subnautica | homecoming | closed | post-dated August 1st

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homecoming | closed | post-dated August 1st

[ How do you even survive a week without food, shelter, or friends? Don't ask her. Even though she's been floating around through the Void for the last week, she's been asleep through all of it. It's obvious she's pretty well-traveled after these roguish escapades, because she's rather worse for wear-- covered in starfish- and barnacle-like creatures, seaweed and other plants, twigs and fish stuck in her hair...

And she's snoring away without a care in the world, dreaming of meowcats and wizards and Nintendos and Egberts, and she couldn't look more content. You can even hear her snoring if you listen close. Is that another song you hear wafting through the depths? Nope, just some weird girl sawing logs in the middle of nowhere. Just another day in the life of Roxy Lalonde, no big deal.

At least she is now subconsciously drifting back towards the base where her saviors might find her. Still a ways away, but headed in the right direction, at least! ]

Zzzzzz...

[ snoooooooore ]

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[Dirk and Jake are going deep sea diving again. Dirk is trying not to think about the depths or the way he felt Jake shiver when they found the friendly creature. He isn't done searching for Roxy. He can't stop. And Jake wants to come with them. So as they approach the depths of the Void, he is staying calm.

And then he sees Roxy Lalonde and it all changes. He doesn't even think to speak to Jake, it's Dersite Prince instincts kicking in: get to the sleepwalker and bring her home. In a flash he's at her side and he has her hand in a grip that not even the most slippery of puppets could escape.]

You flighty broad.

[Oh jesus christ don't rush off into the darkness. Jake mentally sighs and kicks off after him but he's happy as he collides into her, wrapping his arms tight around her. It's dark and he's been scared and Roxy is asleep, peaceful as anything even if not as graceful. Amazing. Derse dreamers sure are something else.]

You sure gave us the slip, sleeping beauty!

[ Roxy wakes up and blinks groggily, squinting as she tries to clear her vision. She hugs Jake back with one arm. The other one is under siege by Dirk, so she squeezes his hand instead.

She looks back and forth between them, her voice thick with sleep as she smiles, ]

'Sup?

Edited 2016-08-01 06:40 (UTC)

[...She's definitely been asleep the whole time. Goddammit. Dirk wraps his arms around her, transferring the strength of his hand into a cling of his whole damn body.]

The game is over, Roxy. You can stop livin' up to your damn mythological title now. Christ.

[Jake doesn't mind the one armed hug considering he's busy nuzzling her a little.]

You almost gave Dirk a heart attack, Miss Roxy May!

[May is just. Her middle name now whenever he has to scold her.]

Hahahaha, whaaaaaddya mean? Did I go too far this time?

[ Roxy hugs and smooches them both on the cheek, content to just float here and savor the broment before committing any real effort to critical thinking. ]

You've been missing for a week.

[Even telepathy can be monotonous, and yet someone who has often heard Dirk's tone when he's Worried will know exactly what this is.]

I had to stop Dirk from being too stupid over you but frankly I was fretting too!

[He's trying not to cry meanwhile.]

[ The looks on their faces make her realize just how worried about them they must have been-- okay, she's awake now. To be gone for an entire week out here in the Void, gone without a trace? But what even caused her to do that...

The memories are coming back, bit by bit, of the final battles, the platform, the door, the... new universe. Whatever lured her into the Void sent her home?

But first and more importantly: her bros. ]

Oh my god you guys, I'm so sorry. I'm such a jackass, making you guys worried and come lookin' for me like this.

Edited 2016-08-01 07:09 (UTC)

Yes. You are.

[This statement either loses or maybe gains force? from the way he's just wrapped around her.]

Now we're going home so the rest of the family can get their hand-movers wrapped around you.

[Jake gives Dirk the most space but he's definitely taking his own. He rests his chin on her shoulder.]

I don't think you're a jackass. [It's his usual thoughtless, cheerful tone, at least, because he wants to make sure she's happy now that she's also safe.] You're just an impressive sleepwalker. We're going to have to put a bell on you.

[ She looks between the two of them. One vote for jackass, one vote for not a jackass. ]

Thanks, Jakey. But I'm a still jackass tho. I couldn't help it guys, the Void was just trying to like. Help me remember?

You're going to have to clarify on what it was offering you the memory assist on.

[He isn't nuzzling up against her but his face may be pressed against her shoulder. Don't mention it.]

[Jake blinks at that odd mention. Actually he's never really thought too much about her powers until Dirk mentioned the whole horrorterror thing and yeah, no, that's freaky.]

Nothing banged you up did it?

I'm fine, Jakey, thank you. [ She answers him warmly, before turning to Dirk: ] Iunno? What happens to us I guess. It's weird... I'm pretty sure I'd need Davey here to help me try to articulate how discombobulated this makes me feel, 'cause there's some major time bs going down on my end.

I remember the platform thingamabob and the door dealie now at least.

You mean you've caught up with us. Nothing further?

[You know they should probably stop hovering in the depths of the water near the Void, where the Reaper Leviathans hang out. And yet here they are, a pile of clinging teens. What is sense when you have hugs?]

Did you say hi to us!

[Jake asking the important questions here.]

Nothing further, and yes I said hi, and all the hugs and fistbunps were had too.

[ He's too cute. No wonder Dirk has such a hard time resisting the urge to jump his bones all the time. ]

Anyway, sorry again guys for makin' you worry. The trip back should be a bit easier though I think?

[ She takes both their hands and gives them a squeeze.]

[Leave Dirk's sex drive out of this!

The squeeze seems to help. Dirk pulls back enough that Roxy actually has some space from him.]

Yes. It will be.

[Jake can't help being cute? Jake nods and lets go, though it's obviously reluctant. Which means it's time to tease her.]

I bet John's going to be glad to see you.

[ Roxy deserves it and more to be honest, she's such a jackass on so many levels. ]

Did... he say anything about me while I was gone? Asking for a friend.

[ blush ]

He was worried and joined the search.

[Dirk deadpan leaves no room to spare the embarrassed. Suffer it all, Roxy.]

Sounds like a certain windy fella might be dizzy for a certain voidy dame.

[ Roxy takes her lumps without too much of a fuss. She absolutely deserves every last bit of ribbing, and then some. ]

As if the UST wasn't already off the charts? Fuuuuuck.

Edited 2016-08-02 01:11 (UTC)

[He tugs a hand. Time to swim back home, everyone. Even if that must be awkward swimming with added clinging.]

You should thank him after saying 'hi' to the kids.

Mikleo and Sorey too, since they also helped search. But maybe less privately than you'll be thanking John. Those two are URSULA's OTP.

[He'll try not to make it awkward and give them some space.]

Everyone loves you a lot, Rox. I guess you'll have a lot of thank you cards to write.

[ Roxy has a lot of apologies to make, damn. And it's possible she may need to do some more training while she's at it-- the Void is hers to control, not the other way around! She makes a mental note to have Words with the damn Void later. ]

I love you guys so fuggin' much?

[ She'll let Dirk drag her off, of course. She imagines he won't let her out of his sight for a while after the stunt she pulled. ]

We love you too. And if you think I'm letting you get away with wandering off again any time soon then you have forgotten everything you know about me.

[He is freaking sleeping with her securely locked up in his death grip, he is NOT LETTING HER GET LOST AGAIN]

[ Later, at the base...

Roxy walks into the observatory for the first time. It feels like it's been ages since she was here last. She gives the Magister a bunp (never leave him hanging) before making her way to the observatory walls, peering out through the glass at the ocean around them. After being there at the door, ready to move on to the new universe, being back here is just... a little depressing. She hates feeling so confined. If the base was above ground it might not be so bad, but...

She sighs, turns her back to the glass, and slowly sinks to the ground.

She misses Janey and Callie already. ]

[ Honestly, it has been a very, very stressful week since Roxy disappeared. And John found himself actually... Very upset in her disappearance. In the short course of time that they had been friends, they've managed to become very close. Roxy and John share a lot of interests, and she's just so nice to him. Plus, she did sort of save his life when he got here. ]

[ Needless to say, John has been worried sick. And restless. And he's gotten into the nightly habit of doing a crawl about the base in hopes of finding her. John manages to make it into the observatory while it appears... Empty. ]

[ Or not. ]

[ In the distance, he catches Roxy. That flash of blonde hair and ivory skin, mixed with the bright colors she so often wears. John feels his tension immediately leave him as a big smile takes his sadness. ]

Roxy! You're back!

[ He shifts into a run, working to close the distance as quickly as possible. ]

Oh man, I was starting to worry you wouldn't come--

[ John frowns, head tilted. ]

Are you okay?

John!

[ Roxy's face lights up the instant she sees him. She rises, rushes over to him, and wraps him up in a hug. She buries her face in the crook of his neck, the guilt coming back full force. ]

I'm such a shitty friend. I'm so so sorry, John.

[ She won't let go. ]

[ Her barreling towards him nearly catches him off-guard, and John almost loses balance. But he quickly wraps his arms around her in return, noticing that at least him finding her gets her smiling again. ]

What?

[ His neck cranes as she buries her face in it, gaze shifting to look down at her. ]

Shitty friend? You're not even close to that! We were just worried!

You were worried about me?

[ The apples of Roxy's cheeks color a pretty shade of pink. She may have only been gone a matter of hours from her perspective, but the time shenanigans here make it feel like she was gone for even longer than a week. So much happened in such a short time.

She clings to him again, tighter and tighter (with her strength that can't possibly be comfortable), and tighter still. She can barely contain her excitement-- she missed him so much! ]

I'm sorry... the Void got me. Gotta stop lettin' it do that? You guys are going to go prematurely grey worryin' 'bout this dumb, flighty broad.

I... Yeah. Of course I was.

[ John still seems a bit shocked still, despite how he falls into the hug without question. He was insanely worried about her. A friend that he has managed to become close to in a matter of days strikes a chord when they just up and disappear. ]

[ As Roxy clings harder, John squeezes her tighter. ]

Dirk told me that's a thing. I know that for next time but, jeez, Roxy.

[ He smiles into her hair. ]

Still... I'm just glad you're okay.

[ John puts his hands at her shoulders, pushing her back a bit. His head tilts in question. ]

You are okay, right?

[ Roxy smiles at him, bashful at first. When she gets the gumption to act, she raises on her toes, kisses him on the cheek, and hugs him tighter than before. ]

I am now.

[ She's not kidding. Around him, she can forget everything and be happy. ]

[ John feels his face grow hot, one eye tightly going shut as she kisses his cheek. Letting out an awkward laugh, he gives Roxy one last squeeze. ]

Ah--

Good. 'Cause I'm definitely here for you. For whatever you need. Okay?

[ Roxy remembers now. She had been feeling herself stagnating before she wandered off into the Void... maybe it was her aspect's way of looking out for her. But it very well could have been up to no good when it snatched her up and took off with her for a week. The Void can arguably pass as its own entity, an organism on the same level as time and space. If she's not careful, it has the power to control her, just like her other vices and addictions. Controlling her powers is damn near impossible when she can't even control herself.

She knows now that it is time to buckle down. Now or never. The game is over, for her at least, and they have so much more to look forward to now, even more than before, and Roxy wants to be the best version of herself for it.

She pulls away from John, but takes hold of his hand. Their fingers thread together, and she smiles up at him, her heart thumping in her chest... All he has to do is look at her with those sparkling, beautiful baby blues of his, and the stagnation is blown away by a breath of fresh air.

He makes her want to do even better than her best. ]

Thanks, John. [ She squeezes his hand, her expression warmly affectionate as she pulls his hand to her chest. She holds it over her heart, which is beating a thousand miles a second. She'd be suffocating, choking on her own personal void were it not for the life he's breathed into her. ]

That offer's good both ways, aight? 5evah and always.

John, I--

[ The love she feels is so strong it's nearly palpable, and it's all she can do to hold back from saying or doing something regrettable. She just trails off and stares at him, her smile slowly fading as she gets wrapped up in his eyes some more.

She is so lovesick that it is physically painful, and that is no exaggeration-- her smile fades, because it's taking all of her willpower not to blurt out how she feels. ]

Edited 2016-08-16 10:54 (UTC)

[ Her stomach growls, giving her the perfect out. ]

--I-I'm fuggin' starving, let's go Kirby on some good eats? Friiiick.

[ Saved by the void that is her stomach after a week of not eating!!! ]

[ John sort of stands in silence as Roxy takes his hand and pulls it towards her chest. He's rather aware of her feelings, given that they've kind of been put on the table multiple times since his arrival. Heck, he kind of has a thing for her too. Getting to know her has been great, and he only finds more things to admire about her. Her positive attitude, her sense of humor, her wicked smarts... It's no wonder he gets so flustered around her. And this situation is no different. ]

[ He feels his face sort of warm up at the gesture, feeling her heart pounding against his hand and it is so obvious what is going on here. But he can't help but continue to look like a deer in headlights. With a soft little chuckle, John offers a crooked, goofy sort of grin that fades pretty quick when she stares at him. And he returns the favor with one awkward, lengthy stare of his own. ]

[ John is prepared to open his mouth, answer her call as his hand presses against her chest. But with a flash, the moment is gone, and he blinks a few times to catch himself back in reality. ]

Wha--

[ He clears his throat. ]

O-Oh! Oh yeah, I'm pretty hungry myself. Sure, I'll make us some sandwiches or something, I'm sure you're exhausted.

[ Mood whiplash happens a lot around someone spiraling out of fucking control like Roxy. God, she's hopeless. She should have never left the Batterwitch's jail! Everyone would have been a lot safer without her around, sheesh. ]

Not really? I mean I did just kinda sleep for a week.

[ Grateful for him playing along when she changes the subject, she lets go of him and shoves her wandering hands into the pockets of her hoodie. ]

But uhm... you'll make me a sammich and that sounds fuckin' amazing? Holy frick. Did you know that the actual worst part of growin' up in Sea Hitler's Water Apocalypse is the utter fuckin' lack of food that ain't from an expired can of slop or a goddamn pumpkin? True story.

Edited 2016-08-17 15:56 (UTC)

[ John seems to handle the mood-whiplash with a matter of grace. After all, avoiding awkward moments is probably the best alternative here. And he keeps positive, deciding to just focus on the fact that Roxy is back and safe. When she releases his hand, he takes a moment to push his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. ]

I'm pretty sure I would be as sick of fish and canned junk as you, if it were me that is. I mean, it's not gonna be anything special! Just a um...

I don't know, bologna sandwich? Whatever it is they have down here, I actually haven't looked.

[ He laughs a bit, shrugging his shoulders. ]

Might as well go look! C'mon.

[ She giggles. ] I'm sure your sammiches are delish.

[ And follows him to the kitchen, where the smell of food is the strongest and makes her stomach complain even louder and with more frequency. Jesus. You'd think being immortal, you wouldn't suffer from hunger pains? Because you can't die even if you starve to death, because starving to death isn't exactly just or heroic, at least in this situation, and--

Roxy realizes she may be thinking about all of it too seriously, but you do what you gotta do when you're trying to distract yourself from the boy in front of you. ]

Y'know, I've been thinkin'? You remember how I said you told me all 'bout your journey n' stuff starting from day freakin' one-- [ She blushes and chuckles, recalling that memory fondly. ] --well, I realized you don't really know much about me, so...

Wanna play 20 questions, lightning round, over lunch?

[ John happily walks alongside Roxy. There's comfort in the relief he feels in knowing she's safe and finally back. Despite the fact that he hadn't met her yet in his time, he's... Pretty glad he's gotten the chance to get to know her so well here. ]

[ Once they get in the kitchen, John goes straight to work and begins poking his nose in the fridge. ]

Oh wow, did I?

[ God, he probably rambled like a dumb idiot too. He's so weird around girls. ]

Actually, that sounds like a good idea. I've learned a lot about you in our conversations, but not the nitty gritty I guess.

[ John grabs lunch meat, mustard, mayo, and other fixings, kicking the fridge closed with his foot as he brings it to the counter. Everything is gathered in his arms as he grabs a loaf of bread. ]

Let's see.

[ He looks at the ceiling in thought as he sets everything down. ]

Well, I guess first, start from how you grew up? I mean, I know about the whole Batterwitch Overlord stuff, but you've never really gone into detail?

"How"?

[ That's. That's such a loaded question, she doesn't even know where to start. ]

Gosh, I don't know John, that's a tough one? I mean I raised myself in an empty house on a carapacian colony floating out in the middle of nowhere while bein' fucked with by a genocidal alien? Which part did you wanna know about in particular?

[ She's not upset, but her tone practically begs him to ask her another question, anything that won't bring back awful memories of her childhood. ]

Edited 2016-08-30 20:11 (UTC)

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homecoming | closed | post-dated August 1st

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i keep forgetting italics ugh

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1/2

2/2 There's a lot going on here in these tags I'm so sorry...

LOL

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