Teatime of the Soul

[bequiet_hescreamed]

Clef had known that he would eventually feel better, but he hadn't been expecting it to be this sudden. He had woken up feeling as though he could breathe after more than a week of being mentally suffocated by his grief over the apparent destruction of his homeworld. It had colored his mood and interactions with others even when he hadn't particularly been thinking about it, making him come off a little crabbier than normal, and he didn't really like being that person. He didn't like being the kind of person, either, who could think only of his little planet when there was an entire universe in danger. At least now he could think of other things.

There was hope, too - suddenly the thought that the lost worlds could be restored didn't sound so hollow or far away, nor the idea that people from home might still be sleeping in the pods. Anything was possible, and it was worth helping to make sure it happened or that those people woke up. So that's why he was taking a walk in Hydroponics, thinking and making plans. It was quiet here, and the parts that were forest reminded him of the forests of Cephiro no more or less than any other group of trees should - enough to serve as a pleasant background to his thoughts, but not so much as to evoke nostalgia.

Did I mention it was quiet?

It was very quiet.

Comments

[theboywhodied]

"Not at all," Cedric called down, carefully starting to turn on the branch. This was going to be a tricky affair. "I was just resting my eyes. It's not the most comfortable of places, but I like the view."

He eased himself down once he had firm footing, branch by branch. "You were on a walk, right?"

[bequiet_hescreamed]

Not quite as graceful as a cat, Clef thought to himself, amused. He nodded. "I wouldn't mind company, if you're offering."

[theboywhodied]

"I don't see why I shouldn't," Cedric offered once he hit the ground, smiling at his companion. "I just didn't want to disturb you. It's not a bad place to think."

He studied the other man, wondering what skills he might be offering to the ship. There was certainly a way to find out! "I don't think we've met before. I'm Cedric, I've only just arrived. Have you been here longer?"

[bequiet_hescreamed]

Clef shook his head. "No, I've just arrived, as well. My name is Clef."

He let a moment of silence pass between them, but not for too long. Quiet was nice and everything, but he did actually want to get to know this young man a little.

"How do you like it here so far?"

An odd question, perhaps, but hopefully one that encouraged conversation without being too personal.

[theboywhodied]

"It's not quite what I expected. Everything's uncertain, isn't it? We have a massive war to fight, but we don't know how or when---or if we'll get our worlds or our people back. I've been learning all I can in the meantime, but I've had to make my way through."

It was lonely work, and frightening. He could always ask Professor Lupin for guidance, and he was grateful for that, but...he missed his father. He missed his friends. And he always would.