❛ EIGHT ❧ VIDEO ❜

[aureation]

[The familiar scene takes place―another apartment that is not hers, remaining with only the things the occupant has left behind. This time, Gabrielle is in the kitchen, sifting through the cabinets, as the vine slithers up to her. At first, she does not acknowledge it in favor of keeping herself occupied with the contents of said cabinet

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[runawayalot]

Were they your friends?

[aureation]

They were.

[runawayalot]

But they couldn't help it, right?

[aureation]

[She gently shakes her head.]

They couldn't. There is no telling when someone could leave, but you can never really prepare for these kinds of things.

It's better to move on with life than dwell on the past, really. I certainly had some good times with them, I know they think the same.

[runawayalot]

Um... I can come over, if you want.

[aureation]

[Her head tilts a bit―it's not an unusual offer, but coming from Laura... it's certainly a pleasant surprise.]

That would be nice. I could always use some more company.

[runawayalot]

OK, I'll be right there.

[And she trots off, leaving the Vine to close its mirror, because hanging up is for losers.]

[aureation]

[She gives a gentle laugh as the feed ends. The girl is young, but Gabrielle enjoys her kindness. It feels as if it's been ages since she's seen someone, when really it's only been a week or so, but the thought of a visitor always cheers her up―even if they are a few decades younger than her.]

[The apartments are not hard to miss, which causes her no worry of wondering if Laura knows the direction to go, but she decides to head down to the lobby anyway to greet the girl upon her arrival.]

[runawayalot]

[She shows up fairly quickly- Laura tends to run everywhere and has familiarised herself with the vague layout of the Gardens- though she pauses at the front door to peer around and make sure they're alone.]

[aureation]

[Gabrielle makes no comment on Laura's strange (what seems to be) paranoia, but she leads the girl in past the fairly large lobby. It's empty, as there are not many residents here in the first place, the only sound being made is her heels against the tiled floor.]

It's been awhile since I've seen you. [The elevator dings as she allows Laura to step in first.] Did you find any more constellations?

[runawayalot]

Um... I've been too busy. [She looks at the buttons hopefully.] What floor?

[aureation]

Fifth floor. What have you been busy with?

[runawayalot]

[YESSSS button pushing. It is the little things in life that make things awesome sometimes.]

I dunno... [she sways back and forth indecisively.] There was a fair! I got a prize.

[aureation]

Really? [Gabrielle had only gone to the fair with Blank; she didn't really see any reason to win any prizes. Even the ferris wheel alone was good enough for her, as fairs aren't really her type of deal. She presses her lips into a smile.] What did you win?

[runawayalot]

[She dips into the front pocket of her jumper. There's a brief noise of crackling paper, and then she pulls out a pink plastic ring with a rose on the top, holding it up proudly. (Though, of course, close enough to herself to defend it in case Gabrielle becomes seized with covetousness.)]

I got it in the game where you knock over bottles.

[aureation]

[She leans down a bit to get a look at the ring.]

How pretty! Are you going to wear it for a special occasion?