After Wa-Ya leaves the house, Lux makes straight for his room, and switches back to his casual wear. When he returns downstairs, he hears the doorbell ring, calling upon Kenvales' occupants. He makes his way to the front door and swings it open, revealing the Ethereal leader also wearing casual clothes.

Everything Vern is wearing is black. His shirt, the unzipped, long sleeve jacket that's partially covering it, his pants and shoes, even the scarf he usually wears around his neck is a blackish-dark blue instead of white. "Good evening."

"Somebody die?"

"Hm?" Vern quickly glances down at his clothes, then looks back at Lux. "Non. I merely felt like wearing all black tonight. No special occasion, I assure you."

"If ya say so."

"I came by to see if you were prepared to leave."

"Yeah, I'm good to go."

"Excellent. The place in question is located in the north district. Instead of walking, I instead have brought transportation. This way, if you'll please," Vern exclaims, extending his arm in the direction of their ride.

Lux closes the door behind him as he walks out following Vern. A short distance down the dirt road, he sets his sights on the vehicle in front of him. All he sees in his eyes is a basic looking dark obsidian automobile. "Wait, this is your ride?"

"Oui. Beautiful, is she not?"

"That's a word for it."

Vern opens the door to the driver's side, somehow elegantly sliding his way into the seat. Lux walks around the other side, opens the passengers door and simply hops inside. The interior of the car is extremely clean. There are no accessories or decorations, just a car freshener hanging from the rearview mirror, pushing a lavender scent throughout the air.

Vern removes his car keys from his pocket, then promptly starts the car. He pulls out of the dirt ridden roadway, then drives into the south district. During the drive to the north district, he smiles as he speaks to Lux while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Would you care for some music?"

"I don't care if you want to play something."

Vern reaches his right hand down to turn on the car radio. An orchestra begins playing on low volume. Lux glances over at him, spotting the faint change in his usual attitude. He seems happy, softly humming along with the song as he drives gracefully with one hand. 

"You know, someone once told me that I gained my specific interest in this music from my mère. I did not give them my ear at the time. I suppose it was odd for me to react to such a thing, especially in answer to someone I've never met in this life. What of you, Lux? What sort of music gives you a positive feeling?"

"I've always listened to rap or hip hop when I was young. Ain't really listen to shit else. Sure as hell didn't know there were other kinds of music."

"Yes, you don't see much of the world as a child," Vern remarked with a hint of wisdom in his words.

"Shit. I saw enough where I was at."

"Oh? May I ask where that would be?"

"Manisard. Small ass city in northwest Alimoor."

"Ah, so you've lived in Alimoor all your life."

"Basically."

"I appreciate you telling me that. In turn, I shall tell you where I hail from. I am from Granmore, more specifically from a city called Cliffmark."

"Cliffmark? I've heard of that place once or twice. That shit is way up there in the Azure State."

"Yes, I agree. It is a far ways north." Vern soon drives into a small parking lot, then parallel parks in an empty space on the third row near the left section. Shutting the car off and taking the keys in his hands, he remarks, "We are here, my friend."

"I can see that, genius."

Both climb from their sides, then close their doors behind them. Lux sees a fairly sized building with a neon light above it, adorned with a display of a variety of sports balls. The pair walk up to the entrance door, and Vern opens it for his friend. "After you."

"Wow. A gentleman," Lux replies, sarcasm following alongside him as makes his way in.

"I live to impress."

Entering, they stand in a somewhat small area. The floors, ceilings and walls are a multicolor; blue, purple, red, dark green, yellow, orange, with the lights above shining with the same variety. There's two rows of chairs left and right for anyone that's waiting, and a service desk directly in front of them. "What is this place?"

"It is a multi-sports building for those who enjoy those kinds of activities. We have indoor basketball, football, tennis, and even baseball areas. But we are not participating in those sports tonight."

"What are we doin', then?"

Vern's only response is a knowing smirk. He walks up to the service desk and smiles at the young, pale woman sitting behind it, who's subtly playing on her phone. "Excusez moi," he greets respectfully. The young woman quickly glances up with an attitude, which immediately scatters to the winds when she realizes it's Vern.

"Oh, shit! U-Um, hi, sir. I didn't realize it was you."

"It's fine, Lucy. Were you successful in defeating that boss?"

"No, sir. Still trying."

"Ah, do not worry. I believe in you."

"Thank you, sir. Your lucky shoes?"

"Yes, please. I've also brought a friend with me as well. He wears a size eleven."

Lucy nods then pops up from her seat. As she walks towards the back to grab two pairs of shoes, Lux glances over at Vern. "How the hell do you know what size shoe I wear?"

"I could tell by simply looking at your feet. You have your disregard of footwear to blame for my discovery.

"Weirdo."

Lucy returns from the back after a moment. She hands Vern two pairs of bowling shoes, one pair black, the other brown. With his pair already determined, Vern hands the brown pair to Lux. "For you."

"Aw, hell no. Bowling shoes?"

Lux takes the brown pair and looks at them with a certain intolerance. When his gaze falls back at Vern, he can see he's somehow already slipped on his black bowling shoes.  "How did you...?"

"Trust me, they are very comfortable. Try them on."

Lux sits down in one of the chairs, then puts on his brown bowling shoes one by one. After he's done, he stands with an unsatisfied frown. "I look so stupid."

"Je ne suis pas d'accord que tu as fière allure. Like a true bowler. Now come, follow me. Thank you as always, Lucy."

"You're welcome, sir. Have a good night tonight."

Lux follows behind Vern towards the left. They pass a few doors, and walk through the soccer field area. When they pass another door, they enter a wide bowling area. The floors and ceiling are a gold red, with the carpet floors in the lane area matching the color.

To their immediate right is another service desk that's smaller than the one they previously saw. Directly forward is a small table area where someone can sit and watch from above. Past that, directly below, is the lane area where some Abnormals are enjoying themselves as they bowl, eat and drink. Vern approaches the service desk and speaks to the bright pale man behind it. "Allen."

"Hey, sir! Right on time. I've already got lane 7 opened up for you."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Knock 'em dead tonight! Pun intended," the man jokes as Vern laughs with him.

"This way," Vern directs Lux before they arrive at lane seven, marked by the number in red. "This is what I wanted to show you."

"A bowling alley?"

"That is correct. I come here every Sunday night or every other Sunday night. It gives me a certain peace. Though for tonight, I wanted to challenge a competitive friend of mine. Are you aware of how bowling works?"

"Yeah. I know how to play, shithead."

"Excellent. What say you, Lux Halcyon? Will you accept my challenge?"

"You challenged me as soon as we stepped in here, motherfucker."

"Let us begin," Vern answers, feeling a force of competitive spirit throughout his body. "I should warn you, my friend. I will not go easy."

"All this yappin' is boring me. Are we doing this or not?"

"This is why I brought you. I knew I would be thoroughly entertained. I shall go first."

Vern picks up a red bowling ball from the pitch pit with his left hand. He steps forward in front of the small black line, then poses. He quickly moves forward then smoothly and elegantly releases the bowling ball from his hand. The bowling ball rolls down the lane, then rams past the pins, knocking them all down. The screen above Lux shows a 'STRIKE! STRIKE!' Vern places his hands behind his back then motions his head for Lux to go. "Show me your skills."

"Get the hell outta the way. Talk too much."

Vern takes his place in a chair next to where Lux just was. He picks up a blue bowling ball with his right hand, and steps forward in front of the small black line. Moves forward with sheer velocity and force, he smoothly releases the bowling ball from his hand. The ball moves at a powerful and rapid speed, completely obliterating the pins as it rolls by. 'STIRKE! STIRKE!'

The screen above Vern says as it blinks a wild and flashy gold color. Lux walks back to his chair then sits down next to him. "What was all that shit you were talkin'?" Lux puts his hand up to his ear. "Huh? What? Can't hear you." He moves his hand away, then beats himself twice on the chest. Vern tilts his head while moving to his feet.

"You do not disappoint, Lux."

Lux and Vern competitively play three games straight. In the first game, Vern rolls many strikes that find him in the lead early on, allowing him to win. In the second game however, Lux answers with many strikes and easy spares of his own, allowing him to take game two.

It's the final game, Vern takes the lead and finishes off with a three pin spare. "Hm. I could have done better. I believe it's your turn now."

Vern walks back then Lux steps up. He needs a strike to take the lead and win. He walks forward then smoothly releases the ball in a curve. The bowling ball rams into the pins, knocking all of them down. He pumps his fist forcefully in the air as he smirks. "Fuck yeah!" He whoops, causing others nearby to look over at the commotion before returning to their own games.

"That was a beautiful roll, my friend," his opponent nods his head in a sportsman-like manner, then walks up to Lux. "Congrats on your victory."

"Standing down like you should be. Are you gonna run to the restroom and cry now?"

"Do not let this go to your head," Vern warns playfully, once again placing his hands behind his back. "I assure you, next time, victory will be mine."

"We'll see about that. I'll beat you so bad, you'll wanna retire early."

"Ah, that threat cannot be overlooked. Sundays at seven. Do not forget."

"I won't."

"Come. I'll take you home."

"Yeah, because I was definitely gonna walk all the way back."

Vern chuckles as he and Lux leave the bowling area. They take off their bowing shoes, return them to the front service desk, then leave Multiverse. The ride back to Kenvale is not of awkward silence, yet is instead is a ride of comfortability with no need to talk. Vern pulls into the estate's driveway, and both get out of the car to then walk up to the front door. "You know, you didn't have to follow me to the door, weirdo."

"I thought it more respectful to walk with someone to their home."

"I look like a woman to you?"

"One can never know for sure." Lux stares at his friend blankly for a moment then laughs when he realizes Vern has surprisingly made a joke.

"Did I say something that amused you?"

"Nah, nah. Be seein' you, man." Lux grabs the knob to the front door, then stops himself from going inside when he hears Vern call his name.

"Lux."

"Yo."

"...Thank you for tonight. If I may be honest, I was not feeling the best." Though someone else may not be able to see it, Lux can see a very faint emotion in Vern's eyes.

"I don't need your thanks."

Vern smiles in any case. Unlike his usual cold and emotionless smiling, Lux can tell the obvious difference as he gazes into his eyes. Vern extends his left hand for Lux to shake. In response, Lux does the same and firmly shakes Vern's.

"Goodnight, Lux."

"Uh-huh."

Vern walks away with his hands behind his back. Lux watches Vern walk away for a moment, then heads inside, closing the door behind him. Once he returns to his room, he sees Jade still sitting on his bed, relaxing as she watches TV.  "Ain't this a surprise."

"I said I was gonna be here all day."

"Hm." Lux walks over to his bed, and lays down in front of Jade, resting his head in between her legs. As Jade plays with his hair, he glances at the TV with a confused face. "The hell is that?"

"It's a meerkat."

"It ain't meowing so it ain't a cat," Lux declares. She simply rolls her eyes then shakes her head, her sights still aimed at the TV. After some time of silence, he decides to speak up. "Are you gonna say something?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't act stupid. Tell me what's wrong with you."

Jade sighs heavily as she turns her head to look away. She knows Lux can easily tell when she's bothered, yet she was hoping this time he wouldn't say anything about it. "I never said anything was wrong."

"I guess I got dumbass stamped on my head."

"Lux."

"Jade. Talk. Or we're gonna have a problem."

"I..." Jade sighs again, eventually glancing down to meet Lux's gaze. "I've been having nightmares again...okay? I haven't been able to sleep and I'm not going to be waking up out of nowhere yelling with Tora sleeping next to me. And I'm sure as hell not telling her about this. I can't do that to her. The nightmares are getting worse this time around and I...I don't know what else to do."

Lux's eyes lock in with Jade's. He's seen this stressful face of hers many times before. In response, he merely nods in understanding without the need of saying anything else. "Okay," he says in a caring tone.

"...Thank you."

They continue to watch TV until fatigue creeps up on them. Jade gets up, turns the light off, then gets back into Lux's bed to cuddle into his arms the same way as last time. "G'night," she tosses in his direction. He doesn't feel like speaking, and instead grunts in response. Lux and Jade both close their eyes and fall asleep after a short stretch of silence.