for sonicstriker: Caught in a Snowstorm Meme

[greatsaiyanerd]

It was snowing.

But not just any kind of snow - an absolute blizzard of a snowstorm was blowing through the area. So awful that even Gohan, who was able to fly and get anywhere he wanted quickly that way, wasn't able to escape it. The snow and ice were so thick that visibility was pretty much nil.

Thankfully, there was a cabin nearby - and Gohan was drawn to it. He didn't know that someone was inside, as it looked abandoned, but he didn't have the luxury of waiting around to find out.

Getting to the door, and opening it, he stepped inside, surprised to find that there was actually some kind of light inside. And that looming feeling that there was, in fact, someone here was back.

"Uh... hello? Anyone in here?"

Comments

[sonicstriker]

Tifa had split off from her group to meet them; she'd...needed to spend some time alone in the mountains. And she was getting better at taking that space for herself.

But the storm had come in quick, and she knew enough to know she wasn't going to reach them before it got too dangerous to keep going. So she'd found what shelter she could.

It's nothing special; amazing, really, that the lights and stove still work, and that the furniture is in somewhat usable condition. She's totally bundled, working on getting a proper fire going in the bedroom when she hears the door open.

She creeps out, no sign that she's tensed to strike if she needs to, but the person looks as cold and bedraggled as she was.

"Get stuck in the storm?"

If he's friendly, this is fine. If he's not...she's not staying trapped in here with someone hostile.

[greatsaiyanerd]

He walks in and fully shuts the door - better to keep the cold outside, if someone's here and trying to keep it warm. He nods at her question, giving a slightly awkward smile.

"Y-Yeah. Usually I can just fly out no problem, but it's coming down way too hard. I can't see at all."

He keeps his distance - at the least, to not alarm her or put her on edge. His intentions coming in here were simple.

"And usually I can deal with the cold... but not when it's this bad. I hope you don't mind me sticking around until it blows over."

He's clearly covered in the snow and cold, and yet he's not shivering. But if it's as bad as he says it is, even he couldn't weather it.

[sonicstriker]

Her eyes only narrow slightly at the "fly out" comment. Was he with the Turks? He didn't have a suit, and he wasn't immediately recognizing her, so she'll keep that thought to herself.

"No reason for anyone to freeze to death out there. This storm is bad."

She leans against the door frame into the second room. She doesn't recognize his clothing at all.

"Any chance you have food with you? I was about out."

[greatsaiyanerd]

"Definitely the worst I've seen in a long time."

He takes off a pouch he was wearing, opening it to show off some fruits and foraging. "Not a lot, but some. I try to always keep something around for emergencies. I'm more than happy to share, though."

Closing it back and placing it on a nearby table, he gives a warmer, less awkward smile. "Mind if I sit down? Name's Gohan, by the way. I don't believe we've met."

[sonicstriker]

"Yeah, of course. Thank you. I'm Tifa. Sorry. There were some weird people around last time I camped out here."

I'm being followed by Turks and Shinra didn't seem like the best thing to disclose. But they were far enough out...Gohan just seemed like a normal person.

"You from the area? Or just passing through."

[greatsaiyanerd]

"Weird people, huh?" He moves to sit down in the closest seat. "Well, if they're causing any trouble, I'll keep an eye out for them. I'd rather keep this area safe."

His expression turns a bit more serious at that - but his eyes still stay friendly. "I've been around a few times. I don't live that far away - but far enough where the storm's hampering my way. You live pretty far away, then?"

ugh i was down with a weeklong migraine

[sonicstriker]

She nods. Okay. So he was somewhat local, at least. He cares, and that's what matters.

"Yeah, but, my hometown was kind of like this. I ... move a lot these days."

She does come to sit on the sofa, keeping an eye on him, but it's nice not to be alone.

"You keep people safe a lot?"

you're good! always take care of yourself and rl first

[greatsaiyanerd]

He doesn't mind that she keeps an eye on him. He's still a complete stranger to her, and if what she's saying is true, she's keeping an eye out for some bad people.

"Ah, I see. I know the feeling. For the longest time I moved from place to place a lot too. More recently I've settled in nearby."

He nods at her question. "I try to. I've run into a fair number of villains in my lifetime - so I've trained for most of my life to prepare for when they come around. It's worked out a few times over the years."

<3

[sonicstriker]

"That sounds exhausting," she says, real empathy in her voice. Moving just the once had been awful, and now that she's on the road, she misses the stability of having a home.

"I'm glad you have somewhere to settle down to. Would you be able to navigate the area, once the storm stops?"

That might be of use.

[greatsaiyanerd]

"It's exhausting, but the adventure made it worth it." Though the grueling training made it less fun. He still cracks a small smile. "In the end though, being able to settle somewhere is nice."

He nods at her question. "Oh yeah, I know this area like the back of my hand. On top of that, I can scour the air much faster than most people can on the ground."