[Event] Regina visits Acro in prison ;_;
[Regina]: *Regina is looking around inquisitively at her surroundings. Any excursion into the ‘outside world’ is usually an adventure for her, but today her mood at being in the prison is a little bit low. Dressed down in ‘normal clothes’ for the sake of being out in public (the jacket she is wearing is still covered in red sequins and gold spangles), she looks antsy as she heads towards the door marked ‘Visitors’ Room.*
[Regina]: Umm... *She steels herself before opening the door.*
[Acro]: *Acro has already been led into the visitation room, and is sitting at a table in the center of the room, his hands folded. He glances up sharply as Regina is led in, and manages an awkward smile.* Regina... I'm glad you made it okay.
[Regina]: *Regina’s eyes widen slightly before she rushes over to the desk, her backpack nearly falling off in the process. She doesn’t bother to sit, but instead puts her hands on the desk, looking straight through the glass at him.* H…hi! *She says breathlessly.* It was fun! I rode the bus and everything! *She tilts her head with a bright smile.* And… and… *She seems to realize what she is doing and takes a seat, blinking in embarrassment.*
[Acro]: *Acro leans back slightly, surprised by her enthusiasm. But then he smiles again.* All by yourself? You weren't scared, were you?
[Regina]: No! People are so nice. *She puts a hand to her chin, looking thoughtful.* Somebody even asked if they could sit next to me! They said ‘please’. So of course I said yes! It’s nice to make a new friend... *She looks over to Acro, chewing her lip.* H-how are you?
[Acro]: I'm... fine. *Acro fidgets a little as he considers the best way to put it* It's not fun here, but they've taken good care of me. We even had a New Years party.
[Regina]: *Regina’s eyes light up.* R-really? So you’re okay, then? Even though it’s not very fun? *She suddenly speaks in a rush.* I mean, Moe said that life is not always fun, and for most people it isn’t at all... But if you’re being taken care of, y-you’re okay, right? *She twists her hands in her lap.*
[Acro]: Yes, I'm okay. *Acro lowers his eyes, though he tries to keep his voice light, for Regina's sake.* You shouldn't worry about me, Regina. The circus needs you more now. You're taking good care of Moe and Max and Ben, aren't you?
[Regina]: Why shouldn’t I worry about you? *She sounds strained.* I mean... I don’t take care of anyone. Everybody always takes care of me. Nobody ever lets me... *She halts in the middle of her sentence.* So, you see, when I worry about you, I get to take care of you, too. *She smiles, tilting her head.*
[Acro]: Regina... *Acro struggles, momentarily speechless.* But that's not true. The circus needs you--just by being there you're taking care of them. But...you don't need to look after me now. *Acro looks away again* I don't deserve it.
[Regina]: *Regina’s voice catches and she jumps up a little from her chair.* Don’t ever say that! *Her breath is a little bit shallow. She settles back again, raising her hands to her chest in a self-protecting way.* You can’t... Why would you say that to me?
[Acro]: Because it's true. *Acro forces himself to look at her seriously.* After what I did... I don't even deserve to be forgiven. Just by being here, you're proving how wrong I was, and I... I don't want to cause you any more pain. *he finishes quietly*
[Regina]: But I need you. ...Please don’t tell me that I don’t. I don’t know what I’m gonna do if I can’t see you. *Her eyes grow misty.* You don’t cause me pain. I... It was all my fault. Don’t say it wasn’t, ‘cause you know it was. That’s what people said. ‘Cause I wanted to know the truth even though it wasn’t nice to hear...
[Acro]: *Acro quickly shakes his head* No, Regina--please, it wasn't your fault. It was... *He pauses, reconsidering.* Maybe we were both wrong... but I know you never meant to hurt anyone. That's what matters.
[Regina]: No... I didn’t wanna hurt anyone. But I did. And I still miss you all the time, ‘cause it’s my fault... *She bows her head.* And now you’re here and I can’t even t-touch you! *She suddenly raises her hands to her face, her hair spilling forward to obscure her features.*
[Acro]: *Acro's expression tightens in pain, and he tries to lean closer despite the table between them.* Regina... please, don't cry. I know it's hard, but you're a strong girl. And I'm... *His voice breaks a little* I'm still here, if...if you need me.
[Regina]: *Regina’s shoulders are trembling a little, but if she is really crying, she doesn’t make a sound.* I... Oh... *Her voice comes out as a whimper, and she lowers her hands. She stands up a little, leaning forward towards the glass. Her forehead falls against it, and her hands rest on the table.* I do need you. Please don’t tell me I don’t... Or that you don’t w-want me to... *Her voice cracks a little.* I mean, you’re my brother..
[Acro]: *Acro grimaces, again unable to reply at first. He tries to pull himself closer but his wheel chair bumps against the table. He leans forward as best he can, but his hands still can't reach the glass, and suddenly the words just tumble out* I'm so sorry. I know it's not enough... I won't ask you to forgive me. But I'm so sorry.
[Regina]: *Regina’s fingertips brush lightly and hopelessly against the glass, and the look on her face is completely lost.* It’s... I... I c-could never hate you. You don’t have to ask me, because of co-course I forgive you... *Her lower lip trembles, and she blinks several times, still leaning against the glass.*
[Acro]: *Acro stares back at her, his broad shoulders sinking as his eyes start to water. He covers his face with hand to try and hide it from Regina, but his rough voice probably gives him away.* Th-Thank you. I'm so sorry... Thank you, Regina.
[Regina]: *Regina looks up at the sound of his voice, startled. She seems dismayed that she’s caused him to cry, and her hand scrabbles up against the glass, but it is still useless to try to reach.*Acro... Please don’t cry! *She rubs a hand weakly at one of her eyes.* I d-didn't mean to...
[Acro]: *Acro quickly takes a deep breath and wipes his eyes.* No, it's all right. I'm fine. *He lifts his head and smiles at her weakly.* Don't you cry, either. You still have to make it home after this.
[Regina]: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come here to cry at you. R-really. I just wanted to talk about normal stuff, and, just, I dunno, talk... *Regina lowers her eyes, breathing in slowly before putting a bright smile on, beaming.* S-so what do you wanna talk about?
[Acro]: Well, um... *Acro relaxes a little* Why don't you tell me about the circus? Is Moe doing all right as ringleader?
[Regina]: *Regina places a hand to her chin in thought.* He’s doing great! Nobody ever thought he had it in him. Hehe. He’s really smart. He’s made a lot of good decisions for us. And he’s still funny as ever!
[Acro]: *Acro chuckles.* I knew he would be. He's a lot tougher than you'd except from a clown. We've always been lucky to have him. *He pauses momentarily.* Does he...know you're here today?
[Regina]: *Regina shifts uncomfortably, drawing one knee up onto the chair.* Yeah, I told him. *She looks almost shy, smiling sheepishly.* I’m going to be 18 soon. I don’t need permission for everything anymore.
[Acro]: Oh, of course not. I didn't mean... *Acro shakes his head slightly.* Never mind. I'm glad to hear you've been getting out on your own more. You should make sure Max and Ben do the same--it'll be good for them.
[Regina]: I can... bring them to come see you too? *Regina looks a bit hopeful.* I’m sure they’d love to, Acro, really. I should ask.
[Acro]: *Acro glances away awkwardly, his hands fidgeting in his lap.* Um... if they really want to. I would like to see them sometime...
[Regina]: *Regina leans forward a little, giggling a bit.* I will ask them! It’ll be... We can all... We can talk. *She fumbles over her words, looking self-conscious.*
[Acro]: Yes, that would be... *Acro straightens, forcing himself to sound more confident.* I would like that. But there's no rush--I know how busy you all are with the circus. *He smiles* I've been following your success on the internet.
[Regina]: *Regina blushes, shrugging her shoulders.* Oh! That’s... That’s all Moe’s work, really. Lots more people are finding out about us now. And having Max has always helped. *She goes quiet for a moment.* ...But we st-still haven’t gotten a new acroba..t... *She sits up stiffly, and doesn’t continue, staring at her hands clasped in front of her.*
[Acro]: *Acro's strength from a moment ago drains out of him, and he frowns down at the table.* Ah, well...acrobats are hard to come by. *He smiles, but it's still a bit pained.* I'm sure you'll find someone great soon.
[Regina]: They are, yeah... *Regina speaks quietly and looks away.* I don’t want a new one, anyway…
[Acro]: *Acro is silent for a long time, and doesn't look up. Once he's fully composed again he clears his throat.* That's all right, too. I'm sure that with Max you've got your hands full anyway!
[Regina]: Yes. He’s the same as ever. Always telling everybody to do their best, and try to achieve like he does... He’s really an inspiration! But, you know, he’s the star of the circus. So we do everything we can for him! He and Trilo still don’t like each other, though. *She frowns.*
[Acro]: Aha, at least some things never change. I'm sure they'll learn to get along eventually. *He watches Regina curiously.* Are they still fighting over you...?
[Regina]: Fighting over me? *Regina looks confused for a moment.* ..Oh! *She lifts a hand to her chin.* Y-you must mean... Oh. Hehe... Well, I don’t know if it’s about me. Moe says it is... *She blushes, shrugging.*
[Acro]: *He chuckles* You know Moe is usually right. Just don't tease them too much, all right? You don't have to choose if you don't want to.
[Regina]: *Regina looks surprised.* Well... I always thought I should, you know? I like them both a lot. So I should choose. And I try not to tease, but I just wanna run around and have fun with Regent and be friends with everybody!
[Acro]: Then maybe it's better if you don't choose right away. You're...getting to be a big girl now, but that doesn't mean you have to rush into anything. Especially if you're not sure.
[Regina]: *Regina beams at him, tracing her hand over the glass once in a small heart shape.* You always make me feel better, Acro. You give such good advice! *She nods, smiling, her ringlets falling forward on her shoulders.*
[Acro]: *Acro smiles and shakes his head.* You're learning a lot of new things now, so it's all right to take your time. I think you'll be happier in the end, if you do.
[Regina]: I think so. Maybe one day I’ll even go to school. *Regina looks a bit nervous.* But I don’t know. I’ve been reading about it on the internet and it’s nothing like I thought it was. I couldn’t even bring Regent with me!
[Acro]: School? *Acro looks surprised, and scratches his cheek thoughtfully* I can't really tell you about that, as Bat and I stopped going to school when we were very young... *He pauses when he realizes who he just mentioned, without having intended to. He clears his throat and tries to push past it.* I don't think they teach many things related to the circus.
[Regina]: *Regina looks curious.* Dad always read me books, but I’m not very good at reading them all the way. And there was never any time for school. Do you remember it? Going to school... with Bat?
[Acro]: *Acro's brow furrows again, and he starts slowly.* Yes...a little. But we were so young, I don't remember most of what we learned. Just that... *He smiles abruptly* I had a red lunchbox.
[Regina]: So I guess... *Regina inhales a little.* You learned all of the important stuff at the circus, then! Right? *She tilts her head, smiling big.*
[Acro]: Yes, we learned a lot from Mr... *Acro winces faintly* ...from your father. Being in the circus wasn't like being in school, but we had everything we needed. Though... it is good to know what world outside the circus is like, too.
[Regina]: *Regina gets a dreamy look on her face.* Maybe I’ll find out some day, but I have lots of things to do for now... *There is a lull in the conversation and Regina doesn’t know what topic to approach next. She shifts once more, uncomfortably.*
[Acro]: *Acro stares down at his hands, feeling suddenly exhausted.* Regina... *He smiles up at her.* I'm glad you came to visit. Will you be able to get home by yourself all right? You brought enough money, didn't you?
[Regina]: *Regina looks a little bit stressed.* Y-yeah, but...
[Acro]: I think...it's about time for me to go back to my room now. *He glances to the guard in the corner that hasn't moved or said a word the whole time.* But I'll still check your journal. And... *He hesitates.* You can...come back and visit some time, if you want...
[Regina]: Of course. I’ll come whenever you w-want me to. *Regina raises her hands to her chest, clenching her fists. She is suddenly tearful again.* I... I hate to le-leave you here. *She bites her lip, resisting the urge to cry.*
[Acro]: *Acro winces a little.* Don't think of it like that, Regina. This is just...where I am now. *He smiles.* At least you'll always know where to find me, right?
[Regina]: You’re right... *Regina manages a smile, blinking rapidly.* I’ll come see you here. Until you come back. And then everything’s gonna be fine again... *She turns slightly to put her backpack back on.*
[Acro]: *Acro fights back another grimace, staring down at the table. He starts to say something, then stops himself and tries again.* ...Yes. Everything...will be fine again. You'll take care of Money for me until then, won't you?
[Regina]: *Regina looks at him.* Yes. Until then. *She stands up a little, leaning towards the glass once more.* He says he can’t wait for the day you get back. *She has a strange, faraway look on her face as she gazes at him.* ...Well... anyway... o-okay. *She blinks the distant look away before glancing over her shoulder at the guard posted at the entrance.*
[Acro]: Regina... *Acro struggles, trying to find something more meaningful to offer.* Take good care of yourself, too, all right? I'll...be thinking of you.
[Regina]: *Regina bows her head.* Thank you... *She straightens and clears her throat, grinning.* Okay! I’m gonna try to talk to you on my journal... I’ll make a post or something and you better be able to see it! *She giggles.* And then you can tell me when I can come back next. Maybe I ought to get a bus pass or something. Moe said you can buy them but they’re very expensive... But that’s okay! *She fidgets a little on the spot.* Well, umm... I
[Acro]: *Acro fidgets, and finally just nods.* I'm sure you and Moe will work it out. *He takes a deep breath.* Thank you for coming. Good...I mean, see you later, Regina.
[Regina]: Yeah! Later! Soon. Okay then... We’ll work something out! *Regina beams, before finally tearing her gaze away and turning on her heel to leave, but not before smiling and bidding the guard farewell too.* Bye, Acro... *She nods, before closing the door shut behind her.*