☼ 001 - [video]

[got_it_memorizd]

[The feed clicks on and we can see an image of a man's face. His bright eyes are wide with something like curiosity, and he's kind of grinning as he turns the device in his hands with a low whistle.]

Man, this is way fancier than any equipment I ever got at work. It's the swankiest walkie-talkie I've ever seen! [He gives an amused laugh, then

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[video;]

[mirroredmemory]

[Xion is in much the same state of mind as Roxas; she's been longing to hear his voice over the network for months, even since she realised he'd gone. She has to stare really hard to assure herself that it's really him and when her mind is suitably at ease:]

Axel?

[video; private]

[got_it_memorizd]

[And then he's quiet a moment, just studying her face, willing the lines to come together into something familiar. She's there, somewhere, in a corner of his brain, obscured in shadows, like a song he can't remember the words to but can still hum the melody.

[He shakes his head then.]

I... Nngh. [And the heel of his hand is against the ridge of his brow again. Oh man, if he remembers her will this headache go away?] I believe you. When you say... you know... [A handwave--ah, if she knows him she'll understand. He just doesn't do well talking about what's on his mind.] I don't remember, but I believe you. [He ventures a watery smile.] So I guess... I'll try, I dunno. Heh, know where I can get some Aspirin?

[video; private]

[mirroredmemory]

[She responds with a smile of her own; this one is a strange mix of sadness and hope and concern.]

I can bring you some, I can go and get some from home and then come over to see you with it. But Axel...

[She swallows.]

Even if you don't ever remember, if the memories don't come back-

[She tries to ignore the way that makes her stomach feel like she's just swallowed a rock.]

- then it's okay. Just as long as we can be friends and eat cream together again, that's okay with me. You and Roxas and me.

[video; private]

[got_it_memorizd]

[He glances at the window again and frowns, waving one hand.] Ah... well don't put yourself out or nothin'. I wasn't really being serious; I'll live. Headache never killed anybody, you know?

[And then he sighs, offering her a helpless smile.]

Hey, I already said I believed you, didn't I? Even if I never actually remember... you're still Roxas' friend, and any friend of Roxas' is a friend of mine. [Except maybe Joe, cuz he's a dick, but that's an entirely different beast. His eyes flick back to the window again. It's getting dark. He casts Xion a concerned look.]

You can come over if you want; I dunno, maybe seeing you in person will help? But if you're gonna, do it quick. I don't wanna be responsible for your getting accosted by monsters. Or... I guess corridors still work here, yah? Can the monsters infiltrate those? [And can she use them? He remembers Naminé always had a hard time with them...]

[video; private]

[mirroredmemory]

I know, but headaches still suck, and when you get here at first you can feel pretty bad anyway; I felt really sick for a little while.

[And shaky and uncertain and a bit bruised; battles to the death will do that to you, no matter how willing you are to let yourself get beaten.

For a second that look of concern sends her a little bubble of excitement. It's almost, almost like old times, like he remembers, even if it's just because she's a friend of Roxas' to him. She'll change that, even if they have to start all over again she'll be his friend and she won't stop trying until she is.]

But I can definitely bring you aspirin! And I can use a corridor to get to you; you can use them here in the city, you just can't use them to get out of it.

[video; private]

[got_it_memorizd]

[Yeah he's not feeling so hot really, to be honest, element of choice notwithstanding. Too bad no feelings doesn't make him impervious to pain and nausea. He chuckles at her enthusiasm and gives her a shrug.]

As you like it, then. Roxas is dropping by, too, so... ah, I guess it'll be like a big reunion or something. He should be here soon, so... ah. [He quirks his mouth.] Don't take this the wrong way, but there's a couple things I think we need to work out first, so as long as the corridors'll get you here in one piece after dark, think you could give it half an hour? [A hesitant grin.] I promise the headache won't kill me in the meantime.