sanctuary @scattereddrcams - Tumblr Blog

amity didn't know how to fight physically. all her life she'd used magic. and of course she had played grugby too, except playing a sport and actual fighting were two totally different concepts. she was better with her magic, better with abominations. she probably should learn a few skills like this to help her if she got into a terrible situation, yet she wasn't entirely sure where to start. she was grateful there were other people with skills she lacked willing to teach a random stranger. "amity," she said suddenly. "i'm amity." making friends was not her strong suit, but she wanted to branch out and make allies in town.

"i'd like to learn. i can't say i'll be any good, but i'm handy with magic, so i need to learn other ways to defend." amity didn't know if she'd be good, though she knew that she wanted to try. amity wanted to learn a new skill, even if she thought she'd fail at it. that was some kind of progress right? she didn't have to be little miss perfect all the time.

amity laughed at his statement. "something like that." she wouldn't consider herself that quiet anymore. although she kept a lot close to her chest, amity was a much stronger person than she'd been all those years ago. she took a seat on the bench. "i wouldn't underestimate me." after all, she was still a powerful witch. "where i come from, people do magic and i was one of the top students at my school. not to brag."

scattereddrcams

Sora’s grin widened the second she said her name. “Amity,” he repeated, like he was committing it to memory. “I’m Sora. It's really nice to meet you." He rested the Keyblade against his shoulder and stepped a little closer, easy posture, no pressure. “Magic’s awesome. I mean giant glowing key? I’m not exactly anti-magic. I'm just not great at it.” He gave it a light twirl. “But you’re right. Sometimes you don’t get the space to cast. Sometimes things get close.”

He crouched slightly and picked up one of the wooden swords, offering it handle-first. “Physical fighting isn’t about being the strongest. It’s about balance. Timing. Not panicking when someone’s in your space.” His expression softened, just a little more serious. “You don’t replace your magic. You just give yourself a backup.”

When she mentioned being a top student, he laughed—not mocking, just delighted. “Oh, I can tell,” he said easily. “You’ve got that ‘I studied harder than everyone and I know it’ posture. You remind me of someone.” Then he tilted his head, playful spark returning. “And I would never underestimate you. That’s like rule number one of fighting. The quiet ones? They’re usually the scariest.”

He stepped back into position, spinning the wooden sword once before settling into a relaxed stance. “Okay, top student,” he said lightly. “Show me how you stand when you’re ready. Don’t think too hard. Just… plant your feet and breathe.” His smile stayed warm, encouraging. “We’ll start slow. No pressure. And if you accidentally knock me down, I promise I’ll make it look dramatic.”

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨amity b.⎬

castthestars

Castor slowed at the edge of the clearing, boots crunching softly against the grass as he took in the scene with open, unabashed interest. The sign. The easy confidence. The way the Keyblade moved like it belonged there, as natural as breathing. His head tilted in curiosity.

“Hm,” he hummed, eyes tracking the arc of Sora’s last swing. “You advertise danger very politely.”His gaze lingered, not on the weapon, but on him. Something in his expression shifted, curiosity sharpening into recognition he didn’t quite voice.

“…I’ve seen you,” Castor said slowly, more to himself than as an accusation. His eyes flicked briefly skyward, then back again, a small, knowing smile tugging at his mouth. “Not like this. Usually there are more… worlds involved. And significantly higher stakes.”

He stepped closer, stopping just short of the scattered practice weapons, peering at them as though choosing from a menu. “But I suppose everyone deserves a day where the universe isn’t ending.” Castor looked up at Sora again, bright and intrigued. “I’ll watch,” he decided, after a beat. “For now. I’m curious how a hero fights when he’s not trying to save anyone.”

scattereddrcams

Sora lowered the wooden sword just a little, the easy grin on his face shifting into something more curious at the tone in Castor’s voice. “Advertise danger politely?” he echoed, amused. “That’s kinda my thing. My friendly face is the politeness.” But then Castor said it. I’ve seen you. Sora stilled, not tense, just attentive. He’d learned the difference. His blue eyes searched the stranger’s face, not defensive, just… trying to place him. When Castor glanced at the sky, something in Sora’s chest tugged faintly. Familiar in a way he couldn’t quite name.

“More worlds. Higher stakes...sounds like trouble I get in to.” Sora repeated softly. A small, knowing smile tugged at his own mouth now. He rested the wooden blade across his shoulder, posture loose. “It’s nice, though. No collapsing timelines. No giant shadow monsters. Just grass stains and splinters.”

At the comment about a hero fighting when he’s not trying to save anyone, Sora tilted his head. “That’s the thing,” he said lightly. “I don’t really know how to fight without trying to save someone.” He stepped back into the clearing, gesturing loosely around them. “Even this? It’s about helping people feel stronger.” His gaze flicked back to Castor, sharp in a way that wasn’t naïve anymore. “So if you’ve seen me before… you probably know I’m not great at doing things halfway.” A small, playful shrug. “But you can watch. That’s allowed.” He spun the wooden sword once in his hand, then added with a grin.

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨castor r.⎬

thelostthakkar

milo didn't own a lot of clothes that many would call athleisure wear in his wardrobe, if he was going to be embarrassingly honest, but he had managed to throw together an outfit that he didn't have to iron, and that felt like it counted enough for him. it did, however, feel an awful lot like he was dressed up at someone else as he walked toward sora in a very new pair of sweatpants and an old, dark green tee. he pulled his sweater closer to himself when he was finally visible, an awkward smile and unsure wave aimed in the other's direction.

"can i answer that once i see how good everyone else is at fighting? i'm usually more of a watcher, rather than a fighter, but i should probably learn how to defend myself a little better nowadays, right? or maybe we just bench me and i can be the cheerleader?"

scattereddrcams

Sora looked Milo up and down, not judging, just assessing and then broke into a grin that was way too reassuring for someone holding a weapon that looked like it could unlock a castle door. He rested the Keyblade against his shoulder and tilted his head. “Watching is a skill. You learn a lot that way. Timing. Patterns. Who panics when someone charges them.” His smile softened just a little. “But yeah. These days? Knowing how to defend yourself isn’t a bad idea.”

“Here’s the thing, this isn’t a ‘who’s the best fighter’ club. It’s a ‘don’t freeze when something scary happens’ club.” He pointed lightly at Milo’s chest. “And you don’t strike me as someone who can’t learn.”

“Also, benching you as cheerleader would be a tragic waste. I already have enough self-esteem.” He gestured toward the small pile of wooden practice weapons near the bench. “We can start simple. No magic. No giant key. Just footwork and blocking. Simple stuff! What do you think?”

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨milo t.⎬

vinemagic

⸻🍂 THE SIGN CAUGHT WILLOWS EYE AS SHE had been walking without any real direction.

She felt purposeless as she walked through Elias like she was lost. As Walt Acedemy felt . . . darker then usual today. While her dorm room felt small. &. it didn’t help that every corner of this city suddenly pressed to close. Reminding her of to much ⸻ maybe everythings been just to much lately.

Its even worse when she felt she was making bad choice after bad choice of late. She could feel it happening in real time &. not even stopping herself. " Joining ⸻ " she began as she wondered if this method really worked? " I'll spar. I just reserve the right to be awkward ⸻ overthink everything ⸻ &. have bad footing. "

&. yet that hair ⸻ oversized key ⸻ smile ⸻ jogged her memory from the alleyway as she's also scene them around campus.

While her gaze swept over the training weapons displayed ⸻ not sure she was talented in the oversized key department. As she didn’t bother with the staffs either but went for an wooden sword. Plain ⸻ unremarkable ⸻ &. one that was on the more worn-out side as it would hold for an few strikes.

As she wasn't in the right state of mind. She knew that ⸻ but at least she chose the wooden sword that would more likely break incase she took it to far.

scattereddrcams

Sora didn’t laugh at her honesty which, honestly, was impressive considering how many people tried to downplay their nerves. Instead, his grin softened into something steadier. Warmer. “Awkward, overthinking, bad footing?” he repeated, spinning the Keyblade once before letting it dissolve in a shimmer of light. He reached for one of the wooden swords instead. “Congratulations. You just described half the people who’ve ever learned to fight.”

He noticed the one she chose. Worn. Splintered near the hilt. Not accidental. His eyes flicked back up to her face, but he didn’t call it out. Didn’t make it heavy. “Joining is enough,” he said simply. He stepped into the clearing, testing the weight of his own wooden blade, posture relaxed but balanced. “This isn’t about being talented in the oversized-key department.” A small smirk. “That’s a very niche major.”

He rolled his shoulders, then gestured lightly toward her stance. “Show me what awkward looks like. No pressure. No scorekeeping. We’ll keep it slow.” There was something perceptive in his gaze now not invasive, just aware. “You look like you’ve got a lot in your head,” he added gently. “Sometimes moving your feet helps quiet it.” He shifted into a loose guard position, tapping the wooden blade against his shoulder.

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨willow p.⎬

luzuramagic

——— The city had been in a state of unrest for months now. Luz had done her best to find calm amid the chaos. It was growing harder to pretend that everything was fine. Her optimism was waning. She wouldn't admit it aloud to her friends; the last thing she wanted to do was worry them. The best course of action was distraction. So, Luz had stocked up on new comics. The world of fantasies had always been her favorite escape. She thought living in these worlds she dreamed of would be exciting, and while it was, she was realizing there were downsides.

Her walk was halted by a giant sign in front of her. The paint on it had begun to dry, bright and a little rushed. It did the job because her attention was caught. Luz had her magic. In time and with practice, she knew she would be a force to be reckoned with. However, she wasn't sure how much time they truly had. Her skills needed to be great now rather than later. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to fine-tune her skills.

❛ Hi ! ❜ she called back with a wave of her own. ❛ Join in, but uh, question for you. That giant key you're waving ... will I get my own or ? ❜

scattereddrcams

Sora blinked at the question then laughed, bright and easy, like she’d just asked if the sky came in different colors. “Oh! Yeah, that’s fair,” he said, lifting the Keyblade and giving it a small spin before resting it against his shoulder again. “It does look kinda like I just raided a locksmith’s final boss level.”

With a small flash of light, another Keyblade shimmered into existence in his free hand, simpler, lighter, its metal gleaming in the sun. “You won’t get this one permanently,” he added quickly, offering it out to her handle-first. “Keyblades are… kinda picky about who they stick with. But for training? It’ll respond to you just fine.”

His eyes softened a little, catching the flicker of urgency in hers that need to get stronger now, not someday. “You’ve got magic, right?” he asked, tilting his head. “That’s awesome. I’ve fought alongside witches before. Trust me, flashy glyphs and giant keys can totally coexist.”

He twirled his Keyblade once more and settled into a relaxed stance.

“You ready?”

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨luz n.⎬

joshuaballsett

#♡ ⁄ 𝑅𝑒𝒻𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 ミ 𝔽 𝔸 ℂ 𝔼 ...

[ ♛ ] ° • closed starter for » ...@thefishermanwaits

The house hadn’t changed much. Same wind chime on the porch. Same flickering porch light that Gavin never quite got around to fixing. The familiarity made Sora’s chest ache. He stood in front of the door longer than he probably should have, shifting his weight, hands in his pockets, heart in his throat. For a moment, he considered turning around. Pretending this was just another patrol, another walk to clear his head. But it wasn’t. He wasn’t here by accident.

Sora raised his hand and knocked but pushed the door open anyway. Gavin never locked his door and knocking was more to let the man know someone was here rather than permission to enter. He wandered a bit before finding him at his kitchen counter. "Hey, long time, no see, Gav." His voice was soft. Scratchy from lack of sleep. He rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke. “I, uh… I know I’ve been kinda hard to reach lately.” His tone dipped with guilt, and he gave a sheepish glance around the familiar space.

“It wasn’t personal. I mean, it was, but not like that. I’ve just…” The words trailed off. He looked smaller now than he ever had, swallowed by the weight of everything he hadn’t said. “I thought I could handle it on my own. That maybe if I stayed away, I could keep you from worrying. Or worse… seeing what I’ve turned into.” He gave a half-laugh, bitter at the edges. “Turns out, I’m not great at pretending everything’s fine.” His fingers brushed the seam of his hoodie, fiddling with the thread like it might ground him. "I think I just need a hug from my Dad."

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨gavin g.⎬

olympiczervous

open starter for everyone

Hercules sat half-buried beneath a chaotic spread of papers, city maps, and half-crumpled napkins covered in hurried notes. He figured the coffee shop would be a nice change of scenery from the cramped office. He leaned over the table, squinting at a draft of the latest Guardian Initiative proposal. A force in the city not to enforce laws but to protect the citizens. That was the idea, anyway. He ran a hand through his curls and let out a long, slow breath as he stared down at the city schematics, one elbow perched next to a cup that had long gone cold. He was strong. Everyone knew that. But this was a different kind of heavy lifting.

Another page slid off the table. “Ugh, come on,” Hercules muttered, bending down to snatch it up before it was trampled by the shoes of a passing barista. It wasn’t the monsters or the magic that overwhelmed him, it was the paperwork. The fact that every line he drew here would change how people lived and felt safe. Still… he was glad to be doing something that mattered.

He straightened up and caught someone glancing his way, maybe at the mess, maybe at the title “GUARDIAN ZONES – PUBLIC SAFETY DRAFT 2C” in bold at the top of a sheet. He smiled faintly and gestured to the seat across from him. "If you need the seat please, take it. ” he said, “I can move my things.”

scattereddrcams

Sora had only stopped in for a cocoa, his reward for his morning run, but the mountain of paperwork at the corner table had caught his eye. Not just because of the mess (though wow, it was impressive) but because of the big bolded phrase that peeked out from the top of a page: GUARDIAN ZONES. It reminded him of something.

So when Hercules offered the seat, Sora smiled and waved a hand. “Nah, I’m not here to chase you off your throne of maps. Looks like you’re building something big.” He slid into the chair anyway, careful not to bump the cold coffee or any of the runaway napkins. His eyes scanned the spread with interest.

“Guardian Zones,” he repeated aloud, leaning in. “That sounds like… like a shield around the city. A safe space?” He looked up at Hercules, curiosity burning behind his words. “Oh wait! Riku told me about this. Is this the new protection squad thing that the council wants? He did say that they had you be in charge of it. He also told me not to say anything so don't tell him I said anything."

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨hercules z.⎬

[ ♛ ] ° • closed starter for » ...@keyguarded .

The city lights of Elias blinked like stars someone had dropped just a little too close to earth. Sora sat curled on the edge of the balcony, hoodie pulled over his head, knees drawn up beneath him. Astro was curled like a little moon at his side, warm, breathing, grounding. His hand absently rested on the dog’s back, moving with the rhythm of each breath. It helped. A little.

He hadn’t meant to wake Riku again. He’d tried to be quiet this time, slipping out of bed without so much as a whisper. But he could feel it. That subtle shift in the air. The tether between them tugging in the silence and letting him know he was awake and looking for him. The darkness had been clawing at the edges of his dreams again. No name, no shape, just… a pressure. He hated how familiar it had started to feel.

“You can come out, you know.” His voice was soft, barely more than a whisper over the hum of the city below. “I know you’re probably standing at the door.” A faint smile flickered at the corners of his mouth, tired and worn.

He didn’t turn around right away. Just kept his eyes on the horizon, where the sky was starting to lighten ever so slightly, the suggestion of a sunrise. “I don’t know what it is,” he admitted, voice low, as Astro shifted beside him. “But I can feel it. Like something’s trying to crawl its way back in. And I’m tired, Riku. I’m so tired, and I don’t even know from what anymore.”

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨riku p.⎬

amityatelias

amity wasn't a fighter like some people were. she had her magic, her abominations, and she could hold herself against someone. it wasn't fighting the way some people could fight. she was screwed if someone got up close to her. she couldn't handle herself in a physical fight and she knew it. although she didn't have time, she considered signing up for some sort of defense class so if something happened, she might be able to handle her own if magic wasn't exactly helpful.

she saw the sign and impulsively found herself following to see who was there. amity didn't know who sora was. most of her time was spent around her friends. she made a few more since coming to elias, but amity knew that she didn't have that many friends outside the group that she had before hand. she had no idea who to trust these days other than that group and her instinct to trust agnes. trusting the wrong people could get her hurt.

but there was something about the sign that seemed genuine and if she couldn't trust her own instincts, then she didn't have much else. she watched the warmups swings with fascination. it wasn't the type of fighting she did. potions and abominations, she was good on her feet and quick with spells. she let her feet carry her further towards him, cautious like a scared kitten.

"watch. i can't fight like that." while she was talented in a lot of things and she was strong—mostly from all the books she carried—her magic was her real strength.

scattereddrcams

Sora offered a crooked smile, his Keyblade lowering slightly as he turned toward the voice. The girl in front of him looked hesitant. “That’s totally okay,” he said simply, brushing a hand through his hair before resting it at the back of his neck. “You don’t have to fight like this. Everyone has their own way.”

He motioned toward the wooden swords and staves he’d set out in the grass. “This is just one version. I’ve seen people who don’t lift a blade at all and still protect the people they care about better than anyone else.” His smile softened. “And if you ever want to try anything, even just holding a stance or learning how to deflect, I can show you a few tricks. No pressure, though. You’ve got power in your own way. I can kinda feel it.”

His eyes scanned hers with a flash of sincerity, not in the way of someone sizing up an opponent, but in the way of someone who saw her. “You remind me of a few friends,” he added with a chuckle. “Quiet power. Always the ones people underestimate until it’s too late.” He patted the bench nearby with his gloved hand. “Anyway, sit if you want. I’ve got snacks, too. Training is important, but snacks are sacred.”

#t h r e a d ✧ ⎨amity b.⎬

sweetfridays

♡ MICHAEL CIMINO via tiktok ( itsmichaelcimino )

#♡ ⁄ 𝑅𝑒𝒻𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 ミ 𝔽 𝔸 ℂ 𝔼 ...#w. A S T R O #do they have a dog son? yes they do.

scattereddrcams

[ ♛ ] ° • open starter for » ... everyone .

The midday sun filtered through the patchy clouds above Elias, casting dappled light over the small green space tucked between city blocks. Not quite a training field, not quite a playground, just enough space for someone like Sora to stretch, move, and maybe… make a few new friends.

A hand-painted sign leaned against the bench where he’d dropped his bag:

LOOKING TO SPAR? Friendly duels welcome! Just training, not trouble. —Sora

He stood in the center of the clearing now, Keyblade spinning easily in one hand as he moved through a series of warm-up swings. His motions were fluid, practiced but his smile was easygoing, bright. This wasn’t about showing off. This was about connection. After all, you learned a lot about people by how they fought and how they didn’t.

Sora paused, resting the Keyblade on his shoulder as a shadow approached. He'd summoned another for someone else to use but he also had wooden swords and staffs.

“Hey,” he greeted, waving with his free hand. “You here to watch… or join in?”

#wastarter #decided to reuse this starter!

castthestars

open starter for everyone

The scent of caramelized sugar and burning firewood drifted through the air, curling into the sleeves of Castor’s coat as he strolled between booths with hands tucked neatly behind his back. The winter festival, as the locals called it, had transformed the city center into a glittering maze of noise, light, and sentiment. Sentiment which, if he was being objective, seemed both excessive and inefficient.

Strings of twinkling lights cast fleeting halos over the crowds, and Castor’s sharp eyes took in everything, the way children tugged parents toward peppermint stands, the inexplicable popularity of artificially flavored cocoa, the mild chaos of a snowball toss game that was clearly rigged for entertainment over outcome. 'Curious,' he thought to himself, pausing to watch a trio of teenagers argue about whether reindeer were government-funded constructs or actual fauna. 'No measurable gain, yet they seem satisfied just by being near one another.'

His gaze flicked to a vendor sculpting miniature snowmen using enchanted frost. The magic was rudimentary. The joy it caused was not. Castor tilted his head.'Perhaps there’s more information to be gathered.' He did his best to keep his feet on the ground, literally, but he found himself floating at times as he was now trying to peek at what the person was holding.

scattereddrcams

Sora blinked, startled for half a second by the floating form beside him, before his eyes landed on Castor with a small, curious smile.

“Whoa-hey,” he said, shifting just enough to give him space. He tilted his head, following Castor’s gaze toward the snowmen before glancing back at him. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your… observational science moment. They’re cute, right? Kind of ridiculous, but in a good way.”

He paused, then added more gently, “First winter festival?”

Something flickered in his eyes-familiarity? Maybe. But Sora didn’t press it. Instead, he nudged his shoulder lightly against Castor’s with a grin, easy and warm. “C’mon, I’ll show you where they’re giving out the really good cocoa. You can keep studying. I’ll just translate the joy part for you.”

#winter event; castor

1nquirer

open event starter

📍 the charity coat & blanket drive

as much as agnes wanted to get into the holiday festivities, she couldn't—what with the disappearances still weighing on her mind. at least, it looked like everyone else was more wary this time around, unlike how nonchalant they had been during the fall fair.

nonetheless, agnes took this moment to help the community. there were still people out there who needed help, especially with winter coming up. she folded the coats and blankets kind citizens had donated, racking up ways on how she could efficiently distribute them to the homeless.

then, she spotted the person. she didn't hesitate. "you got any old coats you want to donate?"

scattereddrcams

Sora paused mid-step, a light dusting of snow catching in his hair. Agnes’ voice cut through the hum of the festival. He blinked, then smiled softly as he took in the scene around her: piles of neatly folded coats, organized blankets, the steady determination in her stance.

“No old coats,” he replied honestly reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “But I’ve got some spare money I can chip in, and maybe I can help you pass them out later?” His voice was gentle, more grounded than usual.

He looked over the donations, then back at her. “You’re doing something really good here. I'd love to help any way I can.”

#winter event; sora

oflightfoots

an 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 for BARLEY LIGHTFOOT set in old elias 0 / 6 replies !!

——— the drop came suddenly. a chill in the air that had been there before. it wasn't gentle. it was sharp, blistering. a cold snap that left the skin buzzing uncomfortable, the bones aching and above all the body frozen in place. his stomach was tantalize by the sweet aromas that filled the air. barley had decided to leave his snowman to fend for himself while he satiated his hunger with a sweet treat. it only took a second for the atmosphere around him to change. the path before him no longer seemed familiar. it caused the elf to stumble a bit. ❛ hey uh ... wasn't this the way to the cocoa crawl ? i could've sworn ... but now i'm not so sure. ❜ his teeth began to chatter, a shiver going up his spine as he turned to the person beside him.

scattereddrcams

Sora blinked at the sudden question, his breath curling in the freezing air like a tiny cloud. He hadn’t expected company, much less a lost man mid-sugar-craving detour. But there was something about Barley’s confused tone and chattering teeth that made Sora’s usual warmth kick in right away.

He offered a sheepish smile and rubbed at the back of his neck. “You’re definitely close, I think. The cocoa crawl was just past the last lantern post, but…” He looked around, noting the odd shift in the air, the kind that felt more like magic than weather. “Okay, yeah-this does feel off.”

Taking a step closer, he added with a small laugh, “Wanna stick together till we figure it out? I was heading that way anyway. Besides…” He glanced at Barley’s abandoned snowman in the distance. “You can’t let your snowman think you ditched him for dessert.”

#winter event; barley

keyguarded

under Stars (winter event) @scattereddrcams

the cold didn’t bother riku the way it used to. not really. he kinda like the way it sat against his skin. sharp, honest. as if the night itself was reminding him he was still here. still standing. still alive.

the observatory rooftop was alive in a quiet, reverent way. telescopes stood like patient sentinels, lenses angled toward a sky washed in dark ink and frost. strings of soft golden lights had been woven along the railings for the holiday open night, their soft glow reflecting off patches of snow that hadn’t yet melted. riku leaned against the railing, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, breath curling white as it left him. above, the sky felt closer than usual. like it was listening or waiting.

he checked his phone once..only once. a simple message received earlier, casual on the surface. You busy? Observatory’s open tonight. Rooftop. Thought you might like it,

he hadn’t explained why. he never really did. truth was, the world had been loud lately. filled with too many shadows moving where they shouldn’t. too much weight pressing between his shoulders. sora had been carrying his own storms, and riku could feel that strain like a pulled thread between them..this wasn’t about fixing anything. he’d learned better than that. tis was just… space. stars. cold air. silence that didn’t demand answers.

a ripple of color teased the horizon; shimmering bands of blue and green, like the sky itself was breathing. not a full aurora, not yet. but just enough to make the night feel magic-adjacent in the way elias often did. it stirred a memory he hadn’t meant to touch. they’d been younger. messier. lying flat on the hood of an old car that wasn’t really theirs, counting stars they couldn’t name and making up stories for the ones they missed. sora had laughed every time riku tried to be serious about it..about patterns.. about meaning... only to turn around and ask, wide-eyed and earnest, if he thought the stars ever watched them back. riku remembered the way the sky had felt endless then. how nothing seemed too heavy to carry as long as they were under it together.

he tilted his head back now, eyes tracing familiar constellations without really seeing them. his thumb brushed over the silver band at his finger, a grounding habit he didn’t think about anymore as he waited.

Come on, he thought quietly. not impatient. never that. Just be here for a minute.

scattereddrcams

Sora had been quiet lately, not out of distance, but because the world felt too loud. Noise in the streets, tension in the air, shadows even in places that used to feel safe. He’d been carrying it like a second coat, heavy and hard to shrug off. But when he saw Riku’s message, something in him softened. No pressure. No need for words. Just stars.

He didn’t rush, but he didn’t hesitate either. By the time he stepped onto the observatory rooftop, breath misting in the cold and scarf tugged up to his chin, his eyes were already seeking the one person who made everything feel steady again. And there he was, Riku, silhouetted against the railing, all quiet presence and impossible calm.

Sora approached without speaking, footsteps muffled by the snow-dusted surface. He came to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder, close but not pushing. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he tilted his head back to look up at the sky. The soft swirl of color just beginning to dance there reflected faintly in his eyes. “You always find the best places,” he murmured, voice quiet but sure.

Then, glancing at Riku, his anchor, his constant, he added, just a little shyly, “Thanks for inviting me here. It's been a while since I've seen the stars like this. It makes me miss home."

#winter event; riku

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