~forty~ (and to hell with everything)

[glowing_science]

[Klavier's droned. For good.

Needless to say, Ema's taken the discovery pretty hard. The two of them had been together for over a year after arriving within a few months of each other. Yes, lately things had been strained, but they had been working through it. Klavier was her rock, the man who gave her comfort when the town hit her too hard,

Comments

[im_the_cute_one]

[One little Miu Matsuoka spends a lot of her time in the park. It's kind of the only thing in this weird American town that reminds her of home, even if the park is a little bit lame and boring.

When she sees Ema sitting on the bench, though, she decides to cautiously approach. She knows what booze is. Her boss is an alcoholic, she'd tell anyone that...despite the whole being twelve thing. Why lie?]

Hey, lady. Are you okay?

[glowing_science]

[Ema looks up at the girl and tries to smile. It's a sad expression, but at least she's making the effort--there's no reason to drag a twelve-year-old down into her own problems.]

Not really. But I will be.

[im_the_cute_one]

[Miu starts picking up the empty bottles and putting them into her backpack. She can at least help by cleaning up, but she's about 99% sure she knows why Ema is down.]

Did people try to kill you, too? 'Cause if that's the case, I'm pretty sure they stopped a few weeks ago.

[glowing_science]

What?

[Oh, she means that whole receiving-letters thing, doesn't she?]

No, no. A... someone important to me was droned. Seems like he's gone for good. So I'm upset.

I... Here, you shouldn't have to do that.

[Ema starts helping Miu clean up her bottles.]

C

[evers_hacker]

[April spends a lot of time in the park, but lately she's been there even more so. And when she spots Ema with all the bottles around her, there's a small moment where she stops and stares before going up to her, looking concerned.]

... Um, hey, are you alright?

[glowing_science]

[It takes a few moments of squinting before Ema recognizes the redhead. She gives a sad little wave.]

Hi. Second time I've met you, drunk both times. [She's not an alcoholic, she promises.]

Not really. Someone... really important to me is gone.

[evers_hacker]

[She blinks before her expression turns sympathetic.]

... You too, huh... [Though that was mostly mumbled to herself and April fidgets for a moment, before walking a bit closer; she's really not good at comforting people but she can at least try.] ... I-I'm sorry...

[Then she winces, yep, really not good at this.]

[glowing_science]

...

[Ema hears the mumble and feels for April, even if they don't actually know each other that well. They have a mutual friend in Scout; that's good enough for her right now. She stands and gives the woman a hug. As drunk as she is, it sounds like the best idea possible--comfort!]

You get it, then.

I'm sorry.

C - ... Also, "Kakapi" is now apparently Ema's name in Pika-language. Unless I change my mind later.

[10_year_old_kid]

Pikapi! Piii-kaaaa-chuuuu!!

... I told you already buddy, I don't feel like it.

[Pikachu briefly tugs on Ash's pant leg again before noticing Ema. Hey, she looks upset too. Maybe if he can get her and Ash together, they'll feel at least a little better?

He runs over to her bench and calls over to Ash.]

Pikapi!! Kakapi!

Kakapi, piikaachu?

Awwwww ;u;

[glowing_science]

[Oh, hey. It's Pikachu. That means Ash is nearby.

Ema hastily cleans up the bottles, setting them in a slightly-neater pile to the side. Once that's accomplished, she waves Ash over. He looks about as sad as she feels (only, thankfully, a lot less drunk).]

Hi there, Pikachu.

Ash, what happened?

[10_year_old_kid]

Me? Oh, uh... I'm fine! No need... to... ... worry...

[He attempts to feign cheerfulness, but clearly fails when reciting that last line.]

Kakapi, Pikaka pikachu pipika chuka pichu Pikapi kapika chuuuu...

[Pikachu attempts to explain the situation.]

[glowing_science]

Sit. [Ema pats the bench next to her. She's not so obtuse as to not notice that he's sad.

At Pikachu's attempt at an explanation, she looks down at him.]

I'm sorry, Pikachu, but I don't understand you like Ash does. You'll have to convince him to tell me.

A

[freakinblur]

[Knock knock on your door, Ema. If you don't answer, Scout's just letting himself in.]

[glowing_science]

[Ema hears the knocking and gets up to answer the door. Her expression softens a little when she sees who's there.]

Checking up on me?

[freakinblur]

Figured I should show up 'n' say hi, at least.

[glowing_science]

I appreciate it.

I just wish I was in better spirits to greet you.

A

[1_21jigawatts]

....are you okay?

[glowing_science]

[Heavy sigh as she plays with the ring on her right ring finger.]

I will be. I just need a bit of time to... deal.

My boyfriend was droned. It seems like it's permanent.

[1_21jigawatts]

Oh....

....I don't really know what to say. I'm sorry?

[glowing_science]

Thanks, Misaka.

You don't have to say anything. There's really nothing to say. He might be back, he might not be, or he might return and remember nothing. Who knows? You know how this town is; I just need to pick up and deal with it.

Later.