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[pandamaiden]

[When the camera comes on, typical of Mei, there is only a large, white, round face right up against it, a tiny paw reaching out to scratch at the device in front of it.

Finally, Xiao-Mei pulls back and looks over when a sniffle sounds. In the dark of the room, Mei's form sticks out on the bed she's been using since she first arrived, all thanks to

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[video]

[dollchains]

[Likewise, there's a black face in Namine's screen for a moment, the rabbit's nose twitching. She pulls it aside when she hears Mei's little noises and her voice.] Mei...?

[video]

[pandamaiden]

[Mei blinks and looks up, looking towards the Forge that Xiao-Mei still seems to be playing with. She blinks and wipes her face, slaps on a small smile and moves over.]

Something wrong, Namine-san?

[video]

[dollchains]

[The yet-unnamed rabbit sits beside her, Namine looking worriedly at her little friend.] No, not with me. Are you all right, Mei?

[video]

[pandamaiden]

[Oh... Xiao-Mei had been playing with it and recorded something, something she wishes had not been shown.]

Yes, I'm all right. Don't worry, Namine-san. I'm fine, really.

[But she doesn't sound wholly convinced herself.]

[video]

[dollchains]

[It was, though, and just because she's young doesn't mean she should push that away.]

I don't mind if you want to talk about it. [Her voice is gentle, but firm. She doesn't want Mei to think she has to shoulder it all alone to prove she's an adult.]

[video]

[pandamaiden]

[Oh... Namine. So nice and helpful. She doesn't want to cry. She doesn't want to be a burden on anyone. She's a grown-up lady who has grown-up things to do. She's used to working hard, but there's something about being trapped here, something about being given a memento from home that makes the little girl inside tremble.

She's quiet for a minute before she sniffles again.]

Just a little homesick. [Not something new, she supposes. It's happened before, even happened on the network.] I'll be okay, Namine-san...

[video]

[dollchains]

[She's all of that, but... humans shouldn't push away their hearts...]

I understand. [A gentle smile.] You will, I know that. But in the meantime, why don't you come and visit? Xiao-Mei can play with my rabbit, if she wants, too.

[video]

[pandamaiden]

Come over...?

That would be nice, Namine-san. Xiao-Mei thinks it's a good idea too, don't you?

[Xiao-Mei simply stares in response, but Mei seems to understand.]

Did you ever name your rabbit?

[video]

[dollchains]

I'm sure Kaien and Michael won't mind. Not that Michael's around much lately.

[A sheepish look now.] Um, not really... I feel bad, but he doesn't seem to mind.

[video]

[pandamaiden]

You don't think so...? I don't think I've met them.

Well, why don't you name him after someone? You know, a person you know, but use one of their nicknames or something?