I'm undecided about you again...

[easyopentabs]

WHO: Rue and OPEN.
WHERE: Around the City.
WHEN: The night of the 12th.
WARNINGS: Sad, angry birdgirl.
SUMMARY: Rue's boyfriend kinda-sorta broke up with her at Prom. Still furious and upset, she takes the long walk home instead of just flying like she knows she can. Isn't that smart?

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[pas_de_ducks]

She felt like flying.

The prom had been wonderful, thanks to her new friends in the City, but perhaps the best part was that she'd been able to help someone she cared about. Something in Fakir had eased, gentled, when she reassured him.

The hopeful power of Princess Tutu still surged through her, strong enough to guide her through a long series of beautiful jetes through the park: hers was a dance of pure joy, of the happy knowledge that things could be better, that happily ever after wasn't a myth after all.

[easyopentabs]

Rue felt it in the air. Something had changed, something in the way the light played off the grass and trees, in the way they were colored. The sounds of the city seemed very far away, as if she was in a place far removed from it.

"Tutu..." she murmured to herself, fingers clenching slightly. This was her fault.

[pas_de_ducks]

A surge of warmth from the pendant made her stop and pivot slowly, her movements effortlessly graceful.

And sure enough, there was Rue--beautiful as ever, but with those sad and suffering eyes. Even her Prince couldn't seem to ease that suffering. Her heart warmed with pity and sympathy, and she dropped a gentle curtsy in Rue's direction.

"Hello, Rue."

[easyopentabs]

She stepped back at the sight of her, hurt and fury evident in her eyes.

"Get away," she said. "You... You ruined everything."

[guess_my_gender]

In comparison to the girl, Him looked so much nicer in appearance. Of course, that might have been because he'd always had an eye for...style. Or at least his style. And so he looked quite nice.

But of course, there was a girl who looked like she was a mess. Anyone else would have just passed her by, and given her a disapproving look. Instead, he just looked at her with a concerned gaze, and slowed to a stop.

"Excuse me," he said, the sounds of a concerned individual coming through, "What's wrong? You look miserable."

[easyopentabs]

Rue turned to glare at the strange... person. She had heard this before from time to time, at work, or just walking like she was now. What's wrong? Why don't you smile? She hated it.

"I'm fine," she said, trying to sound like she was. "I'm just tired."

[guess_my_gender]

He looked at the girl, and shook her head, "You don't look fine."

He wasn't going to ask why she didn't smile. He didn't want her to smile. No, he wanted her misery.

[easyopentabs]

"I told you," she said dismissively. "I m only tired. I just look upset."

I. Am so. SORRY.

[baconsushiplox]

For once, Madarame was not spectacularly sleep-deprived. He was only on his way there. He had managed to get himself banned from the grocery store he frequented earlier that day, and was consoling himself with a hamburger eaten on a stroll through the park. It was so nice, people in New York didn't give you the stink eye when you walked and ate at the same time! So convenient!

But what ho! Out of the corner of his eye, a maiden in distress. Or at least a conspicuously dressed sad girl walking around alone at night. If she wasn't in distress now, she would be soon, right? He paused mid-step, swallowed his food, and reminded himself that he must maintain the mindset that the people here were just that. People. Acting like a freak would only confuse them. Or cause a space time rip that would destroy him. Either way.

"You're out awfully late."

[easyopentabs]

Rue looked up at the nosy passerby, ready to cut him down for even speaking to her. Why couldn't people here just leave her alone? Was there something about her that just begged for attention from annoying interlopers?

"You are too," she said, recognizing him as the strange young man she'd spoken to on the comms a few times.

[baconsushiplox]

"Yes, but I am a man," Madarame pointed out as seriously as his accented English would allow. He hastily gobbed down the last few bites of his burger before continuing. "Besides, you stick out."

[easyopentabs]

"I can take care of myself fine, even if I do stick out," Rue said dismissively. Oh, she hated that whole lecture too. So what if she was a girl? "And how else do you suggest I get home?"