endlessly clear white

[If you think Youji looks out of place sitting in a field of grass, you're right. As he turns on his Dreamberry, he can be heard muttering things about grass stains and his gratitude that his expensive Armani slacks are not here if one listens carefully.

Slightly easier to perceive is the brief look of surprise on his face, as he sees the date. He shakes his head and gives the camera a lightly wry smile.]

Does anyone ever get tired of hearing 'I've been asleep for a week, what did I miss?' Permit me to shake things up a bit. Last I knew, it was February, and I was in my apartment. Now it's June, and I'm in the middle of the field.

I've lost nights before, but this is pushing it just a bit.

[He smiles genially.]

A lesser man would probably give up drinking at this turn of events, but thankfully, I'm not that fragile.

[Private to Weiss]

I don't expect explanations, but something cold and stiff would be appreciated. And nothing work related is meant by that.

Hello, Somarium.

[Youji is out of frame, but the Dreamberry is very much focused on the doorway of the flowershop, Nectar.]

The very strangest thing--it being the season and all, I went to place a sprig of mistletoe in our shop doorway. But it seems there's one already there. Fitting for a flowershop, but I'm wondering who got the jump on me.

[Youji shifts around so that he's standing beneath the mistletoe now, smiling in a rather cocky fashion.]

As I said, though, 'tis the season! We've got poinsettias and Christmas roses looking to brighten up someone's window or place setting, and as a special bonus, I happen to need a Christmas date.

[He winks.]

What do you think, ladies? Hoping to see you soon!

[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.]