030 ⇨ video

[brobeforehos]

[No more suit, this time around for mae, although now that fancy tie is working as a fancy head band, bow at the side of her neck. She doesn't pay attention it, no more than she does to what's in her hand.

A calendar.] So I've been counting. A year and five months - a year and five months is how long I've been here. I've seen my friends return to their world, but I never went back on a trip. This last two months - they've been harder.

Everyone keeps leaving, eventually. I go through periods of five months before I get to see my brother for two days, and -

[She looks up.] I don't know. I'm opening a public debate. What do the rest of you think about forming friendships in this place, knowing that any day those friends might no longer be there?

Comments

but not literally

[brobeforehos]

You have a brother, too? [:( She feels sorry for brotherly relationships being split apart by the City, okay.] Sorry - and hah, thanks, I think.

I keep going through these moments of utter sadness, and the whole what's the point of it all, but then I remember I need friends, too.

are we sure about that

[zipperbent]

I do indeed. An older brother, which of course means 'mom.' If I get into trouble it's his fault for being absentee. [APOX ON YOU CITY. also, he gives a little bow.]

Us social folks need to stick together. I'm Bolin, and I'm very good at bringing cheer to those who require it. [HE SAYS THIS WITH A STRAIGHT FACE.]

...And I probably shouldn't draw attention to this, but I couldn't help noticing your hair is pink.

yes and it should stay that way....

[brobeforehos]

Hey, I'm the older sibling. [And also kind of a mom, okay no comment. Ahah.]

I'm Mae, Bolin. And I see you're a very sharp observer, too.

well if you insist

[zipperbent]

Uh-oh. [again, with a straight face-] I can't be tamed.

You're too kind, Mae. It's a skill. So...is the pink a natural thing? [squint] Your accent is almost the same as Ginny's.

[brobeforehos]

[She grins at that - he's funny.]

It's not natural. And we come from the same area. More or less.

[zipperbent]

[he tries. and he's also going to attempt the accent again.]

Oh, that's just brilliant. Right, proper-

[yeah no.]

I feel like I'm getting worse at this instead of better.

[brobeforehos]

[You - sure got her laughing, though.]

Do you want lessons?

[zipperbent]

[WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!!!!!!]

Yes. Lessons would be awesome.

[brobeforehos]

Right - well, from now on when we speak, you should imitate, and I will correct if necessary.

[zipperbent]

Oh geez. That's a lot of pressure to put on a guy. But, I will rise to the challenge.

[pause]

So how was it.

[brobeforehos]

Not bad, not bad! Besides, you already win points for rising to a challenge.

[zipperbent]

Oh, are we keeping score? Do I get something if I reach a certain number.

[brobeforehos]

I haven't thought about that. Isn't success incentive enough?

[zipperbent]

Oh, I suppose, teacher Mae.

[brobeforehos]

Professor Crawford, if you please.

[zipperbent]

[SWEEPING BOW]

A thousand pardons, my dear Professor Crawford. Do forgive my impertinence; I am most attentively yours.


[STRAIGHTEST OF FACES.]