The Roof, Tuesday Evening

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo hadn't actually realized that there were stairs up to the roof. She'd contemplated trying to get up to it via ATs, but just walking was so much easier. Not that that was going to stop her from trying the harder route some day.

The first thing she'd done once she got to the top of the dorms was walk a slow circuit, looking out over the island. It was a bit weird to realize that she was at one of the higher spots on the island, especially when she was used to Tokyo, but she couldn't deny that the view was spectacular. She felt like she could see so much from this height. And the wind tugging at her hair felt amazing.

After a careful circuit to take a look around, Ringo stepped up to the very edge and spread her arms wide. Head back, eyes closed, just feeling the wind's fingers tugging at her. It was a softer, gentler sensation than the pull of the wind during an especially aggressive ride. Almost like a light, playful dance instead of the exultant fight she was used to.

That discovery led to another: she was probably going to be up here a lot more often from now on.

[Open!]

Comments

[that_oldsaying]

Today's explorations led her up past the fifth floor--though she'd stopped to wave hi to Kathy's door; yes, to Kathy's door, rather than Kathy herself--and up past the sixth floor and onto--

Well, she didn't quite have the bravery to do more than peek through the doorway onto the roof and, after seeing that it was the roof, she had Bubbles the giraffe poke his head out to better inspect the area.

Then they'd confer about whether it was safe.

[soniaroadsqueen]

The sound of the door opening vaguely caught Ringo's attention, but she wasn't quite done enjoying the wind yet. She stood, perfectly balanced at the edge of the roof, and slowly turned to face directly into the playful gusts. Fingers plucking at her sleeves and the hem of her skirt, tugging at her pigtails.

She'd go see who else had found this place in just a moment. Just. One. Moment.

[that_oldsaying]

So Bubbles was going to continue his survey and, since Alluka couldn't see what he was looking at, she was going to peek again, while giggling.

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo's head cocked slightly at that faint sound, then turned around. Her lips were already curling up in a smile as she called out, voice in sing-song. "Who's theeeere?"

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka's head ducked out of sight, but Bubbles' got stuck as she jerked him back, and he went flying out of her hands and onto the roof proper.

And thus there was a giraffe on the roof. While Alluka flailed just inside the door about going to get him.

"Bubbles," she hissed. "Bubbles, you're bad!"

They were going to get caught!

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo clasped her hands behind her backed, and walked slowly toward the door. "Why, who do we have here?" she asked as she got near Bubbles. "Are you okay? You're not up here all alone, are you?"

[that_oldsaying]

That--that was Ringo's voice!

Alluka stopped flailing long enough to poke her head back out the door, carefully, to make sure it was Ringo.

"He--," she started, but then fell quiet. What if she got in trouble because Ringo was allowed and she wasn't up on the roof?

But Bubbles...

[soniaroadsqueen]

That worried hesitation was felt as much as seen, so Ringo simply knelt down to pick up Bubbles, brushing lightly at him as if cleaning the dust off. "Would you like to join me?" she asked, holding the toy up in front of her. "Sometimes its lonely being all by yourself, and I would love some company."

That went for you, too, Alluka.

[that_oldsaying]

It was pretty clear by now who it was behind the door, yeah.

Alluka hesitated a moment, then gave a wave.

"Me too?" she asked hopefully.

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Oh, Alluka!" Ringo feigned surprise, but was definitely smiling. "Yes, please join us!" Bubbles, clearly, had already agreed to hang out.

[that_oldsaying]

Bubbles totally wanted to hang out!

Alluka slipped onto the roof, looking around like she wasn't sure she was supposed to be up here, and then beamed at Ringo.

"Bubbles likes you! Hi!"

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Oh, is that your name?" Ringo asked, holding Bubbles up in front of her again with a grin. Then she glanced over at Alluka. "And, hi yourself. Is this your first time up here, too?"

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka bounced over to Ringo happily.

"Uh huh," she said. "I've been exploring!"

Carefully!

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Me too," Ringo giggled, swinging Bubbles in one hand. "I didn't even know you could get up to the roof until a little while ago."

She looked over at Alluka and winked. "Wanna go over to the edge and take a look around?"

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka's eyes went wide.

"Over to the edge? Can we?"

This seemed like a great idea!

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Totally!" Ringo declared confidently. It didn't even occur to her that they might not be allowed.

"The view is amazing! And you can feel the wind in your face!"

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka giggled. "My hair's going to get tangled."

She didn't sound really upset about it though!

"Can, can I hold Bubbles while we look?"

[soniaroadsqueen]

"We can always brush it out later," Ringo declared with a laugh.

Then she held Bubbles up again. "Hmm... what do you think?" She cocked her head as if listening, then grinned. "I think Bubbles likes that idea," she decided, presenting Alluka with her own stuff animal.

[that_oldsaying]

"Thank you," Alluka said, taking Bubbles and hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry," she said to her toy, "I didn't mean to lose my grip on you."

[soniaroadsqueen]

"I'm sure he forgives you," Ringo said with a soft smile. The urge to pat the other girl lightly on the head was strong, but she resisted. "Now, shall the three of us go take a look?"

[that_oldsaying]

"Okay," Alluka said, snuggling Bubbles a moment longer before loosening her hold on him enough that he'd be able to breathe. "Which edge should we look at?"

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Come on over here," Ringo suggested, holding out a hand to Alluka as she headed toward the edge with the best view of the ocean. "You watch the waves from up here."

[that_oldsaying]

"From the water?" she asked, eagerly reaching out to take Ringo's hand as she followed.

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Yep!" Ringo exclaimed, pointing with her free hand. "See?"

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka squealed with delight when she got a good look at it.

"It's all sparkly!" With the setting sun reflecting off the waves.