IC Inbox for empatheias

[boundbynaught]

Temporary:
March 7th thru March 14th: Gone for Canon Update
March 15th thru April 7th: Reroutes to contact Riku instead of Arden
April 14th: Gone again
Arden here, Manager of Sweetie Pies.
If this is about Sweetie Pies, please make sure to mention it in your message and I'll make sure to answer during business hours.
Everyone else, I'll get back to you when I can.


*Has a slightly rougher cut crystal
[Source]

Comments

Oct 4 Image;

[oathkeeper]

[Usagi is having a house warming party so of course Sora wants to invite more of his friends to tag along. So shortly after making plans with the girls, he pings Riku Replica over his amulet.]

Hey! Usagi is having a house warming party. You're coming! It'll be fun!

Re: Oct 4 Image;

[boundbynaught]

[OOC: He did see Sora talking about the party. It's just weird because...]

What, why? I don't even know them!

Leeet's backdate this to maybe Oct 30 or something |D; Voice

[copychip]

[It's been a few weeks now, so that guy with the weirdly low self-esteem was probably okay now, right?]

Hey, what's up...-- uh, you know, I just realized I never got your name before.

[Because who has the time to get a guy's name when they're spouting their life story all of a sudden, right??]

That's fine :)

[boundbynaught]

[He's genuinely surprised that someone he forgot to introduce himself to would seek him out.]

... Well, that's- I'm still not used to giving out this name.

[It's an excuse for bad manners, but he's using it anyway.]

Arden.

[Image]

[lightthedarkness]

Arden-kun, how are you?

Perma-image back!

[boundbynaught]

Usagi!

[He's genuinely shocked to hear from her.]

Did Sora tell you to call me?

[He can't imagine why.]

12/25

[oathkeeper]

[Sora leaves a gift for Arden! a dark blue knitted cowl, a leather bracelet and a very important apron.]

Merry Christmas, Arden!!

-Sora

Re: 12/25

[boundbynaught]

[HOW DARE SORA GET HIM ANYTHING! He's not prepared for this!

It's not until the next day that Sora gets a present in return

12/25

[shadowsthedawn]

[After a lot of hesitation Riku leaves a package for Arden on Christmas with a note attached:]

I don't except anything in return. Just thought you could use these.

Merry Christmas.

-Riku

[Inside the package is a pair of boots and a a beanie. Veren's cold game is strong and Riku figured if Arden is anything like him, the cold is an enemy that must be combated.]

Re: 12/25

[boundbynaught]

[KH House has really got to warn him about these things, but he finally returns the gesture]

12/25

[magicpanchira]

[ HEEEEEEY ARDEN! GUESS WHAT TIME IT IS!? It's time for PRESENTS in the form of a huge warm scarf, and naturally, some homemade holiday goodies! ]

Arden,

Merry Christmas! I hope you are having a great day! I hope you like the stuff I got you... and no, Maya didn't have any hand in making the cookies!

-Trucy

12/26 late

[boundbynaught]

[ HE'S ON TO YOU PEOPLE NOW. While he's out getting other gifts, he finds some good stuff for Trucy: a pretty red top hat, and he makes her a dozen magician cookies + a color-changing cake. Baking magic!]

Trucy,

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm not used to this so I hope you like what I found too.

-Arden

P.S. She didn't help with mine either.

1/31, messenger bird

[oathkeeper]

Arden,

Good morning!! I'm letting you know that Snow White’s birthday is this weekend on Endeca 4th! [Saturday February 4th] She doesn't want a birthday party but I think someone as special as her deserves a Happy Birthday Wish.

-Sora

1/31; Voice

[boundbynaught]

[He doesn't know why Sora sent a bird, but he calls him back voice to voice from his apartment.]

Sora? Why didn't you just call to tell me that? I... I don't know what I should do - she's kind of my boss and my friend. Does baking her anything really make sense?

2/14 - Messenger bird

[lightthedarkness]

[Arden will be getting a dark red rose with a blue ribbon wrapped around it. There is also a box of heart-shaped chocolates and attached is a small book of Valentine's day recipes. The card reads:]

Make no mistake
about the memories we make.
You'll always be in my heart
even if we're far apart.

Happy Valentines Day - Usagi / (^ᆺ^)＼~♥

2/14 - Text

[boundbynaught]

[Well he wasn't expecting that at all! And after all she's done to talk him through things. He didn't expect this to turn into another Christmas of just random (to him) gift-giving. The least he can do is say thank-you, he figures.]

Thank you very much Usagi. I think I'll have to keep this card too.

HEARTS DAY

[oathkeeper]

[Arden gets a candy gram from Usagi's packages, a box of chocolates and a card attached.]

Happy Valentine's Day, Arden!!

We should do something together, okay?

Love,
Sora

Re: HEARTS DAY

[boundbynaught]

[It's a good thing he asked Usagi to wait because Sora was going to get one of those himself.

... And he stares at the card for an awfully long time before he says it out loud and finally gets it. Well that's embarrassing combined with 'doing something.' Wasn't Sora the one who asked for the 'just in case' caveat of them staying friends? Okay, he's not gonna worry about it.

Instead, he finishes up the cookies he was making. It's not really his style to make just 2 (large) cookie-cake things instead of a dozen for sharing but he's worried one won't come out right and pessimism has served him well when it comes to portion sizes. Plus he's not making these to share. So he keeps the cookies with him before heading out for the day and sending a text message back in a vain attempt to hide that he's hiding something. Sora may pick up on that happiness but excited-to-show-him-something that Arden's done before.]

I'm up for anything. Meet you at Snow's Bakery after work to go somewhere? Thanks for the card - I got it.

['Love'...? It's a text like Sora's was a card, so... There's a delay but: ]

Love, Arden.

2/14

[meowbel]

[On the day of February 14th, should they open the door, they might find a bag covered with candy nearby! And should that person also look closer, they might also see some jumbo pixie sticks in there too! Why, you might ask? The better question is why not!

And right beside the pink glittery bag, they might also find a note! What does it say, you might ask?]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you get a lot of candy and may you find love in your future! Just be sure to hold your breath, spin around 3 times, add some sugar down the toilet, and make a wish! I know it’ll come true for you!

-Mabel

Re: 2/14

[boundbynaught]

[Another unexpected surprise by someone who clearly takes friendship seriously. She too gets a text response from him.]

Is this some kind of spell you learned? If you're sure it'll work, I may try it while wearing my bracelet too. - Arden

3/16 [Action]

[onebadapple]

[After discussing the matter with Sora, she caught him by the elbow just as they had all finished up preparing and cleaning the bakery for tomorrow.]

There's something I would like to tell you, will you come with me to my office?

Re: 3/16 [Action]

[boundbynaught]

Tell me?

[He can't imagine Snow White giving him bad news, but if anyone could deliver it with a smile on their face it'd probably be her. So he's just a little unsure about what she'd like to discuss.

But of course, he lets her lead him by the elbow into her office.]

3-29

[innermonologues]

[ Squall didn't know this kid's schedule. He really didn't pay attention to many people in this household though. The kid annoyed him who doesn't though, but he wasn't about to start making trouble for Sora more than he already has.

So attached to Arden's door is a note and a card ]

Hey.

Think of this as a peace offering
or something.
Kids love this game back home. So. [ Says the teen carrying around a deck of these kind of cards.]

...whatever.

-Squall.

3-29 Text

[boundbynaught]

Did Sora suggest this 'peace offering'?

[It's a little on the nose for him, cards and all. A peace offering he... kinda gets. But THIS as a peace offering, what?]

May 13; very early morning

[oathkeeper]

[UHHHH. Sorry for the rude wake up call, Arden! But have a panicked Sora pinging you super early in the morning with a very surprised and unsure look on his face. HELP.]

Arden! Wake up!!

I'm so sorry hiatus made me lose track of this

[boundbynaught]

Hm?

[He's not an early riser normally, but a panicked Sora gets him struggling to sit up while still mumbling.]

Whazzit?

12/25 Daytime; [Action]

[thememorywitch]

[Naminé would join the KH household after her own home's celebration, and she came with a lot of gifts. She pulls Arden aside to give him his. The girl seems pretty nervous, but she's smiling.]

M-Merry Christmas Arden.

[When he opens it, he'll find a handmade charm. It's a collection of glass star shaped beads hanging off thin silver chains. It resembles shooting stars.]

I... I wanted to give you a real one. Something special. Ah.. I-I hope you like it!

Re: 12/25 Daytime; [Action]

[boundbynaught]

[He's all grins when she pulls him aside.] Thanks, Naminé.

[Then he opens it up and at first is pretty stunned, pulling it out and inspecting it for several long seconds.]

It's... [Yep, he's stunned.] Wow...

[Finally, he comes back around to a smile again.] You're right. It's a real one. It's amazing!

Christmas gift

[seasaltkeys]

[Wrapped up in a scarf with a dessert design are a very kitchen gadgets. He's not sure if Arden needs them, such as the rotary cheese grater, but they looked fun to him.]

Re: Christmas gift

[boundbynaught]

[Arden is absolutely going to find an excuse to use a cheese grater. The scarf he'll wear to Sweetie Pies because Snow White will probably love it. Once he can put all of the items away properly, he grabs Roxas's gift in its gift bag and heads out to find his friend.]

12/25

[oathkeeper]

[The Christmas gift on left in the kitchen window sill with a giant bow on it. And the Christmas card is left in Arden's room to find. It will direct him to an indoor herb garden so Arden can have fresh herbs and spices to cook with all year round. And a pet fish if he wants!]

Merry Christmas, Arden!

-Sora

Re: 12/25

[boundbynaught]

[Arden's absolutely ecstatic about the herb garden. He also resists the urge to think that the fishtank bit would be a good place to put 'snacks' for Castor and Pollux.]

Yes! This is awesome!

[But then he gets an idea to return the favor. He installs Sora's gift while he's out and then leaves him a note in his room with instructions of his own. The gift is in the living room, near a corner on the ceiling. It includes three ropes leading away from it too, looking kind of like slack phone lines. A little nest/perch for Castor and Pollux and any other baby wyvern pals that come to visit.]

12/24

[onebadapple]

[Not Christmas day, but Christmas Eve, Arden will find a pumpkin pie in front of his door. As well as a special baking spoon and . The box is special and makes sure it stays warm. Attached is a note.]

Something to help keep you warm for the holidays.

Have a very merry Christmas!

With love,
Snow White

12/25 when he opens it, then 12/26 in-person

[boundbynaught]

[Oh gosh that's one of the cutest spoons ever and now he's afraid he can't even use it...]

-12/26-

[He wants to give her a present in return but in-person, so he waits until he sees her for work the next time.]

Thank you very much, Snow.

[He's still got her keychain after all. And he's got her gift in a gift bag at his side.]

12/25

[princesswhatshername]

[Another present at his door! Inside the package is a tin of cookies, a black hand mirror, and a hideous hand-knit blue scarf with Arden's name in gold letters. She tried.

A card!]

Merry Christmas, Arden! Use this to see how much we all love you. ♥

Princess Minnie Mouse.

Re: 12/25

[boundbynaught]

[Oh gosh. The note is what really embarrasses him. She remembered. Now he has to figure out something to give her in return... and decide if he's going to be able to find her or if he's more likely to see her at Sweetie Pies next.]

12/25

[unfairest_ofthemall]

[And from Apple, a box of warm chocolate chip cookies! Her card is much more elegant with fancy handwriting.]

Merry Christmas, Arden! Thank you for always being such a good, hard-working employee.

Love,
Apple White.

Re: 12/25

[boundbynaught]

[He's pleasantly surprised to get cookies from Apple, so he makes sure to send her back a few Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cherries in them - in muffin tins, which is why she gets 6 of them.]

12/24-25

[unyieldingdragon]

[It's the night before Christmas and a man in red has come to Arden's residence, not to steal, but to leave presents! It's rather late at night, when people should be asleep though, as he's not supposed to get caught. The gifts will have a tag included saying "From Santa".

His gift comes with a scarf, a yo-yo and some bad romance novels, courtesy of Mrs. Bradley and Milla Maxwell.

With his his task complete, he'll soon disappear into the night...]

Re: 12/24-25

[boundbynaught]

[Whoa.

What.

Even.

He barely remembers seeing Dhurke one time at Nahyuta's birthday but... uhm okay.]

Christmas Day - Delivery

[deus_ex_machina]

[Machina doesn't quite get this holiday, but he's making a level effort at the gift giving aspect anyway. Since Arden's the cook of the household, a brand new cast-iron skillet is delivered.]

\o/

[boundbynaught]

[Well here's a surprise. Of anyone to give him a gift this year that didn't give him one last year, he didn't expect Machina. And it's a great gift too! Of course now he's gotta go out and actually find something for Machina in return.

... Ah right, this was how his Christmas went last year. Yep.

So he'll start looking for Machina on 12/26]

12/25

[lightthedarkness]

[Waiting for Arden come Christmas morning is a bag of cookies and a cookbook of Verens famous recipes. Attached is a simple note:]

Happy holidays!

Love Usagi

12/25-12/26

[boundbynaught]

[Recipes! Awesome!! He's super excited.

... Of course now he's gotta find a gift for her. Crap.]

-12/26-

[The next day she'll find a cute belt with red leather and bronze lions and a matching bracelet]

Mystery Gift - December.

[empc]

[ When Arden wakes, he will find that his crystal is glowing! His emotion drops for the month of Ennea have resonated with Empatheias' giant crystal, and a reaction has been formed.

By his feet, he will find a buckleless belt for him to use! Wow... maybe he needs to wear less belts and zippers. . .

(Thank you for submitting to the Emotion Tracker!) ]

Voice; Early February

[oathkeeper]

[Have Sora's tickling joy and appreciation fluttering quickly over the connection.]

Arden? Hey- Guess what?

Re: Voice; Early February

[boundbynaught]

[There's no nerves on Arden's end hearing Sora's voice now, even if he can take a wild guess why Sora's so happy. Only one thing has changed in the last few days that he knows of.

So Arden's got a very solid wall of placid, intentional calm rising up to meet Sora's more exhuberant feelings.]

Hey Sora. What's up?

voice to start; ( after the flower festival )

[shadowedheart]

[ Arden might feel a gentle nudge through the connection, one that feels almost... uncertain. ]

Arden? Are you home?

voice back

[boundbynaught]

[ There's noticeable shock on Arden's end when he feels Riku on the other end of the Amulet communication. Of all people... what the heck would prompt Riku to contact him out of the blue. They'd been getting along better, but still... ]

I'll be leaving work soon. Why?