As some of you may know, Peanut and I are crazy about Roleplaying, and it's clear, since this is the second one on this site that belongs to us. And we aren't even done with the first one! Regardless, that won't stop us from starting this new roleplay, Rude Awakening!

 

Kinda dark and mysterious title, eh?

 

As stated in the title, this RP is one on one, no exceptions. Please refrain from posting in the RP. Instead, follow us on this new journey!

 

Peanut, my amazing friend, let's begin!

"Then you understand why I'm not wearing a dress," Lightning said, smirking. Ties weren't his thing, and dresses weren't hers. Her mother had tried to force her to wear them when she was little, but Lightning always hated them. Probably because they were so frilly and girly.

Riku nodded slightly. "Exactly," he said in agreement. While he and Lightning were having their own conversation, Noel and Serah were in the middle of one of theirs. But they had to get going if they were going to make the show. He looked to the two, noticing a break in the conversation. "We should probably head out," he suggested. The show started in about half an hour.

"Okay," Serah agreed. Still radiant and beaming with excitement, Serah stepped outside into the hall while Lightning flicked the light switch and then shut the door. It was time for them all to get going, or they were going to be late. That was the last thing that any of them wanted.

By the time they reached the concert hall, everyone was already there. Sora and Kairi were in their seats, as were Sora's and Riku's parents. They left spots available for them, since the tickets were assigned seating. Unfortunately Roxas and Namine weren't able to come, due to schoolwork, so it was just the others. Noel had Serah's hand as he led her down the aisle toward their seats, while Riku took up the rear. Orchestras weren't his thing, but there were extra tickets, so he didn't see why he couldn't take a night to spend with his friends and family.

Edited June 28, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Lightning glanced at the seating, noticing there were two by this side of the aisle and two on the complete opposite side of the row. It seemed like she and Riku would be going further away from Noel and Serah. That was okay, she supposed. Just as long as the two of them acted their age and weren't making kissy faces at each other the whole time.

Riku absently set his hand on Lightning's back as he guided her to their seats, while Noel tugged Serah along to their own. Riku would be sitting next to his mother, who would actually be meeting Lightning and Serah for the first time tonight. Of course, that would have to wait until after the show, since it was about to start.

Riku's motion wasn't lost on Sora as he sat in his seat. He snickered and nudged Kairi, though she probably saw it as well. The fact that Riku was here was incredible, but it was even more incredible that he brought a girl. Lightning. Sora didn't know much about her, but if she was anything like Serah, she was nice enough.

Kairi lifted her hand, linking it with Sora's to let him know she noticed Riku too. She gazed at her friend, seeing him sit with Lightning only a few seats down. If she wasn't mistaken, there was chemistry there. A possible love interest, perhaps? she couldn't help but ponder, smiling slightly. So what if Lightning was a few years younger? She was practically an adult anyway. Age was only a number, after all.

Edited June 28, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Lightning sat back in the seat, perhaps slouched a little more than what was appropriate at such a formal event. But then again, she was perfectly upright too. The others further down the row looked like they were relaxed too. Why did it even matter if she fit in? Did she really want the approval of Riku's friends and family? It wasn't like she and Riku were a couple. Just friends.

Riku sat next to Lightning in silence, though there were various murmurs around the room. He looked around, having never been in the concert hall before, though it was nice. Everyone quieted down when the lights went down, a spotlight shining on the announcer for the event. The older man welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming before introducing tonight's conductors. Then, it was show time.

Guess we made it just in time, Serah thought, folding her hands in her lap and looking ahead. These were excellent seats too, not that they needed great seats. This was more about what they were going to hear, not what they were seeing. But Serah knew the moment that the music started, she was going to appreciate having something to stare at. The music itself was beautiful, but so were the movements of the players on stage.

Kairi sat through the show in silence, though a small smile rested on her lips. The music played here was...beautiful. Some of it actually sent chills down her spine. Her hand still held her husband's as she sat next to Sora's mother, who sometimes leaned over and spoke in her ear of how wonderful the music was. And it was amazing. Kairi finally realized why people appreciated this kind of music so much. It was mesmerizing.

Lightning noticed a theme throughout the night, though the pamphlet Riku's mother gave her also helped. The event was title "In Remembrance", and this music was all written by artists who died before their times. Knowing that made thoughts of her mother creep into her mind, which she hated. So what if her mom wrote some music? It wasn't like she was professionally recognized for it. She wasn't worth recognizing. Yet Lightning kept remembering her as the music played. She hated it.

Riku leaned against his elbow closest to Lightning slightly, rubbing his chin absently as he focused on the music. He wasn't into this kind of music, personally, but it was soothing. That much he could recognize, at least. He wondered how everyone else was taking it, especially Sora. He knew his friend liked more upbeat music, because of his own personality.

Despite his mother scolding him before it even began, Sora was behaving himself for the concert. Sitting still wasn't a huge issue when he was right between his mother and Kairi. They'd both scold him if he fidgeted too much. But he was actually listening to the music and enjoying bits and pieces of it. It reminded him of his life a few years ago, and all the battles he won. But it also reminded him of how great life was now.

Riku glanced out of the corner of his eye at the ladies next to him. He was in the aisle seat, which meant Lightning was to his side, followed by his mother. So far they had gotten along, not that he doubted anything. But...why did it matter so much to him? It wasn't like he and Lightning were a couple. As if that could happen...

Between every piece, the conductor had turned around and spoken to the audience. He told them a bit about the artist and then went into the piece they wrote. This time was no different. "This piece is a simple one, composed for piano alone, but was altered a bit by the artist soon before their untimely death. Reflect on the simple beauty of this piece, played tonight in remembrance of Rose Farron. She is survived by two daughters." He turned to the piano player, holding his conducting baton and motioning for the piece to begin.

 

Lightning was as frozen as Serah was at the other side of the aisle. Her eyes were a little larger than usual and still stuck on the stage. She was hearing things now, she was sure of it. Her mother had been on her mind all night and now she just heard what she feared hearing most. But at the first few notes, she recognized the song. Either she was completely insane or this was actually happening.

 

Serah stared at the stage, stunned. How did these people manage to get a hold of her mother's work? Serah had always loved to hear her mom play piano, though she never understood the sorrow that her mother placed behind the notes. Serah's outlook was more optimistic, and though the song was soft, she found hope in it that her mother never had.

Riku blinked, though he instantly looked from the conductor to Lightning. This was bad, he knew it. The look on Lightning's face said it all. He lifted a hand, moving it to place on her arm. If he had known, he would have kept her from coming. Her mother's work was here...and even if the piece was beautiful, he could tell Lightning was frozen by the music. And he got the vibe that it was bad.

Lightning was dimly aware of the hand on her arm, but she was in another place mentally. The slow steps of the pattern, low piano notes in the background to show the darkness that her mom felt...She understood this song. And why it was altered soon before her "untimely death". The additions fit in with her mother's depression. Something that she passed onto Lightning. The girl was still frozen, while Serah was smiling weakly at the beauty that Lightning couldn't see.

If Riku had looked down the row of seats, he would have seen that Serah was smiling through the music, and that Noel was more relaxed than before. But Riku's attention was on Lightning now, the young man gazing at her gently. His hand remained on her arm, his grasp gentle but firm. It was a touch of support and sympathy. But...how was he to know her mother's work would be played?

Edited June 28, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Lightning wasn't fully aware of what she was doing. She just knew that she lifted her free hand, wiped Riku's off her arm, and then was on her feet and walking out of the theater. If people noticed, she didn't see them. She walked up the stairs and out into the hallway, in a bit of a daze. Haunted by the memory of a mother who committed suicide and left her all alone with this burden because of her depression.

Riku turned his head when Lightning stepped past him and walked up the aisle, out of the hall. He briefly glanced to his mother, seeing that she was concerned, but he would handle it. He pushed himself up from his seat and started after Lightning, his footsteps quick as he went to catch up with her.

Serah turned her head at the footsteps, seeing Lightning leave and Riku follow. Her heart dropped immediately as her gaze diverted downward. Tears flooded her eyes as she stared down at her lap. She couldn't help Lightning with this. She never could. Her sister refused to show any concerns about their past to her, and tonight would be the same if Serah followed. Riku really was the only person who could maybe help. Please, she silently prayed. Please ease her suffering.

 

Lightning didn't turn around to see if anyone was following. She didn't want to know. Just like she didn't want to know if Serah had seen her. She should have stayed composed and sat through it. Now she was walking and she didn't know where she was going. There was no place she could run from this.

Edited June 28, 201213 yr by Peanut

Riku pushed the door to the hallway open, looking one way before turning his head, seeing Lightning not too far off. "Lightning," he called, starting after her in a light jog. Where was she going? He understood that she wanted to be away from the hall, but she couldn't just leave. Not when Serah was in there too.

Edited June 28, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Lightning heard the call, one that brought her back to her senses at least a little bit. Her feet slowed, dragging a few steps before she came to a complete stop. Damn it, she thought without turning around. She wasn't cursing Riku for following; she was cursing this awful situation. And the awful mother who would receive glory tonight because of the music that she wrote. She didn't deserve it. She deserted them! It wasn't fair.