[Accidental Video]

[demiurgos_girl]

[It's one of the wall mounted terminals that catches Elaine resting against a door, knocking on it at the same time.]

Hotaru?

[Only after several seconds of tense silence does Elaine knock again, her eyes widening in surprise and worry.]

...Hotaru.

[This time her voice has a soft quality to it, not so much calling out, but as though she is trying her best to memorize the name by repeating it. Without further attempt at calling the other girl's attention, she opens the door.]

[It's not locked. The terminal's view is slightly obscured by Elaine, but the room is visible past her, and it looks perfect. Too perfect. The bed is made, pristine. The closet is spotless. Not a speck of dust litters the carpeted floor.]

[Elaine glances about before leaving the room, closing the door a little harder than she had meant to. She catches sight of the terminal across the hall, giving it a blank stare for a moment before sighing and switching it off.]

Comments

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

Somebody's gone missing?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Yes. A friend of mine.

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

Oh.

...I'm sorry to hear that. Seems like a common occurrance.

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

...Thank you.

She's probably safe back home now. As safe as it gets, anyway. I'll miss her.

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

I guess reality's not much of a consolation.

But I'm sure she's fine.

[idkmybfftony.livejournal.com]

[...]

Hotaru's gone?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Mm. I'm Elaine, by the way. And you're from England, by the sound of it.

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, yes.

...[She tries to think of something to say after that, but comes up with nothing.]

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

Yes, Liverpool, to be specific.

Name's Jude.

[idkmybfftony.livejournal.com]

[There's a pause. Then, he forces a little laugh.]

Good for her! I mean, she's one of Usagi's friends, and they both need to be in their world with their Sailor super heroes and all! They're probably at the mall right now, laughing at whatever teenage girls laugh at..

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm from London myself. For most of my life, anyway.

Pleasure to meet you, Jude. [And it's time to put up the happiest smile she can manage.]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

...

Fortunately, then. That's a nice thought. I wasn't sure if she'd be happy.

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

London's rather nice.

Pleasure, as well. Maybe we can talk more under better circumstances later.

[idkmybfftony.livejournal.com]

Oh, she is! She has to be! Usagi is-

I mean, they're together, so yeah.

[no he doesn't miss Usagi at all..]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

I would like that, Jude. When there aren't any aliens or strange christmas decorations.

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

...Christmas?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm sure they are. [My, they switched roles quickly.] Happy, I mean.

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

I was singing my heart out. Blame it on the decorations, really. This Mansion does the strangest things.

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

Elaine? You like, okay?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm fine.

...

Well, no, I'm not.

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you kinda don't look like it, honey... If you need someone to hang out with, you know where to find me, right?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

It's that bad? [She smiles.] The aliens are gone. Are the horses alright?

[kindly-done.livejournal.com]

Is everything all right?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Everything's alright. But it was better yesterday.

[kindly-done.livejournal.com]

Oh.

I'm...sorry.

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

...Thanks.

These wall terminals turn on at the worst times, really. Not that I mind, but... Heh.

[idkmybfftony.livejournal.com]

Of course! No way Usagi would let them not be!

So you totally don't need to worry!

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

....Right, then.

Sounds like I missed quite a bit of excitement. Though it sounds like that ain't in short supply 'round here.

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

[He smiles right back.]

Nah, but I, like... I'm not totally used to having more friends than just Liet and Hungary and my people, and I don't like seeing any of them sad. Y'know?

Anyway, the horses are fine! Anytime you wanted those riding lessons, they'll be up for it~

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

No. it's not. Have you had an event yet?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

Did you know Usagi well?

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

How about right now? It'll take my mind off things, in any case.

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

For sure! Like, meet me at the tea room?

[Action]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Sure.

[A few minutes later, she's knocking on the door. Didn't quite know what to wear, but she's definitely going with pants for now, instead of her usual skirts.]

[idkmybfftony.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, we hung out quite a bit while she was here!

[Action]

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

[Have a hug! Poland smiles at Elaine, leading her to the horses (who are already saddled, bridled, etc.)] Hey~

[deportedartist.livejournal.com]

No, not yet, but I've heard about them on the network.

[Action]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

[Hugs back.] Mm, they look calm alright.

[Action]

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

[He nods]

Yeah, they're totally good girls. [To the horses, petting one's muzzle] Aren't you?

[Action]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Both girls, huh. Are they like the horses in your country? [She tries to pet one too.]

[Action]

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

[The horse lets her, very calmly, though she keeps her eye on Elaine.]

Yeah, like, pretty much. They're like the horses I get from the Near East--strong, fast, good-tempered. So, y'know, they're pretty easy to ride, 'cause they're easy to get along with.

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Mm. Wait a few days, then, before you decide on what you think of Wonderland.

[Action]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

Won't throw me off or anything? That's good.

...I think she likes me.

[Action]

[reckless-eagle.livejournal.com]

Nah, not unless something like, majorly unexpected happens.

Yeah, Amalja's friendly. You're gonna be riding her, and I'll be on Liet's horse, 'cause she's got a little more of a temper, 'kays?

[Poland's horse nuzzles Elaine's hand a little]

[Action]

[demiurgos-girl.livejournal.com]

[That makes Elaine laugh, startled.] They're really sweet.

Okay. Amalja, then.