thefarshore | Heaven's bbs

Entry tags:

Heaven's bbs | Video

Posted: May 22nd 12:34pm
From: Son Goten

[The video feed clicks on to show Goten's face way closer up then it needs to be. He squints a bit at the screen as if trying to figure out if it's working or not. When he does lean back, there's no greenery or buildings behind him, just a vast blue sky dotted with clouds. It's easier to show everything from a bird's eye view, or at least he thinks so. For once the boy isn't grinning from ear to ear. He's much too confused and concerned right now.]

I think it's working....

Um, can temples just disappear? I can't find Archie anywhere either. All that's left are me and my new cloud friend here.

[He angles the video down to show the fluffy bright-yellow cloud he's sitting on. The cloud almost seems to bounce up in greeting. The video moves to look past the cloud and down far below at an nearly untouched beach with a cliff side. For anyone that had ever found or seen it, Dakuwaqa's temple has vanished.]

D-does that happen a lot? Where does everything go? I've looked all over...

[He already knows the god isn't around, that or he magically picked up and cleaned house. The name that was on his right hand is gone too so...His voice strengthens as he takes a deep breath and flips the camera back to his face in a sudden motion, frowning and trying to glare. He really is upset about this. He's hoping maybe the shark god just took his teasing or trick too far this time.]

Arrrrrrrrrrchie! You better answer me! If you're trying to play a trick on me I won't forgive you. You hear me! This isn't funny!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sousuke leans back against the wall and looks out the window. The sakura outside are gentle and calm, unlike the agitated bluster that had provided the main screen for his network post a few days ago. When Goten turns back to the screen, Sousuke looks to him once more, pausing a little at seeing the look in the other boy’s eyes. He blinks, surprised at the sudden offering of affection and comfort. Happy that he’s around? It’s not… odd, it’s just… well… Sousuke’s usually a loner and he’s partnered with Rin because of this world’s direction. So to have someone else offer the same as his own god is… it’s nice even if surprising.

A softer expression smooths over his face.] I’m not going anywhere, Goten. [Even if he has no control over that and doesn’t want to lie to Goten, in this case, he’s willing to shove all that to the side and give the boy—and himself—determination and hope. Because he doesn’t want to go anywhere and will fight to continue his existence here.] I promise. We can hang out as often as we like.

[Yes it is selfish and yes they both probably know they’re being impractical, flaunting their desire to stay in the face of people who probably don’t care at all about their wants and desires. They have no control over it and they know that, but that doesn’t mean they have to hamstring their feelings and pretend nothing matters anymore. Sousuke doesn’t want to live like that, and he knows Goten doesn’t (and probably can’t considering his character). Saying it, saying that he’s not going anywhere, seems to make the possibility of that being true all the more real. As if he’s convincing himself as well as Goten. So he promises that impossible promise and takes that impossible request to heart in spite of everything that stands contrary to it.

Because even with the shinki restrictions and the system of this world, Sousuke is still Free to make his own choices. Come results what may.]

Rin’s a good god. We have our fights, but sometimes they’re over stupid stuff. [Admitting that’s kind of casual now.] I’m trying. He keeps giving me reason to trust him. [And there’s a burst of excitement and Sousuke arches a brow. Then smiles again.] Oh? You learned how to make one? I’m impressed. I wonder if it can compete with mine. [Definitely goading him there.]

There was a girl, Masaki, who said she was going to hold a joint shinki practice for borderlines soon. I’ll be there, if you want to show me.

[Goten blinks several times as the screen, his eyes widening a bit. He knows dissappearing is something Sousuke can't control and if it happens to him it's unwilling but still hearing him say that. Hearing him promise not to go anywhere still makes Goten feel better. He believes Sousuke, even if it is impractical or whatever else. His eyes light up as a big smile reaches them. He may not have Archie anymore but Sousuke is still here. Sousuke isn't going anywhere.]

R-Right! I'm not going anywhere either. Count on it! No way are you ever getting rid of me. We gotta hang out more too. And fly and swim and everything else!

[His dark eyes have a shine to them as if they're watering but he's quick to wipe his face with his sleeve. His smile doesn't fade, it just gets bigger. He's happy. Happy Sousuke is here!]

Good! I bet if you both keep working hard everthing will work out! We gotta test them out, huh? I'm still new to it but I won't let you beat me.

[Goten clenches his fists eagerly.]

Mmmhm!

[It’s an empty promise in reality, but as far as Sousuke’s concerned, it’s binding between himself and his friend. He can say it because he means it. No matter what this world can do to them, he doesn’t have to keep his mouth shut. If he’s able to, he’s going to stay right here. With Rin. With Goten. With the people important to him (if others actually do reach that level). Knowing Goten believes him helps and he resolves himself even further with that realization. They can do whatever they can… because they’re still here.]

Aa. I’m glad to hear that. We’ll stay here together. [A small huff of amusement at that notion of “getting rid of” Goten. Right, like he’d ever want to. Sousuke nods at the reminder of his earlier promises.] Aa. We will. And I’ll still beat you at swimming. I know it.

[Don’t ask him how; he simply knows he will. Sousuke blinks at the sight of Goten’s eyes. Were those… tears? But before he can get a good look, the kid’s wiping his face (and confirming they were) and Sousuke silently holds his tongue. Don’t cry, Goten. It’ll be okay.]

It will. We can keep improving ourselves, and maybe even this world if we can.

[Seeing Goten’s determination’s heartening and he nods to him.]

I’m not going to hold back on you even if you are new. So come at me with your best.

[He's glad to hear it. It's reassuring. Eventhough he knows that's out of Sousuke's control. It's still great to hear. They're both here. Together. And that's how it's gonna stay!--Wait a second--]

Wh--What?! You can't say that! You don't know that, Sousuke! I'm gonna beat you!

[Goten's mout hangs agape before he huffs, waving his arms a bit. No way can he let Sousuke beat him now.]

I'll give you more then that. I'll give you my super ultra mega best!

[It's so on!]

[Out of their control, in their control, who cares. They’re still free to say whatever they want and make any promise they can. Nothing’s completely futile until they give up. And he’s not going to give up. Not on Goten. Not on Rin. Not on himself.]

I just did. [Cue a self-confident smile here.] It’s on you now to prove me wrong.

[He wants a good challenge. Even if he doesn’t know if he can really swim well, if at all. He’s going on pure bravado right now. And the reaction he gets from Goten’s perfectly worth it. A little chuckle at that extravagant description.]

Oh, better than best, huh? I look forward to it.

[Bring it.]

I'll make you take that back. You hear me? Just you wait! Don't think I'll forget either! You can talk big all you want but you better back it up in the water!

[He's still waving his arms and it isn't until he's finished speaking that he pulls them to his chest with close fists. He's smiling with confidence but there more then that. The pure eagerness to just take on Sousuke! It really doesn't matter who wins in the end but Goten isn't going down without a fight!]

Bestest of best and way better then that! You just lemme know when you're up to speed and we'll do this!

[Oh it brought. Someone is gonna be eating the other's bubbles!]

I’m planning on it.

[Which is a more than a little ironic (and stupid) because at the moment, Sousuke’s reaction to the pool and the sea is one of complete and utter “split down the middle between panicking and relaxing until he finally has to abandon the water altogether to keep himself from snapping” reaction. Needless to say, he’s not happy with it. But maybe this challenge will force his mind to overcome his body’s reaction. Or his body to overcome his mind.

Sousuke makes a soft ‘hn’ sound of satisfaction once Goten settles down. That smile promises he’s in for a good challenge and he finds himself looking forward to it. After all, they’ve yet to actually have a competition between them since their arrival here despite all their talk about having one. Their new life keeps getting in the way, unfortunately.]

I’ll let you know. Still working on it, but I think we’ll both be all right in a while.

[Goten still has to deal with his god vanishing while Sousuke’s still dealing with his incident with Schuldig and resulting network post. But, he’s doing better and hopefully Goten will soon be on track to recovery or stability soon. The swimmer doubts much can keep Goten down for long.]

Should we wager something?

[Talking to Sousuke has lifted his mood considerably. Be it that the older shinki has helped get his mind off the loss of his god or just the company itself. Even if it is over a video, it really does help. Goten doesn't feel so alone and even with Archie gone, Sousuke is still around! Sousuke may not be his god but he's still an imporant friend. Even if the swimmer doesn't seem to enjoy that word being tossed around, Goten considers him such and will openly say it.

He nods his head at that. Life has gotten in the way quite a bit. Maybe they both will be alright. Sousuke's life will settle down and Goten will find a nice new god. Then they can swim it out. Though, he still wants to meet Rin. He's heard a bit about him, it's made him curious just what kind of god Sousuke has. Other then the obvious love for sakura.]

Wager?

[His interest perks a bit at that. He squints thoughtfully at the screen. It sounds fun. Something to add to it besides their own boasts but...He frowns a little.]

But I don't have any money Sousuke....

[He’s noticed Goten’s mood lifted and he’s grateful for it. It’s not “repayment” or anything, but Goten had come and spoken with him when he’d been down about his incident with Schuldig. Easing his mind from the troubles that plagued him and kept him company with conversation and topics that brought some relief to his attitude and thoughts. While Sousuke isn’t one to consider someone a friend so readily or quickly, there are those he finds himself opening up to more over time. Because it’s the time, the experiences, the repetition that helps develop a friendship. In his opinion. Goten’s making good progress there.

Sousuke blinks when the smaller boy perks up at the idea. But the perk is followed by a squint and then a frown. Sousuke’s expression goes a little wry at seeing Goten’s fall. What was bad about a wa—Oh.]

Heh. It doesn’t have to be money, Goten. What do you like?

[He’s going to bet it’ll be something with food. Ice cream is his guess. Doesn’t even know why.]

It doesn't? Okay then...

[What does he like? He likes lots of stuff. But what is good to wager? You can't wager fighting or anything. Everything in the temple was gone aside from the clothes on Goten's back and his new cloud friend.]

I like food! All food---except vegetables! Sweets are really good! Ice cream, cookies--- This one girl let me try her pocky and it was really good!

[He acutally grins at that. This thinking is making him hungry, his stomach loudly admits that. He blinks and pats his stomach before looking back to Sousuke.]

Sousuke! What do you like besides sakura? I know you like food too cause you ate a bunch at the pinic with me!

[And there it is. Sousuke’s feels a little cocky expression come to his fa—Don’t like vegetables? Cocky gone, replaced with minute surprise.]

You don’t like vegetables?

[He should’ve expected something like that, since Goten’s a little kid and most little kids don’t like vegetables. Especially since the rest of the items tumbling out of Goten’s mouth are sweets. The word ‘Pocky’ however, triggers something and he pauses. Physically, vocally, even mentally. It’s like… he’s heard that somewhere before. Aaand here comes the repulsed feeling again; Sousuke quickly shoves the thought from his head to avoid it and goes back to Goten.]

Ice cream. How about that for the wager?

[First thing he grasps onto after that headrush. Besides… there’s a little something about ice cream and wagers that feels nice. Comforting. He gets the same feeling around Rin more often than not. Doesn’t know why, but it’s there all the same.

He blinks when the question’s tossed back at him. Huh… Never thought about it before.]

… Aa. … Pork. I like pork. [But what else does he lik—] Swimming.

[The answer comes out before he can think about it and it leaves him silent once again. Swimming? He’s never swam before and as far as he knows, the water still gives him a bad reaction (despite his challenge to Goten to a swimming race).]

Yeah, they're gross!

[Goten even sticks his stomach out as if Sousuke needs the additional clarification. He has a major sweet tooth so keep the greens away--unless they're cooked with something else tasty. Goten isn't too picky when it comes to food. Just childish about that.

The strange pause makes him blink and tilt his head a bit at Sousuke curiously but just as he about to ask if he's okay, the wager becomes Ice cream]

So we'll wager ice cream?

[If Sousuke does win and gets ice cream, he better share. Even if that defeats the point of a wager. That just wouldn't be fair or cool if he didn't share with Goten.]

I like those things too! [Though the swimming makes him grin]

If you like swimming so much we need to do this soon!

No they’re not.

[He’s not the one that needs clarification here, kiddo. Goten needs to learn the value and positives of all those green things. Even standalone they’re pretty good. Sure a raw carrot is never going to be more delicious than fried pork, but balance is key to any diet. Though he’s pretty sure trying to convince Goten of that isn’t going to be easy.]

Aa. I think that’s a good wager.

[Ice cream. It’s a simple snack, easy to get, easy to win and even divvy up. Easy to share too because Sousuke has a feeling that even if he wins the wager, there’s a good chance he might have a pouting face by his side, hoping he’s going to share that hard-won treat. Oh that’ll be tough to ignore… Well regardless if he shares or not, it still doesn’t negate the fact he’d won, right?]

Swimming. I’m still working on that with Rin.

[He doesn’t want to say it, but he can’t keep beating around the bush with Goten either. So a small sigh and he rolls onto his stomach.]

I don't like staying in the water long, Goten.

Are too, are too! If you like them, then you can all of mine too!

[So you better be ready for a double serving of vegetables on your plate, Sousuke. Goten will pass them along if the happen to eat together. With all the parties and stuff heaven throws, that doesn't sound too unlikely. But Sousuke did say they weren't gross so he probably wants extra anyway!

But the promise of ice cream is way more appealing. Even if he wins or not. Maybe that's not how a wager is suppose to work but he should still get ice cream for trying! They both should, regardless of who wins. But why doesn't he like staying in the water? Goten's surprise is clear but now he's just really really curious]

Huh? What do you mean? How come?

[Well in the face of such sound and logical argument, how can he disagree with Goten?]

All right.

[There’s no hesitation there either, so the kid’s lucky. Sousuke likes his meat and all, but vegetables are just as fine. Food, in general is fine. If that means he ends up with extra of it on his plate, Goten won’t hear him complaining about it. That still doesn’t mean he might not end up trying to coax (or challenge) Goten into eating a few. Because they’re still good for a growing body, you know.

Not that wagering ice cream is going to get vegetables in Goten’s mouth. Sousuke knows they’ll both end up having ice cream no matter who wins. The question, however, cuts a bit of a damper on the mood and he looks out the window again. He doesn’t like talking about this kind of stuff. His weaknesses. But Goten’s one of the few he’ll suck his pride up for.]

It’s hard to explain. It’s like I have some kind of fear of it. If I get near a pool or see one, I freeze up.

[There problem solved! Goten will surely pass on his veggies to Sousuke. That makes everything better right? He doesn't need them or like them and Sousuke does. Clearly he's pleased by this and doesn't foresee anymore effort to try and make him change it which is good cause that just leaves more room for tasty meats and amazing desserts. ]

A fear of it?

[Goten blinks slowly, head tilting a bit to the side as he tries to understand it. He has no fear of the water. If anything he's more drawn to it. Video games and toys also draw him in, but there's something about nature that is also pulling. It makes him relate them to home. He doesn't really understand why but its not something he really ponders long on either.]

Are you worried about not being able to swim? You could use floaties...um, I wouldn't let anything bad happened to you in the water either, Sousuke!

[He means it too. He did say he'd protect the older shinki. If he cant successifully protect him from mean jerk-gods, he can do so with water.]

[He’s going to probably see if he can do anything about that vegetable dislike over there. Even if it comes down to playing dirty (if you lose the race, you have to eat broccoli). Maybe. Though he’s not too concerned about it because Goten can make his own life decisions and the boy’s young and hyperactive so he’ll burn through whatever he eats in a minute.

Sousuke’s not surprised that Goten catches onto that and goes silent to try and ponder it. For a moment at least. As he said, it’s hard to explain and simply mentioning it frustrates him because Sousuke doesn’t like talking about his weaknesses. Plus, he’s found out something about swimming and water that brings that issue a lot closer to home. Rin loves the water and it’s become clear to the shinki that his “issues” with it are preventing Rin from enjoying it.]

No. It’s hard to describe. It’s like being pulled in two directions. I want to swim, but when I get near it, I feel sick.

[“Sick” is a bad way to put it, but how can he describe that feeling of dread and revulsion that comes into his mind, as if sensing that the longer he stays near the water, the closer he is to something really bad happening. It’s ominous and a pressure that incites fear, anger, frustration, the urge to flee, and rejection. All the while clashing with a sincere desire to embrace the water and lounge within it, like he belongs there or something… In other words, it drives him nuts.]

[Only time will tell. Maybe he'll grow out of it or be more willing to at least try some if he see's Sousuke eating them. Especially if vegetables are really what make you bigger.

Goten remains quiet as Sousuke explains. He doesn't really understand it but he's trying. His possible reasons for it now shot now, he really has think. It's weird. To want to do something but feel sick about it. HMMM]

Can you....push past that sick feeling? Like do a running jump and stuff? If you like it then I think you'll get over that feeling the more you do it!

[He tries to offer a smile, willing Sousuke on. It doesn't sound like fun to be torn down the middle like that but Sousuke is strong. He's sure he'll figure it out]

We could try to swim more if you want? No racing yet! If you really don't like it, we can get out and do something else.

[He’s not going to go spilling tales like that. Food and genes are what make someone big or small. But if his eating them gets Goten to, well that’s just bonus for them both. For Goten’s sake, he won’t be offering him those stranger vegetables that most no one remembers.

Unfortunately the topic’s going to stick to the uncomfortable parts and he glances out the window again. It’s a problem and he doesn’t like it. But… well… what else can he do about it? He can try to fight it, but each time it’s not gone well and Rin and he end up doing something else.]

I’ve tried. My body locks up. [As for that running jump into the pool, well… His legs falter by the time he gets close enough and Rin doesn’t have the heart to shove him in either. But there’s been some progress on it at least. Especially after he helped Rin recover from the blight via that pool. Sorry Goten, but that’s a private story for now. The rest is true though.]

I want to find out if I’m able to push past this before I offer to go swimming with someone. [It’s embarrassing enough for Rin to see him hyperventilating and wide-eyed in the water having some stupid panic attack. As much as he likes Goten, he doesn’t want the smaller shinki to see him making such a pathetic image of himself.]

But when I do, we’ll have that race. Promise.

[He soaks it all in, listening carefully but it doesn't help him give the older shinki an answer. He wants to help. He really does. But Sousuke did say he wants to push past it himself before offering to go swimming so that shuts down Goten's offer. His shoulders drop a bit at that. He wants to help Sousuke. He really does....

But after a moment, he lets out a small sigh, arms crossed over his chest. Okay, if it's going to be like that..]

Mmmm okay! I won't make you rush then. Just don't take forever and ever, okay? I wanna have you at your best for our race so you can't complain when I kick your butt!

[He grins at that last bit.]

[Unfortunately there’s not much of an answer Goten can give him; it’s Sousuke’s issue. As much as the smaller shinki wants to help out, the swimmer is too uncomfortable letting someone see him so weak like this. Rin’s the exception. Sousuke frowns a little when he sees Goten’s shoulders drop. He knows the other boy wants to help him. But he’s not good with relying on someone other than himself.]

Hn. I won’t take forever. I’m going to beat this thing no matter what it takes.

[For Rin. For Goten. For himself. For something that sounds so small, it weighs a lot on him and he doesn’t want that limitation, that weakness. Besides, he has to get Goten back for that last comment. A dark brow arches and he focuses on the screen.]

You seem confident. What if I beat you soundly?

I believe in you Sousuke. Yep! I know you can do it!

[He's more then happy to cheer Sousuke on regardless if he needs it or not. He's not sure if it really helps but he hopes so. It's the least he can do if the older shinki wants to try and solve it on his own. If he really does start taking forever then Goten will poke him again just later on. Even though he is a bit disappointed that Sousuke won't let him help past that, the grins stays. Espeically when the other catches onto that last bit. Goten looks away innocently.]

I know I can swim pretty good! I can keep up with sharks and stuff. What do you mean soundly?

[Sousuke is going to beat him with sound? What? But it's a swimming race. He raises a brow at that.]

Edited 2017-01-28 02:29 (UTC)

I won’t let you down.

[Because if this kid can believe in him that sincerely, how can he not conquer this issue within himself? Sousuke doesn’t have any intention of being a weak shinki and he has even less intention of being weak to himself. Rin needs him to be strong and Sousuke needs himself to be strong for his own reasons. Nothing should be able to stand in his way. That’s his thoughts. He’s going to move forward and conquer this thing, no matter what it takes. And when it’s done and he’s able to look Goten in the eye and say “I’ve done it,” that will be his reward. And worth it.

And besides, once he’s past the stage of embarrassing himself, he’ll let Goten help him with improvements.]

Hm? [Oh he’s looking away, huh. Right.] Soundly means “completely.” [As for that comment about sharks, that’ll earn a rather self-confident smile. Maybe even a little “threatening” in a good, challenging way.]

You’re lucky. Not all sharks are so well behaved.

I know you won't! No chance! Nope!

[He just grins at the camera, even if Sousuke is looking away. He isn't even trying to make the older shinki feel better. He earnestly believes on Sousuke. Even if he did fail at it, Goten still wouldn't feel let down. But he knows Sousuke will bulldoze through his problem. If not, well, Goten is always around to help take it down too. He wants Sousuke to have fun and to have fun with Sousuke. The details aren't that important.

Though when the word 'Soundly' is explained, Goten huffs a little. How is Sousuke that confident?]

What? No way! You just wait! Once we're in the water I'm gonna win---- win soundly!

[Ha! Take that Sousuke, in all good fun]

Really? All the sharks I've met have been nice. Maybe you just gotta give them a chance.

[He’s not planning on it at all. Getting a chance to finally capitalize on their long-standing challenge is going to feel good. And he’s not going to give Goten something shoddy after waiting for so long. Of course… that does mean Sousuke’s going to have to work on that issue somehow. Ugh. Frustrating. He’s not going to show up as a failure to Goten. He’s going to conquer this challenge and put it behind him. Of course, once the swimming’s done, what will their next competition be?

Oh? Someone’s huffing. That’s amusing and Sousuke looks back at the screen, hiking one shoulder to roll it against the bed. A dull ‘pop’ breaks through the quiet with the action. Of course he’s confident. The reaction’s worth it too.]

That’s what you think. I’ve no intention of losing to you.

[It’s on now. He’s going to completely blaze Goten in the water.]

The only sharks you’ve met are the ones in Archie’s ocean, right?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Heaven's bbs | Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject