endlessly clear white

[Youji's a little careless right now. He only meant to check the contacts list for the tenth time, but his motor skills have been compromised by a few drinks. Video opens on a profile shot and tilted a bit to the side; he's thrown his arm across the top of the couch with the device still in his hand.

[The repeated checking was necessary because Youji's eyes have deceived him before. And often. Not that he really expects to have been deceived, because he followed up his initial discovery with a very thorough walk around Somni and Espoir. The Dreamberry can't be tricked, and he doesn't think she would have tried, but the habits of a lifetime can be difficult to break, and his include paranoia, suspicion, and the inability to believe in things without proof.

[Youji sighs a bit, looking tired. Not sleepy, but like he's really had enough of this. You would think it'd get easier, this losing people thing, especially when it comes to girlfriends and/or potential candidates for the same. Names just never stop getting added to the list--Asuka, Maki, Tiffone, Kimika, Schell--and it's well beyond his ability to get to know a woman without getting attached, without loving her at least a tiny bit. Part of him even still has a soft spot for Mayumi Tsujii, much as he hates himself for it. Schell was right; he never was cut out for Weiss.

[Even so, he can find it in himself to be grateful, even thankful, that this is the way it happened. A quiet disappearance. A return home, to where she rightfully belongs, and not an early death. There was no gunshot, no drug overdose, no explosion; no last look, no final kiss, no dying declaration of love.

[He has nothing but fond memories, and no betrayal, no failure to taint that. She was kind, she was pleasant, she cared and had been willing to put up with him. When his worst regret is that he hadn't quite managed to actually get her on an actual date, Youji's willing to count that as a positive experience.

[All the same. He turns to look across at the Dreamberry.]

...when did Good morning, I suppose.

[Not really. It's traditional to make an announcement, isn't it, even when you're fairly certain that everyone who would have looked already has... Ran did so for Omi, and Aya-chan for Sena.]

Best I can tell, Iris isn't in Somarium any longer.

[It never gets any easier.]

I suppose if someone feels like commiserating, this is the venue.

[He can't think of a good closing line for that, so the video simply snaps off.]

[note: Replies will probably be later tonight when I get off work.]

[ooc: still technically on hiatus. But. Also. Uh. Youji's not a huge fan of pajamas, so... 8D
Dream effects: Tension. Uncertainty. Anxiety. At the end, exactly what Youji feels.]

( Even with-- )

[Youji doesn't waste time with screaming or sitting up straight; he just starts breathing deeply, audibly, steadily, noticeably, like he can't get enough oxygen in his lungs. Only after his heart rate slows does he sit up. Without looking, he automatically reaches for the silver cross on his bedside table. He starts to fasten the necklace, but--he thinks twice, breathes again and lays it aside, only now noticing the Dreamberry next to it, still recording.]

Goddammit.

[He shuts it off.]

[He's utterly exhausted, after Asuka nightmares, noctaere, warehouses and turning twenty-six. The strain shows around his eyes and in his voice. As a result, he's more caustic than not, and isn't thinking in terms of people's (mainly Sena's, in this case) feelings.]

If you're still alive, call me.

I've spoken to Iris, Ken, and Alice since that--ordeal began, but that's it. I'd like to know who needs funeral arrangements made up before the week is out.

[Beat. Youji forgot to turn the Dreamberry off.]

I'm too old for this, this is not how I was expecting to spend my twenty-six--oh hell, it's still--[CLICK.]

Warnings: Murder by strangulation, one swear word.

( Asuka. )
---
“Not again.”

Youji sat up tiredly, feeling his throat. It was particularly raw; he wondered if he’d screamed out loud in his sleep. Certainly felt like it, but he couldn’t help smiling. He knew the dream, but he’d never had it two nights in a row before.

“I knew you hadn’t left me, Asuka,” he whispered, his smile tired and bitter. His head turned towards the far wall.

“Of course not,” Asuka said sadly. Sadly, but smiling. “You never really wanted me to.”



[OOC: Text in this color represents Youji's hallucinations. Asuka's ghost is a figment of Youji's imagination; her actions and dialogue are included because a) this is third-limited from Youji's POV and b) for mun reference. If your character can see or hear Asuka, something is very, very wrong with them. =D]

[OOC/Filter: Here's the deal. Youji intended for this post to be ladies-only, but due to a variety of factors--lack of familiarity with the device, the gender ambiguity of some names, and the weather messing with the Dreamberries--it's pretty much failed. So anyone is free to see this post (or not see it!), but if you're not a cute girl over 18, he's going to be polite, but unenthusiastic. XD]

[Youji is sitting back on his couch, looking charmingly sheepish and pleasantly cheerful.]

Hello!

I'm laid up with a broken leg, and rather bored. I don't suppose anyone could help me out...? Any recommendations are appreciated. Books, movies, snacks, art supplies, or just your sparkling conversation!