Sometimes the coffee is the worst part about waking up

[weiss_tank]

Comments

[glowing_science]

I'm alive again and in one piece, for what it's worth. And I earned a free milkshake for getting murdered.

I hate this town.

How are you holding up? We haven't talked in awhile...

[weiss_tank]

Ema! [There is considerable happiness in his voice when she speaks] I'm doing pretty good. I didn't last too long either...

How've ya been? Has Mastermind been good?

[glowing_science]

Do you know who it was that killed you? Because I have no idea who killed me--stabbed from behind.

I'm... doing as well as can be expected in this place? He's not attacking me or anything, so things are okay at home.

I've been meaning to talk to you about him, actually. [She's been understanding him more and more lately and she's not sure what to make of that.]

[weiss_tank]

Ouch, in the back? [Ken winced] Yeah I know who killed me, she's crazier then Schuldig, that's for sure.

Talk to me? Damn it, what has he said to you now then. What ever it is he's wrong.

[glowing_science]

Yeah, and then in the neck. I'd rather not experience pain like that again. Although I'm worried about whoever killed you, if she's as crazy as you say.

It's not anything terrible! And it's not anything he's said, exactly. I think it's more... just a side-effect of living with him? [And his telepathy, sometimes.] I just need a sounding board, when you have time. It's not urgent.

[weiss_tank]

Yeah, the neck is kinda sensitive...

I got time now.

[glowing_science]

I'll be over there soon, then.

[And, true to her word, she's at his house after about twenty minutes. She knocks.]

[weiss_tank]

[There's the sound of thumping and then the door opens]

Hey Ema, come on in. I have coffee.

[glowing_science]

... [Well, what else would she drink while talking about Schuldig?]

Coffee would be great. Thanks. [She enters the house, smiling at Ken.]

[weiss_tank]

[Ken waves for her to have a seat in the living room as he goes into the kitchen to grab the coffee stuff.]

So what's new with tall, sadistic, and nasal.

[glowing_science]

I don't even know anymore. He's... mostly just being himself, really. That's not really what worries me.

[weiss_tank]

Eh? [Ken sat down] So whats really worrying you then?

[glowing_science]

Me.

I... it's stupid. But I'm finding myself... hating him less. Understanding how he thinks, how he operates. And that kind of scares me.

[weiss_tank]

[Ken winced] Yeah, I can see how that would be scary. That's a slippery slope there Ema. On one hand, it's good to understand a lot of different people, and maybe with understanding, you can anticipate.

But you gotta be careful that you don't adopt some of his 'mannerisms', or get cocky.

[glowing_science]

I know, I know. It's just...

You're an assassin, right? Yet you... you aren't like him. You haven't decided that humanity needs to pay for what you've been through. You still have friends, relationships.

How do you not become him?

[weiss_tank]

Shhh! Not so loud! Ly-lyon doesn't know yet...

I think the big difference is I'm just not him. I'm not like him in personality, and I sure can't read minds.

[Ken sighed and rubbed his face] I've met kid him though. You know, that weird time where some people got turned into kids? Vastly different critter all together.