group at the orphanage. There were seven of us in our group. There were other kids but they were much older. They didn't really spend time with us. [He's keeping his voice low as he ticks away numbers on his fingers and gestures.]

Edited 2016-06-15 22:57 (UTC)

[ There's something in that grin- something of a reassurance that even through all the bad... even through all his fear, Zell's... Zell might not be okay all the time, but he's trying. He's trying to get through this, even if it's not easy. Even after what horror he's been through back home. He's still stubborn to move forward and- really, after him and Jim went through they went through without he and Kunsel, well... That says a lot. He's known Zell's a mercenary, but that moment.. that time? Really was a reminder. He's got to trust them to brave these dangers and do what's right, too. Even if... sometimes it's still not easy.

He finds himself smiling faintly in return all the same- one followed by a glimpse back at the fellow SOLDIER and a slight nod. Sure, Kuns possibly has been listening in, possibly isn't even asleep, but.. well. If this is what Zell wants, he'll respect that. The rest of the story's easy enough to follow, getting another nod from him as he lets his hands drop. ] I remember you mentioned something like that before. So, she was like a sister then. Watched over all of you?

[ He's keeping his own voice quiet now after being reminded. He's also already- well, kneeling carefully down to start shuffling through his pack. It doesn't take him long to procure a bottle of snow from it and hold that out to Zell, nodding at where he elbowed him. ]

[ If Zell ever knew he was shaky in trusting them to be able to make it through, he’ll be ten times even more determined to try to prove himself. Prove that they could do whatever task that is needed and make it out on top.

The focus shifting to the orphanage crew was a lot easier for him at the moment. It’s something a lot more positive and inspiring for him. They all made it and found each other again, and if they could do that even after all the battles and being sent off to different continents, then anything is possible. It’s encouragement that’s been much needed on it’s own. Giving an enthusiastic nod in response to her being like a sister.]

Yeah, she did. She played with us all when Squall wasn’t hogging her. [Though thinking about the time at the old Centra ruins, also reminded him of the little amount he still has left from that time.] Most of my memories are gone from then.

[Tapping his forehead.] GFs. [The whole Balamb Garden was being used to the system which allowed them to actually summon, but came at a price. He knows that he’s touched on it with Zack and Kunsel before. Waiting to be sure there is some hint on Zack’s features that he remembers that conversation.] She was five or six years older than we were, and we arrived when we were tiny. So, she was a big help to Matron raising us.

[ There's a hint of a snort despite himself at first. Hogging her, huh. Well, maybe it's not too hard to imagine Zell wanting all the attention, too. At at least all the personal space. Sorry, buddy. He knows how much you like getting all up in everyone's business. But all the same, someone like a sister... Someone Zell really liked from that nod he gives. It makes Zack smile briefly- there and then gone at the mention of those lacking memories.

GFs... Right. He remembers that. Doesn't make it any less, well. Not okay. Especially when apparently it took a lot of important memories away. Some of which he got back apparently, but... not all. The price of having a means to fight there... a powerful means... it's pretty steep and it makes him wonder if he would have done the same. Just for a moment before his eyes focus back on Zell and he realizes he really already has that answer.

He nods almost a bit solemnly, still listening. ] And I'm guessing Matron owned the orphanage. Do you know how long you were there for?

[ He does like attention, but his friend was glued to Ellone’s side. Zell’s space invading started after he was no longer surrounded by his fellow orphans.

Sharing about memory loss doesn’t seem to really bother Zell. How can you miss something you don’t know. He’s pretty sure more memories might come back if he heard stories of it or was reminded of bits and pieces, but who even knows if that is an option. There main clue to the past used GFs alongside them.

Matron might be able to help. Giving a nod at Zack’s statement. ] She owned it with her husband Cid. He used to be the headmaster of Garden. [ As for how long he was there for... he can only offer up a shrug. ] I can’t really tell you how long I’ve been there for. [ Counting on his fingers a moment. ] Pretty sure I spent more than half of my life there. The war ended sixteen or seventeen years ago.

[ True, it's hard to miss something you don't know, perhaps. Doesn't make it any less important though, does it? But then maybe that's just where they're different. Maybe.

They're moving on at any rate and Zack nods just a bit again. Owned it as he suspected- with Cid? There's something about that name that makes him smile just a bit. He'd never known the man who was the head of that program, but he'd heard the rumors of the kind of man he was. To think of someone with the same name running an orphanage... well. It's definitely not the same guy. That's for sure. The smile fades quickly though, his focus gearing towards the rest of the story with a tilt of his head. ]

That war against that sorceress, right? So, what? Did everything collapse after that or something? [ He remembers talking politics at one point. About how they didn't even have a name for their world for how much of a struggle things were. ] Is that why you went to become a mercenary?

[ Those Cids, man. All over the place and running something or building shit.

Zell tilts his head at that smile, but he doesn't ask about it yet. Just going to store that reaction for another time it comes up. Rubbing the back of his head as he gives a light cant of his head. ] Yeah, that war. More like she razed the lands and destroyed everyone in her path. That war is the reason why we all became orphans in the first place.

[ And it was filled with kids of all ages. Most of them older and couldn't really get adopted because of it.

Though the question about the mercenary brings his thoughts to a halt. Thinking about it for a moment before shaking his head. ] SeeD is seen as pretty prestigious. If you make SeeD, then you have to be great. You have to get enough credits, pass hard tests, and then participate in a field exam. There are only a few who make SeeD each year. [ A grin is slowly spreading on his face as he is reminded that he made it. He did it all, even if he can't remember the crowning moment thanks to Winter's app. Rubbing the tip of his nose with the back of his finger. ]

I wanted to make my Ma proud. I wanted to prove I could actually do something good. That I can be better than what anyone ever thought of me. I also want to protect the people I care about. What better way than to become SeeD and kick Sorceress butt?

[ Razed the lands... They became orphans.. The story sounds more and more familiar the more they talk about it. Zell had mentioned something like this before. Just been a while since. It doesn't make him feel any better to get a repeat of the story though. Makes him grimace at the thought of suddenly there being a bunch of kids without parents. It's not unusual in war. Those parents want to protect their kids, after all. But... Doesn't make it any easier.

Stepping forward from there though... Talking about SeeD... If Zack had been in Zell's shoes, if he had been given a chance to make a choice to do something, to try and prevent something like that from ever happening again... To try and make that difference... well, he knows he definitely would have wanted that. To be a hero to the people. Only a few make it each year... No wonder why Zell's so confident in what he does.

...even if sometimes he gets his head in the game in the wrong ways. Zack might not have the bruise to prove it anymore, but well. Still a thing that happened.

Doesn't change the way Zack smiles just a bit though. ] Seems like as good of a plan as any. I mean, sure, I don't doubt it probably had its dark secrets, too, but... It was somewhere you could learn the tools of the trade, right? Somewhere with connections to make a difference. [ There's a pauses as he seems to sit on that thought just a moment longer before adding with a slightly amused glance. ] Sounds an awful lot like SOLDIER, actually.

Your mom was okay with it though?

Edited 2016-07-04 05:32 (UTC)

[ Zell’s not the one who was trying to slam open a door after lockdown. He knew what he was doing with his head to head combat that night.

He’s giving a nod to that as he grins. ] Pretty much. Sure, there were a lot of issues before, Galbadia Garden trains military for a corrupt dictator for gil, and Balamb used to have someone greedy calling the shots. It used to be pretty nuts, but they are called elite schools for a reason. I don’t regret any of it though.

[ Between the experimental equipment and fighting allies, the whole thing got pretty shitty at times. Rubbing the back of his head as he shifts from foot to foot. ] Yeah, Ma was fine. She knew I’d bounce back from anything thrown at me.

[ To be fair, there was a lot going on that night and he might'a, you know. Thought someone he cared about was gonna die, okay? Okay.

Admittedly though... the more he hears about SeeD, the more the parallels come to be. In a weird way, he almost has to wonder if their worlds are almost some parallel worlds or alternate worlds from one another in a... very loose sense. But then, that's probably just him thinking too hard, what with the GFs and chocobos and everything.

There's the mildest touch of a smile at the mention of his mom's approval at least. ] Well, that's good. I know sometimes folks can be kinda weird about this kinda stuff. [ His own parents hadn't exactly been thrilled about how much he had wanted to join SOLDIER... though they'd gotten over it over time.

The mention of corrupt dictators though... Greedy men... His smile fades off quickly into something more serious. ] But man, seems no matter where you're from, there's always something more to the system... huh. But from the sound of things, at least everything was cleared up, right?

Think you'll stay with them when you get back then?

I think my Ma was just glad I was keeping out of trouble.

[ He grins knowing he was a little shit as a kid.

The last question threw him off. If this was over a month back, he would have an answer quickly. If this was two months ago, the idea of when you get back was an every day occurrence. He lets silence lapse between them a moment as he gives it consideration. Zell and actually thinking things over doesn't usually go hand in hand, but he feels like this is important. That how he answers now might actually have weight in his future.]

Yeah, things are getting better. [ He says as the smile returns. ] If I do go back, I'm staying with them. Someone told me I would make a pretty good instructor. [ It's something he considered idly a few times thanks to Jim. ] But I have promises to keep and places to see first. [ There's also the word home taking on a different meaning to him. His Ma's place and Garden will always be one of his homes, but he has another home to add to the list. ]

[ That gets a huff of a laugh out of him at least. Keeping him out of trouble, huh. Considering the stories Zell's told him, Zack's not so sure about that. Though maybe Zell was at least more well behaved back in his barracks or... whatever living space he had going to that school? He said it was a school. Bunk rooms maybe or dorms. Who knows?

His laughter fades off quick though and for a little bit, there's just this... very odd silence between them. Odd because- yeah, usually Zell is pretty impulsive about answering these things. Pretty set from the get-go. It gets Zack tilting his head a little as he waits.

The answer that finally comes makes Zack blink... then nod again with a small smile. He can respect that considering his own background- and considering how difficult he imagines it to be to overhaul an entire system otherwise. If things are getting better, if he can be a contributor towards that influence... Another nod and he crosses his arms. his smile growing. ] I don't see why not. I think you should go for it. [ Still, there's a bit of something... enough for Zack to watch him curiously another minute before adding: ]

You mentioned promises though?

Jim. [ He says the name with meaning and a look. Zack should understand how important the promises are from that. Carding his fingers through is hair as he gives it a bit more consideration on how he should elaborate. ]

I still have to meet his mom. Meet her for reals and not just in a dream. [ Especially since that...didn't go so well. Whoops. He was overwhelmed with a mix of confusion and irritation that she didn't trust her son's word. ]

And I told him I'm not going any where without him. [ If Zack ever needed a reminder of teenagers in love stage in his life, then he's talking to the right teenager. ]

I also want to make sure this place is livable for those who want to stay. I know Angel doesn't miss her home.

[ A reminder, it is. Though not a surprising one. Nor are they really surprising promises at that. Stubborn ones, too, but he's well versed in those, himself. Zack nods thoughtfully once... and then again if not without a small furrow to his brows. But whatever thought there's dismissed with a shake of his head and his eyes back on Zell. ]

Sounds like some important ones to keep. [ He can't really say whether or not he'll be able to keep all of them... but he hopes he can. He hopes they all can. There's something curious though in all of that though.. Something that makes Zack tilt his head slightly. ]

You think people'll really wanna stay here though?

[log] Inncoming [open]

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have some pointless thinking /rolls

all the pointless thinking

HERE STUFF

MORE STUFF.

pewpew

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: D

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I don't even know

I DON'T KNOW EITHER

BE PSYCHIC KNOW THE THING

NO THAT REQUIRES EFFORT

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I don't even know \o/

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anything else you want to cover?

think we're good here.