[SCENE] Ema and Diego in: Please Stalk My Sister
Ema: ((I'mma pay you with coffee so please do a good stalking job, sir. D: ))
Diego: *It's a pleasant change of pace, having another visitor--he doesn't get many. He smiles to himself as he follows the guard down the hallway to the visiting room. Ema is already there, waiting. His smile widens as he sits down across from her.* It's nice to see you, Ema.
Ema: *Just like before, it's hard to believe she's already met this man before, the changes in his appearance being so drastic. It takes her a moment, before she starts, waving in greeting back to him* O-Oh! You too, Mr. Armando! *Pushes forward one of two rather large paper cups, with an upscale coffee house logo printed on the side* I ah, brought you a cup of coffee! I asked in advance if I could maybe brew some here for you, but they said no. *She laughs, offering a small apologetic smile*
Diego: *he notices her startled reaction, but his smile doesn't falter.* That's all right. They can be strict, and rightly so--though sometimes it depends on who you talk to. You didn't have to bring me anything, but I appreciate it. *he takes the cup of coffee from her, takes a sip, and makes an appreciative noise.* It's good. Thank you. How've you been?
Ema: Yesterday was actually my first visit with Lana, since I've been home. *then, in an ever-so-slightly strained tone,* It was good. I've missed her like crazy... But um... How about you? Do you get many visitors too?
Diego: A few. Maya Fey stopped by recently, if you know her, and my old boss comes to visit me when he can. *he takes another sip of coffee, still smiling.* I know your sister misses you, too. Getting a visitor here means a lot. It's something to treasure.
Ema: *Nods, drumming her fingers lightly against the cup* Maya Fey...? Oh, she's a friend of Mr. Wright, I think? I only just recently met her online. *Pauses* Has... Lana ever said anything like that to you?
Diego: Yes, she's Wright's friend. She's also a friend of mine. *nods in answer to her question* Lana and I haven't had a lot of time to talk, so far. I haven't been here long. But yes, she's mentioned something like that, though she can be a little--circumspect. As I'm sure you know.
Ema: *A heavy sigh, before agreeing* I know. She just... won't tell me very much about anything here. I mean, I can understand, it's not the most cheerful place or topic in the world but... *grimaces* Sorry--I don't mean to talk your ears off about it. I'm really just glad that she at least has a friend she could talk to, here. If she wanted to, I mean.
Diego: You don't have to apologize. I'm sure it's because she doesn't want you to worry. Though not knowing can make a person worry just as much, if not more. She could talk to me any time. I'll do whatever I can for her.
Ema: *It takes her another moment, before a bit of tension visibly leaves her shoulders, and she finally takes a sip of her own drink* I owe you, Mr. Armando. All this for a kid who nearly got you in trouble with her before! *she laughs, sheepishly twisting a bit of hair between her fingers*
Diego: It's the least I can do. I haven't talked to your sister in a while--before this, but I do care about her. I won't let her down. *he laughs* And you were just a kid who wanted to taste some coffee. Believe me, I wouldn't hold that against you. I was the same way, when I was young.
Ema: Oh boy, she never let me have any caffeine. For good reason too, I can see now. *Steals a quick glance at the man, before looking down to her drink. Even though she's smiling easy, something is still clearly nagging at the girl, and when she speaks again, it's a bit more carefully than before* Do you mind if I ask you something else?
Diego: Ha, yes, she was a good big sister, looking out for you. *he takes a brief sip of coffee before he goes on.* Ask me anything you like.
Ema: I was just... kind of wondering. It's not that I don't believe you about being friends with Lana. But... *she's looking anywhere but at him now* It's kind of confusing to me. A lot of people were... cut out of our lives, way back when. I didn't understand then, but Lana was... alone.
She must have done the same to you... right? But you don't seem bitter at all. I just... kind of wanted to know why.
Diego: I understand that that's what happened. But it didn't affect me. I didn't experience what her other friends did. *he speaks matter-of-factly, still wearing a small, polite smile* I was in a coma for five years. Your sister probably didn't tell you about that, you were so young at the time.
Ema: *After his explanation, she's dimly aware that her mouth is hanging open, and she snaps it closed with a sharp click of teeth* I-I'm sorry- *She tries to recover quickly, flushing* She- I didn't know. *Presses a hand to her forehead* I know I said old habits die hard before--but I feel ridiculous. You even mentioned being in the infirmary... *bites her lip*
Diego: *he holds up a hand* Please, Ema. It's all right. There was no reason for you to know. You were a child, and I wasn't someone you knew well. You've even been out of the country, so it's not as if you would have read about me in the news. There's nothing to feel bad about. *He gives her a particularly bright smile.* I'm all right now.
Ema: *She nods, clearly disheartened regardless* I'm still sorry. *Again, she twists her hair* It was a little too good to be true... which--I guess now it is, so that's great but-- *cuts herself off with a fresh grimace* I get weird sometimes. I hope you don't take it personally.
Diego: I like to think I would have stood by her. I try never to abandon anyone, no matter what. But I can't say for sure what I would have done. *he considers her words thoughtfully* I don't take it personally. I understand. I get weird sometimes myself.
Ema: Haha... that's a relief. *Another pause* ... Your sentence. Do you mind me asking... it's not for life, right?
Diego: *he makes a brief, inviting gesture with one hand, using his other to raise his cup to his lips and take another sip of coffee* As I said, you can ask me whatever you'd like. No, it's only for a few years. I pled guilty to manslaughter.
Ema: *She's quiet for another beat or two, busy looking down at the cup in her hands, before she smiles* ... Good! Because, whether or not she'll admit it, I think Lana is going to need good friends just as badly on the outside, Mr. Armando, as she does while she's in here. So I'm going to hold you to that, if you don't mind!
Diego: You can hold me to it. I'll be her friend. I promise you that.
Ema: *Her fingers lace together around the cup, as she aims her smile up, holding what she assumes to be eye contact with the man* ... Thanks.
Diego: *bows his head with a warm smile* It's my pleasure. *he pauses, considering something, but he doesn't speak again until he's taken another sip of coffee.* As for what I said before, I meant it. Gant can't hurt you and your sister anymore. I know it must be difficult, but don't let him intimidate you.
Ema: *She doesn't seem very shocked at the turn of the subject, and though her smile turns positively bitter, it doesn't fade* ... I'll feel better when Lana is home, and he remains locked away, alone for good Mr. Armando.
Diego: *nods* I don't mean that you shouldn't worry at all. I would worry, too, in your place. But he wants to intimidate people, and if you don't give him that--you haven't won the war, but you've won a battle, at least. I'll do what I can to stop him from hurting her again. Not that Lana can't take care of herself. *there is a note of admiration in his tone.*
Ema: *quietly drinks while he speaks, and afterward she gives a curt nod in return* There's not exactly a profit to be made by causing any trouble in this place, anyway. *She says, lip curling ever-so-slightly* And... Lana really is a lot stronger than I am, in dealing with it, I think. But it's good to know someone else is looking out for her, too...
Diego: You're both very strong. You each carried your own burdens for a long time, and it's strengthened you both, you no less than her. *he inclines his head, as if in apology* I don't mean to be too forward. It's just that I read about what happened, and I knew you both, years ago. So that's my perspective on the matter.
Ema: *In a move not much unlike her sister, Ema averts her eyes--but after a moment, it's just too tiring to keep up, and she gives a small, weak grimace of a smile once more* Ah, no, it's okay. It's not like everything is a big secret anymore. So it's not at all that surprising you know. It's over, but not entirely. Not just yet. *Glances over her shoulder as the exit door opens, a guard in the frame making a small "wrap it up" signal with his hands* I hope you liked the coffee, Mr. Armando. Next time I'll bring a different kind, and some ah... lighter conversation while I'm at it, too!
Diego: Yes, I did enjoy the coffee. And the company. Thank you, Ema. For both. It means a great deal to me. I look forward to next time.
Ema: *Shifts her purse up onto her shoulder, the barest hint of a smirk playing across her features* ... I'll keep in touch, Mr. Armando. And keep your eyes out for a care package soon, mmkay?
Diego: *his answering smile is open* Thanks. You can count on me.
Diego: *It's a pleasant change of pace, having another visitor--he doesn't get many. He smiles to himself as he follows the guard down the hallway to the visiting room. Ema is already there, waiting. His smile widens as he sits down across from her.* It's nice to see you, Ema.
Ema: *Just like before, it's hard to believe she's already met this man before, the changes in his appearance being so drastic. It takes her a moment, before she starts, waving in greeting back to him* O-Oh! You too, Mr. Armando! *Pushes forward one of two rather large paper cups, with an upscale coffee house logo printed on the side* I ah, brought you a cup of coffee! I asked in advance if I could maybe brew some here for you, but they said no. *She laughs, offering a small apologetic smile*
Diego: *he notices her startled reaction, but his smile doesn't falter.* That's all right. They can be strict, and rightly so--though sometimes it depends on who you talk to. You didn't have to bring me anything, but I appreciate it. *he takes the cup of coffee from her, takes a sip, and makes an appreciative noise.* It's good. Thank you. How've you been?
Ema: Yesterday was actually my first visit with Lana, since I've been home. *then, in an ever-so-slightly strained tone,* It was good. I've missed her like crazy... But um... How about you? Do you get many visitors too?
Diego: A few. Maya Fey stopped by recently, if you know her, and my old boss comes to visit me when he can. *he takes another sip of coffee, still smiling.* I know your sister misses you, too. Getting a visitor here means a lot. It's something to treasure.
Ema: *Nods, drumming her fingers lightly against the cup* Maya Fey...? Oh, she's a friend of Mr. Wright, I think? I only just recently met her online. *Pauses* Has... Lana ever said anything like that to you?
Diego: Yes, she's Wright's friend. She's also a friend of mine. *nods in answer to her question* Lana and I haven't had a lot of time to talk, so far. I haven't been here long. But yes, she's mentioned something like that, though she can be a little--circumspect. As I'm sure you know.
Ema: *A heavy sigh, before agreeing* I know. She just... won't tell me very much about anything here. I mean, I can understand, it's not the most cheerful place or topic in the world but... *grimaces* Sorry--I don't mean to talk your ears off about it. I'm really just glad that she at least has a friend she could talk to, here. If she wanted to, I mean.
Diego: You don't have to apologize. I'm sure it's because she doesn't want you to worry. Though not knowing can make a person worry just as much, if not more. She could talk to me any time. I'll do whatever I can for her.
Ema: *It takes her another moment, before a bit of tension visibly leaves her shoulders, and she finally takes a sip of her own drink* I owe you, Mr. Armando. All this for a kid who nearly got you in trouble with her before! *she laughs, sheepishly twisting a bit of hair between her fingers*
Diego: It's the least I can do. I haven't talked to your sister in a while--before this, but I do care about her. I won't let her down. *he laughs* And you were just a kid who wanted to taste some coffee. Believe me, I wouldn't hold that against you. I was the same way, when I was young.
Ema: Oh boy, she never let me have any caffeine. For good reason too, I can see now. *Steals a quick glance at the man, before looking down to her drink. Even though she's smiling easy, something is still clearly nagging at the girl, and when she speaks again, it's a bit more carefully than before* Do you mind if I ask you something else?
Diego: Ha, yes, she was a good big sister, looking out for you. *he takes a brief sip of coffee before he goes on.* Ask me anything you like.
Ema: I was just... kind of wondering. It's not that I don't believe you about being friends with Lana. But... *she's looking anywhere but at him now* It's kind of confusing to me. A lot of people were... cut out of our lives, way back when. I didn't understand then, but Lana was... alone.
She must have done the same to you... right? But you don't seem bitter at all. I just... kind of wanted to know why.
Diego: I understand that that's what happened. But it didn't affect me. I didn't experience what her other friends did. *he speaks matter-of-factly, still wearing a small, polite smile* I was in a coma for five years. Your sister probably didn't tell you about that, you were so young at the time.
Ema: *After his explanation, she's dimly aware that her mouth is hanging open, and she snaps it closed with a sharp click of teeth* I-I'm sorry- *She tries to recover quickly, flushing* She- I didn't know. *Presses a hand to her forehead* I know I said old habits die hard before--but I feel ridiculous. You even mentioned being in the infirmary... *bites her lip*
Diego: *he holds up a hand* Please, Ema. It's all right. There was no reason for you to know. You were a child, and I wasn't someone you knew well. You've even been out of the country, so it's not as if you would have read about me in the news. There's nothing to feel bad about. *He gives her a particularly bright smile.* I'm all right now.
Ema: *She nods, clearly disheartened regardless* I'm still sorry. *Again, she twists her hair* It was a little too good to be true... which--I guess now it is, so that's great but-- *cuts herself off with a fresh grimace* I get weird sometimes. I hope you don't take it personally.
Diego: I like to think I would have stood by her. I try never to abandon anyone, no matter what. But I can't say for sure what I would have done. *he considers her words thoughtfully* I don't take it personally. I understand. I get weird sometimes myself.
Ema: Haha... that's a relief. *Another pause* ... Your sentence. Do you mind me asking... it's not for life, right?
Diego: *he makes a brief, inviting gesture with one hand, using his other to raise his cup to his lips and take another sip of coffee* As I said, you can ask me whatever you'd like. No, it's only for a few years. I pled guilty to manslaughter.
Ema: *She's quiet for another beat or two, busy looking down at the cup in her hands, before she smiles* ... Good! Because, whether or not she'll admit it, I think Lana is going to need good friends just as badly on the outside, Mr. Armando, as she does while she's in here. So I'm going to hold you to that, if you don't mind!
Diego: You can hold me to it. I'll be her friend. I promise you that.
Ema: *Her fingers lace together around the cup, as she aims her smile up, holding what she assumes to be eye contact with the man* ... Thanks.
Diego: *bows his head with a warm smile* It's my pleasure. *he pauses, considering something, but he doesn't speak again until he's taken another sip of coffee.* As for what I said before, I meant it. Gant can't hurt you and your sister anymore. I know it must be difficult, but don't let him intimidate you.
Ema: *She doesn't seem very shocked at the turn of the subject, and though her smile turns positively bitter, it doesn't fade* ... I'll feel better when Lana is home, and he remains locked away, alone for good Mr. Armando.
Diego: *nods* I don't mean that you shouldn't worry at all. I would worry, too, in your place. But he wants to intimidate people, and if you don't give him that--you haven't won the war, but you've won a battle, at least. I'll do what I can to stop him from hurting her again. Not that Lana can't take care of herself. *there is a note of admiration in his tone.*
Ema: *quietly drinks while he speaks, and afterward she gives a curt nod in return* There's not exactly a profit to be made by causing any trouble in this place, anyway. *She says, lip curling ever-so-slightly* And... Lana really is a lot stronger than I am, in dealing with it, I think. But it's good to know someone else is looking out for her, too...
Diego: You're both very strong. You each carried your own burdens for a long time, and it's strengthened you both, you no less than her. *he inclines his head, as if in apology* I don't mean to be too forward. It's just that I read about what happened, and I knew you both, years ago. So that's my perspective on the matter.
Ema: *In a move not much unlike her sister, Ema averts her eyes--but after a moment, it's just too tiring to keep up, and she gives a small, weak grimace of a smile once more* Ah, no, it's okay. It's not like everything is a big secret anymore. So it's not at all that surprising you know. It's over, but not entirely. Not just yet. *Glances over her shoulder as the exit door opens, a guard in the frame making a small "wrap it up" signal with his hands* I hope you liked the coffee, Mr. Armando. Next time I'll bring a different kind, and some ah... lighter conversation while I'm at it, too!
Diego: Yes, I did enjoy the coffee. And the company. Thank you, Ema. For both. It means a great deal to me. I look forward to next time.
Ema: *Shifts her purse up onto her shoulder, the barest hint of a smirk playing across her features* ... I'll keep in touch, Mr. Armando. And keep your eyes out for a care package soon, mmkay?
Diego: *his answering smile is open* Thanks. You can count on me.