restitui | limelight

[ there's a sudden knock on his door followed by Sam's muffled voice (unless because soundproof can't hear it then Sam is just talking to himself in hallway, too, NBD.) ]

Heeeeyyy, Phoe? You in there?

[ He definitely hears the knock more than he hears the voice that's muffled between said sound-proofing and the light sounds of music through an earbud. So he doesn't quite make out who it is, but it's a few moments before he moves to open the door. ]

[ Brow furrowed in a touch of surprise as he moves to open the door. Wide, so Sam could come in if he wanted as he takes the singular earbud out of his ear. ]

Hey. What's up?

Ah, so you are in there.

[ Sam is holding a small tray in one hand with two mugs, cute long spoons, and a small tiny custard cup in the middle containing colorful marshmallows (in all the eight Family colors.) ]

I just made some hot chocolate, thought you might like some? It's from scratch, even, no instant! ... Although I got that for emergencies, too, down the road.

[ winks playfully before holding out the tray: as in, he won't even make Phoenix feel like he has to invite him in or otherwise entertain him if he wants to try it. It's a no strings attached offer. ]

Marshmallows are store bought, though. Hope you can forgive that.

[ He tilts his head slightly as he listens and then gives a small snort of laughter as he takes the tray with an amused roll of his eyes. ]

Absolutely not, store bought marshmallows are criminally offensive no wonder you're here.

[ It's a joke as he tilts his head into the room as if to say 'come along?' and steps back to the small folding table with two chairs. ]

Um, thanks - for thinking of me, though? I'll never say no to hot chocolate.

Ahaha! Caught red handed.

[ Sam will accept the invite, just taking a brief peek at his room out of curiosity but not nosey-like. ]

Of course, I noticed the times I was here visiting that you seem to always be doing things like cooking for everyone else. Figured you probably don't get people thinking much of doing it for you in return.

Oh.

[ Sheepishly and quietly said as he rubs the back of his neck. ]

I guess? It's not something I really think about much my experiences with like people and stuff is totally different than most others, so...

[ Sheepishly adverting his gaze as he moves to place the drinks down and takes a seat. ]

I'm happy helping.

Yeah, I figured. [ waves a hand gently. ]

I didn't mean it like you felt neglected or were wishing someone would return the favor. I just figured it was a pretty good icebreaker that you haven't gotten a lot.

[ he's going to sit down in one of the chairs. ]

So, how are you doing?

[ He tilts his head in consideration - does not say what he secretly thinks for the first part and smiles a little tentatively: ]

Do we need an icebreaker?

[ It's a light remark that's followed by the folding of his hands on the table. ]

I'm fine? [ A touch of a question, but it sounds enough of a statement it could pass. He moves immediately - ] How about you? Doing okay? It must be a pretty big change being here and all.

I think they get conversation flowing easier, although between you and me? I hate the icebreaker games they make us play on this damn ship.

You sure? You and Forte are giving off the same vibe to me a bit; and I know Forte isn't fine.

It's a nice change of pace, to be honest! Something new can distract you from things that would otherwise get to you, don't you think? Like that nagging feeling of why did I even come back here? I know it's helping me, heh.

Yeah, well, when the icebreaking has an ulterior motive of visions, prizes, and not getting punishments... It takes a different flavor.

[ He shrugs a little as he says it though the remark earns a pause - ]

I just have stuff to think about, that's all. But you're right about Forte.

[ A small nod and then a breath. ]

Why did you come back, then? If something needs to help you be distracted from all of it, I mean.

Before I answer, why do you think I came back? Got any ideas about why most of the others came back?

That depends on the person and I don't know you that well.

There's a range? People who are curious about the Legends and want the answers. People who've been shown another life and want to reclaim it however they can. People who think that being here helps people, because others can't take their place. People who want to be here because want to protect people they care about.

... or people who are here because they believe they can't be a person anywhere else.

Oya... you're pretty in tune with people around here, it sounds like.

Someone told me that they were coming back because all their friends were returning and they didn't want to be left behind. At the same time, they're afraid that coming back here means they'll watch all those friends become strangers. That's something that could need distracting from thinking now that they're here, right?

It's a blessing and a curse.

[ mildly humored. but he considers a moment, pulling the hot cocoa to him as he asks: ]

So you're doing it to distract them and not for yourself?

[ he chuckles. ]

Nah nah. I'm just saying that even if you're uncomfortable or not really feeling optimistic or better to be here than ... back there, your reasons for coming back are still more likely than not pretty valid. Basically, it's okay to complain about choosing to come back here, I think.

Is that a generalized "you" or a you pointing at me or...?

Edited 2025-05-23 03:06 (UTC)

Probably depends if it strikes home with you which kind of you it is.

[ tilts his head ]

It also depends on if you're trying to avert the question.

[ his laugh is airy now as he goes to put marshmallows in his hot chocolate. ]

Not so! I'm just trying to gauge which angle I should best tell you the answer from.

[ He raises a brow. ]

You don't have to tell me it at an angle. You can just say it in whatever is feel is true.

[ he shrugs a little moving to take a drink but first: ] I'm not going to flinch or whatever.

Edited 2025-05-23 03:18 (UTC)

Oh? Good to know, let's cut to the chase then. It's been so tiring trying to not say things that people generally dislike hearing.

I came back to find a reason to live or a way to die.

[ To his credit: He doesn't flinch. He does stiffen in surprise at how easily he switches to it. And even if he doesn't quite feel things from him, he doesn't think it's a lie. It's why the drink goes down and his brows furrow together. ]

... And you think that's something the ship can give you? Why?

A way to die? Yeah. A reason to live? Not sure.

Well, supposedly we're all immortal so you might have trouble with the first one.

Mild.

[ He quiets as he looks at the drink and for a brief moment - even to Sam who knows him little he's perhaps not the same kid. Quiet. Still. Like he's sucking in the world around him.

He bites the inside of his lip. ]

I'm not sure that's an answer you'll get here. Or, maybe it will be but that's - maybe not the reason you should be here?

[ hums before asking gently: ]

Do you know what the most obvious way to become a Legend is?

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