forty-one ♫'s: open action

[songofdreams]

[Turnabout Cafe closed early in order to prepare for the party Uta and Abby had set up. They had gone through a lot of trouble preparing the food as well as the entire look of the place to suit the party's theme.]

[It was almost sunset, and Uta honestly couldn't get into the party mood. With so many disappearances and now Anthony getting hurt, she

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action; open to all~

[moresake]

[Yuuko was never exactly on time to functions like this (though she was very good at showing up at the exact right moment when it counted). She arrived about half an hour after the party started, along with Clow, wearing this dress.]

[She was smiling, like she usually was, but somewhat sober (in mood... and in mind, for the moment, but there would be liberal application of alcohol later). It had been a rough week for everyone; the curse yesterday would have been more than enough to cause problems. Yuuko was almost surprised Uta hadn't canceled the party altogether.]

[For now, she mingled, smiling, laughing, chatting, teasing, like usual.]

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[songofdreams]

[She was almost surprised herself... She was drained emotionally, and she was just in the hospital yesterday worrying about Anthony. However, she also knew this was a very important for Cain, as it would remind him of home.]

[She approached Yuuko and Clow, greeting them with a smile.]

For a moment, I was worried you guys couldn't make it.

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[moresake]

[Yuuko smiled.] We're here. [She offered no explanation for their lateness, likely because it was her fault. It took some time to look this good, okay.]

[She leaned down to Uta's level.] How are you?

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[songofdreams]

[She looked down, hiding her head under that hood... which was probably because it showed in her eyes that hasn't slept much the night before.]

To be honest?

Tired... The hospital is a scary place.

[She simply couldn't lie to Yuuko. Probably because she knows Yuuko could tell.]

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[moresake]

[Yuuko looked a bit surprised for a moment, but then her gaze became kind.] Who is in the hospital?

[A hospitalized friend on top of everything else. Poor girl, Yuuko thought.]

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[songofdreams]

Anthony...

[She stifles a yawn despite herself...]

...he was attacked by someone, or something. I don't know much yet, so I'll be going to the hospital again later to see if there's any news.

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[moresake]

[Yuuko shakes her head, and then rests her hand on Uta's shoulder.] Don't forget to take care of yourself too.

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[songofdreams]

I'm alright, I promise...

[She gives Yuuko a smile... perhaps a tired one, but it was still a smile nonetheless.]

This... somehow keeps me busy. So that I don't feel the need to be lonely.

I just wish Anthony didn't have to get hurt.

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[moresake]

[Yuuko returns her smile, but hers is a bit tight as well.]

Of course. You wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[She hesitates a second.] Just don't wear yourself out.

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[songofdreams]

I won't... I mean, I can't afford to get sick, after all...

[She shakes her head defiantly.]

Uweh... but we shouldn't be talking about sad things. This is a party, and Earl Hargreaves has been looking forward to this, so it has to be the best party of the season..!

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[moresake]

Well, I won't deny I know how to have a good time. [Yuuko grinned.] And I think you do too. You look very nice, Uta-chan.

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[songofdreams]

Thank you~ So do you~

[She turns around to check on the food and drinks, waving at them as she went.]

Enjoy the party, Yuuko-san~