songerein | [closed] can't stop starin' at those ocean eyes

[Sora is a beach monster more often than not so it's easy for Sora to find himself there often. He's drawn to it almost like he was back on Destiny Islands. The ocean makes him think of home and the sun and sand make him sleepy. With the long summer days drifting away he can't resist a nap or two out on the sand.

When he cracks an eye open he swears he can see something glowing in the distance. Something familiar. He sits up with sleepiness in his eyes and squints at the image edging the line of the water. Yellow and green swirl together in a blur in his vision before he blinks the sleep away and sees...]

... A paopu tree?

[Is he dreaming? No, this isn't a dream like Atlantica. That's a real tree. He can't get up fast enough to dash back to the tree houses while shouting dramatically.]

Vanitas?! Vani!? Where are you?! Are you home?!

[ Usually Vanitas is awake long before Sora is. The brat likes to sleep in. Vanitas doesn't really care for that. However, today it's still early enough that he hasn't gotten out of the mound of blankets on their bed.

So when Sora tears into the room, shouting, Vanitas bolts upright. Slightly panicked and alarmed. Unversed popping into existance. ]

What!?

[Sora is practically throwing himself onto the bed and onto the mound of blankets that is Vanitas and that Unversed.]

Hey! We have to go to the beach! Today! As soon as possible!

[He's simply scooping up the unversed into his arms too.]

Uh- Morning? Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you but this is super important, Vanitas!

[ Sora jumping into the bed is nothing new. It's just now he has Sora lunching at him and Vanitas is hitting the bed again with a soft "oof" right before being scooped up into arms. Squished right alongside some of his Unversed. ]

Super important? Beach? What are you talking about?

[Okay, a moment of morning cuddling is also acceptable but they can't stay here for too long! They have things to do! Sora squeezes them both and doesn't mind if the Unversed wiggles around.]

Super mega important. [He grins.] You're never gonna guess what I saw at the beach.

[ Eventually the Unversed just poof. Disappear and vanish back into Vanitas once more. So the only person Sora is left hugging is the darker teen. ]

What's the point in guessing if you say that I'm not going to be able to?

[Sora lets out a small "ooph" when the unversed goes poof. Cuddling into Vanitas' chest and scooping his arms around him.]

It's a figure of speech, dummy. You're still supposed to guess.

[He grins.]

I think a paopu tree showed up on the beach!

Well how am I supposed to know that?

[ He snorts. Rolls his eyes even as Sora hugs on him. Eventually Vanitas puts his arms around Sora in return. then there's a pause. It registers, then, what Sora's actually telling him. ]

Paopu tree? After we were talking about them not too long ago?

[Sora laughs and jostles Vanitas in their comfy hug. Squeezing him tighter with his excitement.]

Uh-huh! It's crazy, one time I'm dreaming up a whole ocean and the next I'm dreaming up a whole paopu tree too!

[He and Kor absolutely did not dream up the ocean. But then he settles back and gives Vanitas a little nudge of his nose on his cheek.]

Wanna go see it?

[ Sora. Please. Don't squeeze him so tight that he just... Pops or something. After all, Vanitas is trying to wiggle an arm free so he can ruffle the other's hair. ]

You don't think that maybe the starfish had something to do with the ocean appearing? The two might be connected?

[ Yeah still not buying that Sora and Kor wished that one up. As for the tree.... Now that seems like it could be credible. ]

Yeah. [ Back to more important matters. ] Let go of me or I'll never get up.

Huh? What are you talking about? The starfish?

[Don't dash his dreamy dreams, Vanitas. He totally dreamed up that ocean with his best friend Kor Meteor.

Sora moves to sit up. Releasing Vanitas from his cuddling hold with a smile as he sits back.]

Alright, doesn't matter! Let's move then! Move!

Yes? They were falling out of the sky and everything, Sora. You don't think that maybe all of those starfish might have wished or dreamed up that ocean? So they'd have a place to go or maybe even thinking about home?

[ At least that's what makes the most sense to him. It's not about dashing poor Sora's dreams. To Vanitas, he just thinks that this is probably how things happened.

As for the tree? He can believe that Sora actually wished it here. That would also make sense.

Either way, Vanitas is now digging around for clothing to change into. Given the fact that he had made a promise to Sora, he's really wanting to keep it. ]

[All the while Sora hops off the bed and crosses his arms as Vanitas makes his statement about the starfish. He frowns and starts tapping his foot and looking very annoyed.]

Come on, are you serious? You don't think Kor and me dreamed up that whole ocean? Well, I dreamed up the paopu tree for sure!

[He's pouting but he'll be fine. Part of him knows that Vanitas makes sense even if it disappoints Sora.]

[ Vanitas has to laugh at that expression. The foot tapping is definitely a remnant of when the brat had been a Puca. It just stuck even as the other regained his original form. Still funny to watch in these moments.

But so is that pout. Quickly, then, does Vanitas change and make ready for the day. ]

Come on, Conttontail. We need to share a fruit, right?

[Annoyed rabbit stamping his foot is annoyed!!

But at least Vanitas reaffirms what today is about and doesn't leave Sora waiting too long.]

That's what I've been saying!

[He snorts and reaches for Vanitas' hand so they can start to head out on that beautiful summer morning. The ocean is as bright and new as ever as the sun makes sparkles across the glistening water. And there like Sora said is the new paopu tree fully grown and full of ripe star-shaped fruit.]

[ He snorts, but follows Sora anyway. Vanitas gives the hand a squeeze, used to the fact that they just practically hold hands everywhere they go at this point. He doesn't even flinch at it any long. Rather, Vanitas just walks along. Listens to Sora's chatter like it is the most natural thing in the world.

And then the tree comes into view. Vanitas tilts his head to the side. ]

Are you sure those are the right fruit?

[Sora is a chatterbox most of the time anyway and he just likes to babble about all the little things he's done or seen to Vanitas. It's a habit he's made that probably won't go away for a long time. All those nights when Vanitas was sick in Aefenglom where he would just talk about whatever was on his mind to help Vanitas get through the rough nights.

He glances at Vanitas and back to the tree and nods.]

I think so. Or at least it looks a lot like it. I wanna get closer to make sure. [But he pauses,] You okay to do this?

[ Vanitas is already meandering towards the tree even as Sora asks. ]

Why wouldn't I be okay? I've already agreed to.

[ First of all, he isn't going to go back on his word. Second of all, he actually does want to do this. If there is even a fraction of this legend that is true, then Vanitas wants to be the one. Wants to follow through. ]

Are you?

I'm okay too! I want to do this more than anything!

[No, he doesn't want to go back on their little plan either. This is important to Sora even if Sora is pretty sure that no matter what he'd do everything in his power to stay in Vanitas' life anyway. It used to be so hard to convince Vanitas that there was a future for them. So he just wants to give Vanitas that extra little bit of hope that there is. He wants this so badly.

So, that's why Sora tugs Vanitas' hand and they can jog the rest of the way up to the tree. It's fully grown and the trunk is thick and twisted much like the ones on Destiny Islands are. The tree has several thick yellow-shaped fruits hanging from its branches.

Sora's voice is elated as he pats the tree trunk and preps to climb up it like a monkey.]

Yeah, these have gotta be paopu.

[ How many times has Sora just ran off with Vanitas in tow? He's lost count. Yet he follows along every time now. Without fighting. Without fuss. Vanitas knows how important this one is to Sora.

Though... It is now important to Vanitas as well. ]

How do you know if it's ready to have fruit?

I guess I don't really know?

[He's not an expert to be sure but Sora is going to try one anyway. Just bite into it and hope for the best!

As he starts to climb up the tree trunk he has this very earnest look on his face. He reaches up and the fruit is just fingertips away.]

I just...! Gotta get...! One!

[He stretches to grab it! And once he's grasped one he almost falls right off the tree trunk.]

Haha! Got it!!

[ Vanitas looks at Sora. He doesn't stand beneath him or anything like that. The brat is a perfectly good climber. There's no need for it.

Instead he meanders around the base of the trunk. It's... An impressive size. The other trees on the Destiny Islands aren't like this. ]

Sor- Ah!

[ Then Sora yelps and Vanitas is RIGHT THERE to catch Sora just in case. ]

Did you get one?

[It's with a less than graceful hop down but Sora manages to land on his feet like the monkey he is! And he grins warmly as he holds up the large fruit.]

Yup, I got it. The biggest one I could grab.

[He winks.]

[ The moment that Sora's feet touch the ground, Vani's hands are on him. Hold him about the waist and look at the fruit in the other boy's hand. ]

The biggest? You just had to do that...

[ Augh. He hates the fact that he's actually touched by that. ]

[With Vanitas hands on his waist he just grins and then leans forward to put his free hand on the tree trunk behind Vanitas while he holds the fruit with the other. Vanitas is now trapped between him and the tree. In a half-kabedon.]

Yup. Don't you like it?

[He's looking a little flirty and smug about it. Yep.]

[ Oh! All of the sudden he's pressed against the tree! Again, it amazes Vanitas that Sora is so assertive. He pretty much runs both himself and Vanitas. Wouldn't his friends be shocked to know that it's really Sora and not Vanitas that is the pushy one between them.

But his surprise soon makes him roll his eyes. ]

I think you already know that I do.

[ Going to press his lips quickly to Sora's. ]

Are we going to do this?

[It could probably be quite the surprise but Sora has never shared away from physical affection. It's normal that it has translated into his physical relationship too.]

Heh. I knew it.

[The kiss on his lips has Sora smiling warmly. He's sure to return it with the same earnestness. Then he stops pinning Vanitas there so he can hold the fruit between them.]

Yeah, we've got to bite it at the same. Here's to hoping that your destinies always meet, Vanitas.

[ It's because of Sora that Vanitas can tolerate physical affection at all. He's one of the reasons that Vani can allow it. Can even sort of want it.

So he actually enjoys it when he's assertive. When he teases and plays. Sora holds the fruit between them and Vanitas leans forward. Presses his lips against the flesh of the fruit. ]

Ready when you are.

Heh. Okay.

[Sora leans forward as well and together they'll take a bite into the fleshy fruit. It's sweet and tangy like pineapple with some gentle sweetness like a pear. Juice will dribble and it will be a slight mess. But the sweetness will be tasty and Sora will lick his lip after swallowing.

He has no idea if this will work. But he hopes that somehow it does. Here's to hoping that their destinies always meet.]

[ Vanitas doesn't know if it will work either. Despite the fact that he had expressed the opinion that myths and legends are just that... There's still a part of him that clings onto "what if." Sparks of home that Sora has had a hand in nurturing. It's the unique thing about Sora - the part that gets people to start believing that they can rely on him and his words.

Onward he goes, once more following the other boy's lead. Vanitas takes a bite, careful to hold a hand out to catch the fruit should it drop. It's still a bit tart for his tastes, but it does feel fresh. Bright. Maybe lively. If there's magic that should be happening in this moment, Vanitas doesn't feel it.

But maybe that's just not how it works.

There's still juice on Vani's face and hand even after he swallows. ]

[Sora likes to believe in things. He doesn't care if other people don't believe him if there's something that Sora wants to believe in he believed it with his whole soul. Perhaps that's part of the magic in making something like this a reality. If he believes hard enough and if he works and wishes hard enough maybe he can always keep Vanitas safe. Always keep Vanitas in his heart. Always keep Vanitas as his.

The bite is a little messy between the two boys but it makes Sora let out a short puff of laughter as they manage it. The juicy sweetness dribbling down his chin and making him make a sipping sound. It doesn't feel like magic but the way his heart flutters with affection and love certainly makes up for it.]

Heh, Vanitas, you've got a bit there. You missed a spot!

[The remaining fruit can be set aside for now because Sora is leaning forward to kiss and lick a bit of juice from Vanitas' lower lip.]

[ Someday he's going to explain how possessive Sora really is to people. Yes, there are moments that Vanitas is insecure. That's only because it is hard to believe that everyone's sweetheart would want Vanitas as fiercely as he does. Maybe Sora can make it happen. Can make Vanitas stay beyond what they know awaits for him. The brat has managed stranger things.

It is messy, but Sora had picked a pretty big fruit and they're kind of idiots. They could have broken it apart and shared it that way. But it would seem that the both of them would want to share it this way and not any other. ]

Hmm?

[ Oh! A kiss and a lick. Vanitas snickers, tongue flicking out to catch the juice that remains on Sora's chin and lips in return. It's stupid. They're stupid. This is stupid because it's making his gut flutter terribly. And now he has a name for that stupid emotion. He can feel it. ]

[If he's got to rewind time and the universe over and over again until he can keep Vanitas all to himself he really would. He's never loved someone so much in his entire life and Vanitas is his other half. Why wouldn't he passionately love him in every sense? Sorry, universe. This paopu fruit is part of the contract.]

Got you.

[Sora laughs softly when Vanitas licks him back. It's silly and messy and playfully but Sora adores it. He smiles softly when they're all done and the rest of the paopu fruit can probably be tossed or eaten as a snack slowly.]

I know it doesn't feel any different. But. [He pats a hand gently over Vanitas' heart.] No matter what happens I hope we can be together forever.

Sometimes it's more about the promise than anything else, is what you mean.

[ There are a lot of things that Vanitas isn't certain of. But he is certain that Sora will try. He will try and try and try. Won't eve give up. That means he won't give up on this. That's what Vanitas is going to end up putting his faith in.

Vanitas loves this boy. He does and he can say that with certainty that he's never really had until Sora had put himself out there for Vanitas first.

His fingers curl around Sora's. ]

You hope? Or are you going to make sure it happens?

Yeah, that's what I mean.

[Sora grins triumphantly. It's been a long time since they've gotten together and the road wasn't always easy for the two of them. He remembers the days were it was harder. When Vanitas would be sick from bouts of too much magic or the darkness in his nerves flared. He remembers arguments and tough nights of miscommunication. But all of it is worth it for the love they share now. All the sweet days and promises. He loves them.

He squeezes Vanitas' fingers back gently and then tugs him.]

You know I'm gonna make sure it happens. For now, I think we better make sure that breakfast happens. What do you think? Paopu fruit pancakes?

[ Vanitas rolls his eyes at Sora. Yet he allows himself to be pulled and tugged along.

Like always. He's always going to allow this boy to do that to him. It's just the way of things. ]

Are you going to be able to do that without making a mess for me to clean?

I can't make any promises about that.

[Sora looks over his shoulder at Vanitas and grins warmly.]

But I promise they'll be the best pancakes you've ever had.

Guess we'd better get to it then. If I'm going to spend the afternoon cleaning, then I want to get it done.

[ And Vanitas might be interested in those pancakes. It's just another way for them to share the fruit. Another way to bind themselves to one another, in Vanitas' opinion. On that basis alone would Vani have agreed to use the star-shaped fruit this way.

He grabs for Sora's hand. Their fingers are a sticky tangle. But he doesn't mind. Just further proof that they have followed through with this strange legend.

And hopefully, as they continue walking home, it comes true. ]

[closed] can't stop starin' at those ocean eyes

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🎀