video/action;

[goodlifechoices]

[ The video offers what seems like a first person view of someone stumbling her way through pulling her high heels off, going barefooted rather than squelching her way through every step she took. What was that soft, pale curve blocking most of the screen anyway?

Judging from the way the camera moves, it shouldn't be hard to deduce that she'd tucked the SFC in her bra for a lack of hands to carry everything. Or maybe it is. Either way, she's oblivious and ranting just to herself. ]

This can't be happening!

[ She had all the things she'd arrived with bundled under her arm already, though she's not entirely sure what she's doing with herself here. There wasn't anything better to do than look around. The video is abruptly covered up by blue fabric and the sound muffled as she hugs the bundle to her chest. ]

Everything finally settles down, I can't just--! Oh no, no, no... Don't I deserve a break?

[ Siiiigh.

This could go on for a while, and it does. Nothing but blank blue-black and quiet fussing. ]

Comments

[circumsutus]

... Rachel? [Stein feels like he would remember that name. But he doesn't, so Marie is probably further ahead.]

[goodlifechoices]

Yes, Rachel Boyd.

[ She says the name like he should certainly know it. Her brow furrows slightly, and she settles a hand on his arm without thinking about it. ]

[circumsutus]

The name's not familiar. [The hand on his arm is familiar, almost comforting. Marie trying to calm him down, help him stabilize.]

But that's not a surprise. Everyone seems to be from different points in time. The last I remember, we were on the way to retrieve the BREW.

[goodlifechoices]

O-oh... well! That's alright, we'll have plenty of time to talk about that later.

[ She still seems worried, but her expression smooths for the most part.

The hand doesn't stay on his arm, either, but that's just because she impulsively links arms with him. ]

We're on vacation now, so we don't have to worry about everything right away.

[circumsutus]

Vacation is probably a good way to put it. [He pats her arm with his opposite hand, with a smile.] This should be a pleasant experience for you. After all, you've been wanting to retire for a while now, haven't you?

[goodlifechoices]

When I said that, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

[ But it does get a laugh out of her. ]

But you're right, getting away from work is what I've wanted.

[circumsutus]

It's been a nice break. [There's no insanity wavelength here, no rapidly incoming tide of madness. His thoughts are as clear and sharp as they were before Asura awoke.]

[goodlifechoices]

I'm glad. It sounds like it's been good for you.

[circumsutus]

It's been peaceful.

[goodlifechoices]

Mm, have you been here too long?

[ She'll just be casually grilling him with small talk. ]

[circumsutus]

Since the end of January. It's the end of March now. [Small talk and Stein? Really, Marie?]

[goodlifechoices]

[ Really. And he's an accessory to it, even if it is something as simple as answering her questions. It's his own fault for indulging her.

Though that response gives her pause. ]

Two months...? That's longer than I expected to hear.

[circumsutus]

How long did you expect?

[goodlifechoices]

Well, it's not like I had a number in mind. I would have preferred to have come sooner.

[circumsutus]

Well, you're here now. I'm sure you'll settle in well.