(open) bet you thought you'd seen the last of me

[forethinking]

Who: Ren and YOU!!
What: His return to the Void after his canon update
Where: Everywhere, we know how I roll, I'll probably update this forever
When: OOCLY, around the 10th of December!
Content Warnings: 100% Persona 5 Royal Spoilers will happen BUT I will put it in the comment subject if anything comes up.

Comments

[anciently]

Good. [ With that settled, she stretches a bit and looks around the room, nodding as if pleased with what she sees. ] So...how was it? I don't know anyone else who just...vanished. What happened?

[ This is PRETTY IMPORTANT, after all, and she's eager to get more details in case it helps with their learning more about this world. ]

[forethinking]

I went home.

(And to several other places, but like, back home. He doesn't mind the curiosity, he'd be prying too if he wasn't the one who poofed. Unfortunately, though:)

I don't know how.

[anciently]

Figures. [ She shrugs, still smiling lightly. ] That'd be too easy, huh?

[ It won't stop her curiosity, though. Aerith tilts her head a bit as she observes Ren, questions flitting around in her mind, vying for initiative. ]

So...how long were you back home?

[forethinking]

Three months.

(At this point, he has already gathered he's been gone for a few weeks rather than the months he spent back home. It's interesting that time doesn't flow the same way.)

How is the church?

[anciently]

Wow... [ That's longer than she would've guessed. Aerith sighs softly, reflecting on how the passage of time works - or, doesn't - here. ] Three months, huh...?

[ His question distracts her, and she smiles hesitantly at him. ]

Oh - It's fine. Good, actually. We have some new flowers for the business, with Merlin chipping in, and with what I found at that dome...

[ Plus, the ones growing in the church proper have been doing well, so she's relieved about that. ]

I'm sure the flowers all miss you. [ Aerith informs him, nodding sagely. ] You really shouldn't keep them waiting.

[forethinking]

Should we go to work?

(They can catch up on the way and Ren would like to see them. It's a quiet, peaceful place where he feels calm, and perhaps that's what he needs.

The jacket that was hanging from a hook is now on Ren's body, the knife nearby is spun in his fingers before he can put it in the inner pocket. Aerith knows who he is, kind of. He doesn't have to hide that he carries for their safety.)

Were you okay?

[anciently]

You sure? You don't want a break? [ She plants her hands on her hips, appraising Ren from where she stands. ] As your co-business-owner, I want you to know that I don't mind you taking the day off to get used to things again!

[ He certainly doesn't need her telling him that, or so she hopes. ]

Who, me? 'Course! [ Never mind the periodical emotional ups and downs with...everything going on in her life. ] Besides worrying about you, that is!

[forethinking]

I'm alright.

(It's a promise, and he would even pinky promise if prompted. He's tired, but when is he not?

Back in Tokyo, he had way more jobs than he does here, each with their own sets of difficulties. Chatting with Aerith while he puts bouquets together is a fresh restart, considering what he had just come back from.)

I'm sorry about worrying you.

(She doesn't need to. Even if he was in the Void, he'd find a way to bring them home.)

[anciently]

Oh, it's okay. I know you won't do it again! [ She flashes him a grin, humming approvingly. ] If you do, the punishment will be severe!

[ don't ask her how you'd be punished if you were gone, okay

Aerith hovers near the door, expression relaxing to a contended smile as she stands with her hands on her hips. ]

So? Should we go?

we can wrap here if you feel!

[forethinking]

(not taking care of his flowers maybe but is that even possible for aerith in the first place

Ren nods with a hum, allowing her to take his arm and off they go to work. There are plants to love and take care of!)