fifth bullet :: video

[headedforhope]

[It's been awhile since this girl showed her face on the Vine in a way that wasn't in a more private conversation with friends. Ever since her breakdown during the last incident, Mami's been scarce; she's had to do a lot of thinking, had to face a lot of painful truths, sorting things out in her head until she could come together again. It was the

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filtered video;

[aureation]

[Gabrielle doesn't need an explanation, she understands. She knows very well what it's like for pride to get in the way of things. There is no judgment from her as her lips press into a warm smile.]

There's plenty of apartments that are free. You're more than welcome to come over and take a look.

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[headedforhope]

[She can't quite look at Gabrielle- she looks around her, the defining lines of her shoulders or the curl of her hair.]

Would....now be a bad time? I'd hate to impose.

[She's nervous under the small, calm smile.]

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[aureation]

[Of course, Gabrielle notices this-but says nothing of it. She gently shakes her head.]

I have nothing planned. Would you like me to make some tea for you?

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[headedforhope]

[her hands are curled into loose fists that clench tightly for a moment, hidden in her lap, and then relax.]

Only if you would share it with me, please. I've long since found that tea tastes better with company.

[Her tone is guarded, and a little tired. But it's like a door that has cracked ajar, the bolts undone and the knob turned.]

video :: keywords

[typeright]

That's certainly an optimistic take on things!

( Which she is all for! Absolutely, yes. Wonderful stuff!

Although, she's not all so convinced of that, some part of her still latches onto what Mami says. In this kind of situation, how else is she supposed to deal with it? )

How have you been, Mami?

video :: no get out

[headedforhope]

Well, it's seemed as good as time as any for it, I thought!

[hi boozehound....no haha just going to regard you steadily]

I've been better, which is what I hope to be. Maybe not soon, but it's something to work towards. [a remarkably...frank response, coming from her.] And yourself?

video :: 8(!!! ALSO SORRY i kept being lazy because you were away :'|

[typeright]

Absolutely! There's no time like the present, after all. Carpe Diem, all that sort of thing. It's splendid, really.

( Jules remains oblivious and bubbly, because that is her very happy default state and she will stay there, thank you. )

I think you're definitely going about it the right way. Throwing yourself into the spirit of things, and all that. ( Ah. Hmm. Good Question. A good question from a good egg. ) I'm fantastic!

( She sounds so sincere! But it's a lie. )

video :: why do you hurt me in this way!! oh argh html

[headedforhope]

[The woman's upbeat mood is infectious, a welcome and tempting change from the quiet state of reflection Mami's been wrapped up in- because you can only examine yourself for so long before it makes you tired. You can only inspect your faults before the gaps in your soul breed melancholy and disappointment. Mami sighs and disguises it as a simple exhalation, still smiling.

She's not ready to let go of all her lies, not all at once.]

That's a generous way of looking at it, most certainly. [a slight tilt of the head] ...are you? Well, that's wonderful to hear- I think that last incident rather shook a lot of us up, so I couldn't help but [worry?] wonder.

Video

[brustriese]

Hm.

And what if it's both a prison and a second chance?

Video

[headedforhope]

Is that what it is for you? Then I hope you make the best of your second chance, and that the confinement won't chafe too badly.

...mm, this isn't on topic, but- you knew Miss Harlaown, didn't you?

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[brustriese]

I know Captain Testarossa-Harlaown, yes.

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[headedforhope]

Ah....my apologies, I just- [she fumbles a little, rare for her] -she's not here anymore. That's all I meant.

[orderlybento]

[Oh, it's been a while and she's been worried about Mami. Hikari's eyes shine and she looks relieved.]

Mami-san...! [She glances down, taking in what she said.] I kind of get what you're saying; about this being a second chance. [Even if she doesn't the people behind it that much.]

[headedforhope]

[Mami has the grace to look just a little sheepish. It wasn't very brave of her, going into hiding like that- but she needed the time alone, and things are better now. Not perfect, but enough.]

I can only speak for myself, so it's all right to disagree with me....but I'm glad that you can understand what I'm trying to say. It can be really easy to hate this place, and I know a lot of people here have every right to, but...I guess I'm trying to see it as an opportunity, now, instead. That's more productive, isn't it?

[orderlybento]

[Hikari gets a flash of seeing Mami breaking down over the Vine, and she chooses not to bring it up. Though remembering it gives her eyes a quiet sadness with a smile that matches them.]

... You're really strong, Mami-san.

[headedforhope]

[The comment catches her off-guard, and there's a considering pause. In her own way, Mami is strong- but it's a delicate thing, like a Jenga tower that will crash down if the right blocks are removed. And now she's aware of it like never before, all the gaps in her psyche that breed insecurity and instability.

Her voice is soft, but sincere.]

Thank you, but I'm really not. I'm a weak person, selfish and afraid. If I seem otherwise....it's because I have friends kind enough to lend me their strength until I can stand on my own without it being a lie. That's what I'm working toward, now.

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[fatedmagia]

I... I'm a little nervous, but--

.... I'm not sure if Queen-san means to do anything bad... It's like what me and you talked about before, Mami-san.

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[headedforhope]

I know, Kaname-san, it's just....well, it's hard to be sure, with someone like her. She has good intentions but can be unpredictable. [And some of Mami still stings from the last event.]

So I'll be keeping a weather eye out, just in case. It can't hurt, right?

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[fatedmagia]

Mm. That might be true.

I hope... I hope nothing bad happens this time.

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[headedforhope]

For what it's worth....it might not even be "bad". Just embarrassing. That'd be much preferred by everyone, I think.