risingwinds | Twenty-Second Shooting Star

[Ven's had a lot on his mind these past few weeks. Between the draft, Terra's departure, and... recent events with Fuuko, he's been hit hard and fast.

And what better way to deal with issues than to talk about it? It's for this reason that Ven's pulled open his journal today.

Deep breaths, now. He can do this!]

Say, um. Let's say you just recently started... Well, I mean, if you were--

[He pauses. Gosh, why is this so awkward to ask? COMPOSURE, Ventus.]

Okay, how 'bout this? If you just got together with somebody, and... [...aaand freezing up again.

...aw, heck. He'll just get to the point.]

What kinda things are boyfriends supposed to do? [That came out kinda fast. But... there. At least he said it. And now that that's outta the way, it's time for a more somber subject... He'll get on that after a short pause.]

Also, that last draft really got me thinking. We weren't able to just tag people like before. In order to survive, everybody had to, well... kill. And for me, that's really scary. I can't just... take someone's life, even if they're the enemy.

So I guess what I wanna know is... how do you guys feel about that? And the drafts in general.

I know that's a really weird thing to tackle after that last question, but... well. Any answers are definitely appreciated!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And you are lucky enough to find that I am well versed in both. So which would you like to discuss first- the loving or the killing?

Well, the loving's definitely a lighter subject, so I wouldn't mind starting there.

When one is in a fresh relationship, and of your youthful standing...usually shared meals are considered romantic. Take her on a picnic, enjoy her company with a bit more care and affection than you did before you were together.

[Shared meals, right... He knows a lot of dates involve eating together. With that in mind, it does make sense.]

It's gonna be getting cold pretty quick, though. A picnic could still work if we get one in before there's too much snow, but d'you think eating at one of the restaurants could work, too?

But of course! Simply make certain that you are able to provide a somewhat private and intimate area for dining, compliment her on her clothing and complexion. Read poetry- that often works quiet well if it is to her liking.

Hmm. Any specific poetry I should be looking for? I'm sure the library's got tons of books on it.

[Ven doesn't trust himself to write a good poem. Not when he has next to no experience.]

Romantic poetry. Sadly there are not many authors from my world available for you to find, so most of what you could use as a reference would be unfamiliar to me. But make certain it has quite a few mentions of flowers, especially in comparison to your woman's complexion.

Flowers, huh? Man, why didn't I think of that?

[Flowers are something guys're supposed to give to girls, after all.]

There's gotta be books full of flowery poems. I'd almost try and hunt something down about Starfish 'cause she loves 'em so much, but I've got a feeling that'd be ten times as tough.

[Since... well, star fish and romance don't usually go together in most people's minds.]

If not starfish proper, perhaps poetry about the sea- but do be careful. Sometimes romantic poetry that includes allusions to the ocean and particular flowers can become...less romantic and more erotic, and should I remember our last conversation well enough you are a little young for such things.

I dunno when the right age is, exactly, but I'm only seventeen. Right now, I'm definitely gonna play it safe. Especially since I don't wanna make her uncomfortable!

Your very scary friend made it quite plain they did not think you old enough. I will be the last to ignore their wishes.

...Yeah, Terra's kinda protective. He means well, though.

He and Aqua just see me as a kid.

Sometimes breaking free of that takes more than a lovely lady friend.

It's just rough sometimes, especially since I'm getting older now. I know I've still got a lot to learn, but they oughta give me more credit.

When I was your age I was already considered my own elf- or at least as much my own elf as any of us were allowed to be. It must be a cultural issue.

Well, it's not just that. I lost a huge chunk of my memories, so they and my Master had to train me from scratch. Plus, we live in a pretty small world, and I wasn't even supposed to visit other worlds in the first place.

[He sighs.]

I dunno if it's a cultural thing so much as them wanting to keep me safe.

[And sheltered, really.]

That is the sign of a good friend, is it not? At least from what it is I have heard of having them in the traditional sense. Perhaps you merely need to speak to them about this in a mature and rational manner?

Well, yeah. It's not like I'm mad at 'em for it, it's just... I wish they'd ease up on me, I guess.

The best option here would be to tell them this. Or you might ignore their advice entirely and simply go about your own way.

Nah, I'll try talking to 'em about it the next time they're here. Whenever that is.

That may be for the best.

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