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[aureation]

[With her back turned to the mirror, unaware of the broadcast, all seems calm for Gabrielle as she stands in the Garden-but a brief disturbance says otherwise. Her body seems frozen, tense, as if she's seen a ghost.]

Have you forgotten me?

[It seems Gabrielle is silent-her hands fall to her side. Before her stands the phantom, or rather what she

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[urbanwonderland]

[It's been a very long day. For a while now. The transmissions coming over the vine have been unnerving. She hates to see those closets to her in this place so haunted, and hunted, really-- by lies they can't escape. The sound of Gabrielle's sobbing comes over loud and clear. She isn't sure if the other woman can hear her calling.]

Gabrielle. Gabrielle. It's Reeve, please-- listen to me. It's an illusion, this thing. It isn't the person you're thinking of. It will only lie to you.

[aureation]

[And at the sound of another's voice, Gabrielle freezes. Her breath catches in her throat-but she does not look at the Vine. Her back remains to the mirror, facing Reeve.]

I know that. [Her head turns a bit to look at the phantom, whose half-lidded eyes seemed to be trained on her and her alone; a pleasant smile on her face.] I know she isn't real-

[Her voice is cold, bitter.] She's an illusion... [She's not sure why she's upset, when she knows it's just the Queen and her palace at work. Maybe it's the shock of seeing Rebecca's face after so long, or the memories in her mind that exhaust her as she tries to piece them together. Her shoulders drop, a hand goes up to her face as she tries to wipe the tears away. Reeve cannot see it-but tears continue to fall down her cheeks.] ...which doesn't make it any better.

[urbanwonderland]

[Reeve sighs, shifting her shoulders.]
I know. It should, but it doesn't, does it? The hurt isn't any less real.

You shouldn't be alone. I think I recognize your surroundings, I'll come to you.
[But she hasn't left yet, lingering nearby getting dressed to outside.]

[aureation]

No, it's not. [The end of the sentence trails off into a whisper, her eyes travel off somewhere to an insignificant spot in the distance.]

[While Gabrielle does not say anything about Reeve coming to find her, it's certainly not an objection. After a deep, shuddering breath, she gently turns her head-not fully facing the mirror just yet.] I'll be here.

[c_zacatechichi]

Querida.

[There are large brown eyes watching her, concerned and sorrowful.]

[aureation]

[It doesn't take twice to hear it to recognize whose voice that is. Gabrielle keeps her back to the camera-unable to show what's lying behind the mask.]

Fela- [Her voice is quiet and broken. She struggles to keep herself from sobbing even more, swallowing it all down as hard as she can.] I'm sorry you have to see me like this.

[c_zacatechichi]

You will break my heart, Gabrielle.

[She means that, hates to see everyone like this.]

Don't be ashamed.

[aureation]

[She attempts to laugh, but it comes out as a half-sob.] You're really sweet, Fela.

[Gabrielle brings her hands to her face again in an attempt to wipe tears away. She idly wonders how awful she looks-a clear thought amongst all the chaos.] I know it's not real, that she isn't really here and yet... it stills upsets me.

[The phantom quirks her head a bit, pleased with this show.]

[typeright]

Gabrielle?

( Oh, God. This is awful. ) I have a wonderful bottle of wine here, if that would be any use.

does it have an 8% alcohol content, this is very important

[aureation]

[Gabrielle gives a (sad, broken) laugh, brushing away a few of her tears with her thin fingers.]

Thank you, Jules. [She turns just a bit-enough to let Jules know that Gabrielle has her attention, but not enough to show her face.] That sounds like one of the best suggestions I've heard in awhile.

it sure does! swallow the pity. . .

[typeright]

( She's making a careful study of her hands, anyway. This is so awkward. )

Wonderful! ( Ah. ) Your place or mine, I suppose would be the next question.

look at everything you DON'T have!

[aureation]

I think- [Her voice sounds distant as she tries to wrap her mind around words, thoughts-emotions. She clears her throat.] I think asking that loses it's purpose, since we both live in the same apartment complex.

[It's meant as a joke, but has a hard time coming off as one.] Your place will be fine, though.

[video] - sorry I'm late ;A;

[pluckmygstring]

[seeing someone that she's used to seeing so calm and classy broken down like this unnerves Austria. She can't bring herself to say anything, because this is clearly a private matter, but she just watches in silent shock. ]

[video] - it's okay!

[aureation]

[If she has noticed Austria, it's not at all apparent. The sounds coming from her sound nearly inhuman-full of sadness, loneliness, and regret. As if the weight of the world is crushing her from the inside.]

[video] - <33

[pluckmygstring]

[As she watches, Austria finds herself unable to keep quiet; she has to say something.]

Gabrielle...?

[video]

[aureation]

[She stops for a moment-her body tensing. There is no surprised sound elicited from her (why should be? The vine does this all the time, doesn't it?), but she lowers her head a bit. Silence fills the air a moment longer than it should.]

I'm sorry- [She whispers.] You weren't supposed to see that.