[accidental video]

[anothersoul]

[The video camera shows Mami's apartment--richly furnished but empty. Nothing but a few dishes on a glass table and the light coming from a sliding glass door are seen. Nobody's home. That is, until the noise of an opening door. Lights flicker on as someone flips a light switch.]

Mother, Father... I'm sorry I was out later than usual.

[Mami walks into the view of the camera. She doesn't look around and instead just puts her schoolbag near the table with a heavy sigh, looking a bit more ragged than usual.] I understand that I could probably have returned sooner but not tonight. It was busy.

[As Mami talks, she picks up the dirty dishes and moves out of sight of the camera. There's noises of someone putting water into a pot.] I believe I've made a couple of new friends. I'm sure you would have gotten along well with them.

I hope you weren't too mad at having a strange man in the apartment. He was very cordial, as you remember. I used your recipe, Mother. [Mami re-appears as she sets the table again: for one person.] Don't worry about me, I promise I've been taking care of myself.

[Mami sits down at the glass table, pouring herself a cup of tea. She continues talking to herself but the video cuts out.]

Comments

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

Would you like me to come over? We can talk about it.

[video]

[anothersoul]

I never mind company but it's not necessary. If you do, though, I have some cake still left.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

It's hardly any trouble. If you're willing to have me, I'll be right there.

[video]

[anothersoul]

Oh. Ah. Thank you, then.

[has frand? wat do?]

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

[wait for frand to come over and knock on the door]

[which he does, of course.]

[video]

[anothersoul]

[good friend, best Lancer papa.

aaand Mami opens the door.] I already have the cake out.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

You're very kind as always, Mami. Thank you for welcoming me here.

[just walking right in because you poor lonely bby]

[video]

[anothersoul]

It's bad manners to turn away someone who came such a long way to visit me.

[just going to go get cake because tea and cake makes people stay right]

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

[He still doesn't have the heart to explain he doesn't need to eat whatsoever.]

You should come by the temple sometime. Fuyuki's quite nice, and it's very peaceful where I live.

[video]

[anothersoul]

[But she makes so many nice sweets.]

Perhaps one day, when things aren't so busy.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

Then I'll have something to look forward to.

[video]

[anothersoul]

As will I.

[Oh, right. Going to lead him to the table again and sit down.] The trail of a witch showed up not long after school got out.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

...I assume you must have fought it.

[He sat down, sounding faintly worried.]

[video]

[anothersoul]

It's Grief Seed is in my bag.

[It's a confirmation. She sighs, though.] It wasn't that strong but it's cleverness... I'm lucky I didn't use too much magic on it.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

Were you on your own?

[video]

[anothersoul]

I seemed to manage just fine alone.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

Yet if I might say so, you seem a little tired.

[video]

[anothersoul]

Just a bit. It kept hiding it's real body in different points in the barrier. Fiendishly clever of it.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

...My offer of assistance is still open at any time, you know.

[video]

[anothersoul]

I know, Lancer-san.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

I realize you know that.

...But I worry you may never accept.

[video]

[anothersoul]

I realize you're being very generous. I'm very grateful for the offer and I've seen your strength firsthand.

[She pauses, reaching for her tea. She takes a drink.]

So I must apologize for my hesitancy.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

You don't need to apologize. Maybe I should be the one to say that I'm sorry for being so insistent. I know some people would rather fight on their own, yet...I worry perhaps you would be better off with someone at your side.

[video]

[anothersoul]

It's not that I don't want to have anyone by my side. [Sakura, Kaname... Good girls, both of them. If only--but that's not possible, is it.] It's...I don't know.

[video]

[croibhristeoir]

I don't mean to sound like I'm pressuring you. Please forgive me, if that seems like the case.