The 4th Storm [4th Wall Four; Video/Action for Olivine Pokemon Center]

[soggypastry]

[Normally there would be some kind of comment from Lightning about this, being that she currently has her memories of this being the fourth time things have gone to chaos in a handbasket, but instead of that, her gear feed is focused on something else in the Center room she still occupies; something that Sen is pawing at in curiosity. It appears to be a regular old Clefairy doll, but the moment that Sen gets close enough to sniff it, it giggles and transforms into something else entirely. Something that sends Sen skittering back in surprise and has Lightning blinking.

Not that she has time do much of anything about it, though; the creature is already forming pink bubbles and launching them everywhere, bouncing on one and sending the rest bouncing across the room, walls and ceiling included. Sen immediatly starts yipping in amusement, chasing and popping bubbles, while the Skitty that had been on Lightning's lap does the same. The creature continues to giggle and make more bubbles for the two mons to chase, and Lightning? Well. She just smiles and watches for a bit. It could be a lot worse, right?

Definitely could be a lot worse, especially since the creature is floating in front of Lightning's face now, blowing a small bubble that pops right in Lightning's face and makes her jump, soft amusement now replaced by a most definite lineface as the creature nearly falls over itself laughing, Sen and the Skitty doing the same no matter the looks she gives them. Anyone coming in for a visit is likely to get the same treatment, so watch out. At least it's friendly, though! That's good, right? ....Right?]

Comments

[encountersbarriers]

Can't we take a picture? Write something down? [Anger mixes with desperation in his expression.] Anything that'll stay even if our memories don't work?

[He looks from one woman to the other, appearing increasingly agitated. After a moment, Snow turns away and paces in a circle, head down and eyes on the ground. Nothing makes sense, and for a good few seconds, he just punches one palm with the other hand as he slowly shakes his head.]

Are we really just left with memories? [He finally lifts his gaze and looks at Lightning.] Sorry. Not even memories--feelings.

[Snow slowly shifts his attention back to Serah, and he drops his arms before reaching one hand for hers. He tangles their fingers together and gives her hand a tight squeeze. This just isn't right. If it's not one thing that's pulling them apart, it's another.]

[soggypastry]

We could, but I don't think it would stay. Any calls or texts are erased from our gears when we lose our memories of this, and I'm pretty sure pictures would be the same. Feelings are all that we have when it's over, if we stay here.

[It's said as she watches the two of them, her family, and she can feel her heart ache for them. They shouldn't have to get torn apart like this, time after time after time, and if she could do something, anything, to change this, she'd do it in a heartbeat. As it is, she's reaching for a little hope she can give them, and all that comes up is something Hope told her over a year ago.]

But you might remember, Snow. Some people remember this place when they go home, but there's no guarantee it'll happen. Most people forget, even when they come back.

[It's not good news. It's not a promise or a vow. But it's something. They ran for weeks on less, back when they were l'Cie. This will have to do for now.]

[chasingstorms]

[To say that this isn't what Serah wants to hear is an understatement, but then again it's not something any of them want to hear so it's not like she's exactly in a special place at that moment.]

At least there'll still be feelings, right? So it could be a lot worse, I think.

[She's clinging to whatever positives she can find right now almost as hard as she's squeezing Snow's hand. Not seeing him was one thing, but then seeing Snow and finding out she'd forget all about it? That's beyond depressing.]

[encountersbarriers]

Tch.

[He turns his head away, but his hand doesn't loosen around Serah's. If anything, it tightens a fraction more. For a brief moment, he wonders if he's hurting her like this, and Snow shifts his grip, easing it a little.

So there's a small chance he'll remember? Well, he doesn't know how to increase the possibility of that happening, but Snow sure as hell is going to try. He forces a smile onto his face and looks from one individual to another.]

I'll come back and find you both. Just wait for me.

[This is how it's got to be, right? They're both stuck here, so this is where he needs to be. He'd promised Lightning that he'd save the pillar that held Fang and Vanille, and he'd given his word to Serah that he'd find her sister and bring her home. The former was done, so now it was just the latter...]

This hero isn't gonna let you down.

[That's some forced optimism right there, but he's good at that sort of thing.]

[soggypastry]

[Lightning knows that smile is forced. Knows that at least half of Snow's optimism is as forced as that smile. But if it keeps him alive, keeps him afloat long enough to find some way here and be there for Serah? She won't call him on it. She'll just tilt her head to the side, a hint of a smile appearing on her face.]

You haven't let us down yet. I'd be worried if you chose to start doing that now.

[Because, other than that aforementioned Adamantoise incident? She trusts him beyond measure. If he says he'll find a way, he'll find a way. Somehow. ....even if it's probably going to involve a lot of yelling and "heroics".]

[chasingstorms]

[It hurt a little, but it was a reminder that at least for now, he was there. So she didn't really mind. Not that she doesn't appreciate it when eases up a little, and to show this she squeezes his hand again.]

[Sometimes you have to act strong until you actually can become strong, kind of applies to this situation too. They all know that not everything's okay, but what can they do about it? Nothing, but try to convince themselves that they'll manage this obstacle just like they have all the others.]

I never had any doubts.

[Not when it comes to her hero anyway, she's always believed he'll keep his word. That's one thing that hasn't changed and it never will.]

[Only probably going to involve? It's guaranteed, this is Snow after all.]

[encountersbarriers]

[He laughs softly, almost but not quite embarrassed, at their faith in him. The moment of doubt is quick to pass though, and Snow nods resolutely, a bright smile spreading over his face again. Faith fills him up and buoys his spirits; he can do this!]

Alright then! [He pulls Serah close before slipping his hand away, only to sling his arm around her shoulders. Snow then winks at Lightning.] Let's make the most of the time we have together.

[With that said, he starts edging back toward the bed, tugging the younger Farron sister along with him. If he's going to have a limited amount of time with his family, Snow sure as hell is going to take advantage of every minute of it, and the first step in doing that is dispelling the heavy atmosphere that's settled over them.]

[soggypastry]

[It's not faith so much as knowledge. Not trust so much as certainty. After this long, they both do know what he's going to do if he gets the chance. ...even if Lightning still watches him with the occasional wary eye when Serah is involved and getting tugged. What're you doing, Snow...]

What, exactly, did you have in mind to do so we can do that? Because I don't think trying to get the chair back is going to work.

[Case in point, Mew hasn't even bothered to let go of the thing yet. It's still floating. Harmlessly. Getting it down will certainly be a challenge.]

[chasingstorms]

[He's certainly given them plenty of reason to believe in him, so can he blame them?]

[When Snow's arm settles around her shoulders, Serah scoots over a little, almost leaning against him. It's is one of her favorite places to be honestly, because he's just so warm and most importantly of all so Snow. Maybe she wouldn't remember this later, but she'd certainly make the most of it for now.]

[She's honestly not sure what Snow's planning, but when he starts tugging her along with him she complies, a little awkwardly perhaps, but it's the thought that counts. Here's to hoping she doesn't trip over her own two feet, that'd be pretty embarrassing.]

[Maybe she hasn't lectured a bunch of mini-flan yet, but at this rate if Mew doesn't give the chair back, she's going to give Mew a good talking-to anyway.]

[encountersbarriers]

Heh. Just you watch, sis.

[He winks before turning himself--and Serah in turn--so she has her back to the bed. Snow then pats her gently on the shoulders, inviting her to take a seat where he'd been sitting earlier. Satisfied, he then just takes a seat on the ground, leaning against the side of the bed. Hands resting in his lap, Snow grins and looks up at one sister to the other.]

See! Problem solved.

[He's big enough to make this work, right?]

[soggypastry]

[Oh, she's watching. She's watching closely and not letting either of them out of her sight for even a moment, which admittedly gets a little tricky as Serah sits on the bed and Snow sits on the ground. It takes a second, but Lightning does indeed smile and make an amused sound, shaking her head at his antics. Honestly, Snow, what is she going to do with you.]

Sure. Until you end up stiff and sore, at any rate. The last time you sat like that you ended up with a backache.

[It was nothing the Hero couldn't handle, but she remembers how he'd reacted after that night on watch. Wasn't the funnest time, that was for sure.]

[chasingstorms]

This is nice.

[Serah laughs a little, reaching out to brush one hand over Snow's hair lightly.]

I'm sure he won't be sitting there that long.

[She'd probably suggest he could sit on the bed, but she's not sure if Lightning needs that much linefacing at the idea of baby sister sitting on his lap.]

[encountersbarriers]

[While he's not exactly a chocobo that enjoys pettings, he does smile warmly at the feel of Serah's fingers gently threading through his hair; just don't expect him to go "kweh" any time soon. He tilts his head up a little to look at her before glancing over at Lightning.]

I can handle it! I've had to sleep in worse positions.

[Snow briefly wonders if the elder Farron will take that statement the wrong way, but he's being totally innocent here! Honest! Shiva may be a badass bike, but it seriously is a poor substitute for a bed. The ground is always a better option except for when its covered with slime or another questionable material best not looked into.]

[soggypastry]

[Considering all they went through on Pulse, Lightning knows exactly what Snow means and her thoughts don't go anywhere near the realm of thinking he meant that in an inappropriate way. It wasn't like rocks and fallen trees were comfortable, after all; they all slept in odd positions until they finally got Oerba.

The main difference this time, however, is that he chose to sit this way for now. When it comes to actual sleep...well. Family looks after one another.]

If he's here long enough that he's got to sleep, I'm having the nurses bring in a cot. [A glance down at Snow, her head canted the tiniest bit to the side. She's...teasing. Again. Mostly.]

And maybe a comb and hair brush. You could probably use a shower, too, and having those clothes washed couldn't hurt.

[chasingstorms]

[If there's an inappropriate way to translate that sentence, Serah doesn't know what it is.]

[But it'd be cute if he'd go 'Kweh' though, so why not? Not to mention it'd fit in well with things if she ever re-picked up the 'kupo' thing again. When he glances up at her, she smiles down at him, grateful that they at least have this time together.]

[She's probably asking for it by saying this, but she's still going to say it anyway.]

Couldn't he just use one of the spare room's at the house?

[She giggles a little.]

But you're right, a comb and brush couldn't hurt and I'm sure the rest would help a lot too.

[encountersbarriers]

Whoa, whoa! I'm still here, ya know.

[He holds up a single hand, like he's trying to stall the conversation about the comb and brush. He happens to be perfectly fine with his hair, thank you very much! Oh, and well, talking about the sleeping situation like he's not here isn't too cool either.

But the hair!]

Keep me in the loop when you're planning.

[soggypastry]

[To Serah's comment, she shakes her head.] Most of the beds at the house are bunks. He'd hit his head trying to get up, and that's the last thing you want.

[Because Snow's a tall man, that's for sure. But now that he's spoken, Lightning's attention returns to him. There's a quip on the tip of her tongue, one that makes a mention of not noticing he's there for some reason that has to do with him not cleaning up, but she swallows it and shakes her head, settling for a smirk as she looks to him.]

You could always say something, you know. I just thought you'd like to clean up if you're going to be here a few days.

[Which is most definitely her way of saying you need a bath, Snowbro. Preferably with a lot of soap while you've got the chance.]

[chasingstorms]

I'd forgotten about that, but you're right.

[Still it'd be funny to see him trying to fit into one of the bunks, wouldn't it? She's just going to internally giggle at the very idea.]

She's right, it's not like we'd make you, Snow.

[They're just strongly suggesting it, because let's face it. Some soap would be really helpful right about now.]

[encountersbarriers]

[He throws up his hands in defeat; even this hero knows when to call it quits. Two against one! Plus, one of those two is Serah's vote, so that counts for about ten, if not more. Snow sighs in a long-suffering manner before tilting his head back and grinning at his fiance.]

Guess I've been convinced. You're just too persuasive.

[Despite his protests(?) though, the idea of a nice hot shower does sound really nice--not to mention the change of possibly giving his clothes a good wash, too.]

[soggypastry]

[Strongly suggesting it indeed. Lightning hasn't quite come off from the idea, either. Watch yourself, Hero.]

Serah can take you. Just remember to duck on the way in, alright? I doubt you want a concussion at this point.

[tease tease. She may never remember this day, but she intends to make the most of it. Even if that means letting the two of them leave to go and have some time to themselves....and hopefully get Snow a bath. He really does need one.]

[chasingstorms]

[Serah smiles down at Snow, relishing the silly way her heart flutters at his grin. It's been way too long since she'd seen him last.]

Don't worry, I'll remind him. [She giggles.] Wouldn't want him to damage the building, would we?

[Let's face it, Snow has a hard head. Odds of him doing damage to the building is higher than the building doing damage to him.]

[She turns her torso then, reaching out to set her hand lightly on top of her older sister's for a brief moment in a quiet show of thanks. Big sis might be stubborn and a pain sometimes, but Light's still the best after Snow.]

[encountersbarriers]

[He waves a hand at them in defeat and nods his head. It feels... strangely nice to be teased like this again, after spending so much time alone with only his thoughts for company. And yeah, okay, they're probably right to worry about the state of their door frames, walls, and ceilings, but he'll be careful. Promise!]

So do you want me to shower now? [The tone of his voice clearly asks what he doesn't say here: Do I smell that bad? He grins sheepishly and rubs a hand through his hair.] Might not be a bad thing...

[Though, uh, what's he going to do about his clothes?]

[soggypastry]

[Lightning just smiles softly at Serah, turning her hand to give her sister's fingers a squeeze as she gestures to the door with her head. Get going, sis. She'll be here for you two to come back too. Promise.

A moment afterwards, however, she turns back to Snow and nods. You really could do with a shower, bro. Seriously. Hot water would do you good.]

While you have a chance, yeah. You never know with this place. [She's not saying you smell bad, Snow. None of them smelled like roses during that trek across Pulse, after all. She's used to it. Mostly.] You can buy something else to wear on the way, too. There's clothing stores in town. [A pause, and the smirk returns. Still teasing!]

Though, if you're not careful, you might end up in pink swim trunks instead of something you can actually wear.

[chasingstorms]

[Serah squeezes back, smiling at her sister as she slides off the bed.]

You heard her, come on. [She reaches out for his hand, tugging on it twice playfully. As if she could get him to budge on her own, yeah right.]

What's wrong with pink swim trunks?

[She taps her chin thoughtfully with her free hand.]

I think he could wear them just fine.

[They'd probably match her bathing suit too, bonus points!]

But it'd probably be better to find something he'd like better. I'm sure that shouldn't be too hard.

[encountersbarriers]

If I'm not careful?

[He gives Lightning an odd look as he hauls himself to his feet, careful not to pull too hard on Serah's proffered hand. How's he going to accidentally end up in a pair of pink swim trunks? Not that he can't handle that article of clothing, if that's... what Serah really wants.

The expression he wears is a mildly amused (and maybe just a little worried) one as she apparently decides that he would be perfectly fine wearing that.]

Let's take a look around. Might be something better.

[Hopefully? Now if he knew about the matching her in her bikini bit, this might be an entirely different story...]