Kingdom Hearts: World Keeper [Re:Joined]

Night Out

The music is blasting out of the speakers, Sora's ears feel as though he's been wearing earplugs since getting here. A strange feeling in his gut keeps him from enjoying the moment and just relax.

Ventus has the same problem. Adjusting his white jacket from his suit he sits down next to Sora and Xemnas, who seems pretty unhappy with being here. Disinterest is written all over the man's face. Whenever Sora looks around to find Viola to make sure she is ok, his glance stops at Yang handling the reception of new arrivals. Weiss has asked for medication in Viola's name before. She hasn't been taking it for a few days now and as she decorated the refreshments table moments of complaints made it harder to let her finish. However Sora spots Vanitas more often instead, he's casually chatting with Jaune and Nora.

How Sora wishes he dressed more similar to his look-alike. Comparing his more punk styled outfit with a black jeans jacket to Sora's usual looking suit. A thought of regret crosses the boy's mind. Even Xemnas and Ansem got different overcoats and nice looking pants and shoes. And they didn't even want to come.

"Sora? Is something wrong?", Jaune approaches: "Lighten up a bit!"
Catching himself sulking, Sora's expression changes into a very forced smile. Which turns into a true smile right as he notices both Jaune and Ren wearing almost exactly the same suits. A spark of confidence warms Sora's heart. Maybe parties aren't about sticking out after all.

"You're not really someone for parties, are you?", Ren is heard as Sora looks around. Again. There isn't much else to do.
"I don't know. Is it supposed to be this awkward?", Sora's question gets a laugh out of Jaune once he shakes his head.

Riku in a yellow vest and Kairi in a puffy red dress, walk over to pull him from the chair.
"Come here, you grouch!", they say with laughter. The three fight their way to the dance floor. It's a little embarrassing. They don't mind and just keep on trying for Sora to dance with them, however Sora tries to call for help, maybe someone can break this up. Oh! "Hold on, let me just say hi to Ruby!", he walks off as he hears Riku and Kairi sigh in defeat. The floor continues to vibrate from the bass of the speakers.

Eventually Sora reaches Ruby, the headmaster stands next to her. Ozpin spots him and gently waves his hand: "I suppose you do not dance either?", Ozpin asks and Sora just nods. Not giving the headmaster a reason. Ozpin smiles and pulls up his glasses: "See, Miss Rose? You are not the only one."
Ruby doesn't feel like dancing either. Funny.
"Well, I'm more of the fighting typa girl.", she mumbles.
"Fighting and dancing are quite alike."

Sora now focuses on Viola sharing a dance with Ansem. They have had their shared training lessons before, maybe that is why they get along. Or perhaps Xehanort turns out to be surprisingly good at dancing. Their height difference is hilarious though. Speaking of, Sora hasn't seen young Xehanort in a while. Last saw him entering the hall with the others. Is he in the restroom perhaps?

"Time has its way of testing our bonds, however nights like these can strengthen them.", Ozpin speaks. The headmaster has a point. "Right, maybe being on the sidelines keeps us from learning about each other.", Sora quickly turns to Ruby since the girl has a rather pale look to her.

"You need some fresh air?", Sora leans in to which the girl quietly nods, referring to the crowd: "I would've gone already if it wasn't so full."
"Wait for me, alright? I'll be right back!", Sora goes on to the stalls as Ruby waves.

"Xehanort? Are you okay?", Sora finally sees him standing in front of a mirror, his hands on the sink. Xehanort doesn't say anything at first, but answers without looking: "What am I supposed to do?"
"First of all, calm down. Second of all, huh?"
Xehanort's head sinks down. He is really distressed. And looks lost, somehow.

"I invited Viola. Does she expect me to do something?", he turns to the boy.
"Dance, I guess. This is a dance, after all." Sora didn't mean to sound sarcastic. What a question is that? Surely he'd dance with his friends if it wasn't for this strange feeling deep inside. Thinking back on Ozpin's words perhaps the boy should backtrack and reconsider.