[video] Dec 9 | Morning

[notaflowergirl]

[After much fumbling, the live audio feed comes first. People who are listening can hear small noises of frustration.

How-? Mm... Why can't I...?

[The voice sounds young, perhaps too young for comfort. Suddenly, the video switches on and people can see a lot of brown hair, followed by a young face. The girl's mouth is set into a pout until she

Comments

[Video]

[de_faulty_hero]

[He blinks and stares at the screen, clearly surprised. He hasn't seen Marlene since... well... but she looks older than he remembered. And why was she asked after him anyway?

Still, he knows a little enough about kids to know they get upset if feeling lost. Marlene was generally tough though.]

Marlene, are you safe? Where's Barret?

[Video]

[notaflowergirl]

Cloud!

[Is she glad to see you. She lights up, moving her face closer to the screen. Yuuri was right.]

I'm safe, I stayed in like I was told, see?

... I don't have daddy's number, so I can't call him.

[Video]

[de_faulty_hero]

[Gah, she's never been this excited to see him. He looks awkward, glancing to either side of the screen before scratching the back of his head.]

Er yeah, that's really good of you. Are with with Shibusen?

I haven't seen your dad either, not yet at least. How old are you, Marlene?

[Video]

[notaflowergirl]

[She nods, looking around for a moment.]

Mmhmm. They said I have to find someone to stay with. Since I found you, I can stay with you.

[Pouting, she held up her hands for him to see. This got old ages ago.]

I'm six.

[Video]

[de_faulty_hero]

[Que the deer-in-headlights look, and he fumbles with the communicator.]

W-with me? That arrangement probably isn't the most ideal right now. [How did this happen?] Uh, Aerith is here though. You remember her, right?

[Hmm, a little older than he remembered.]

You're a big girl now, huh?

[Video] Don't break her heart, Cloud.

[notaflowergirl]

[Marlene's hopeful face falls and she bites her lip. "Upset" doesn't even begin to describe how she feels.]

But... I thought...

[Video]

[de_faulty_hero]

[He winces, remembering why he doesn't deal with children much. They're so easy to disappoint.]

Listen Marlene, there are rooms on the floor I'm on with empty rooms nearby. Maybe you can stay there where you're close to me?

[Video]

[notaflowergirl]

[She nods instead of protesting, eyes lowered.]

... okay.

[Video]

[de_faulty_hero]

Are you with Shibusen right now? I can come and pick you up.

[Video]

[notaflowergirl]

Mmhmm. I won't go anywhere.