023 - Out in the darkness the whippets will cry

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[She's at the batting cages, setting up one of the machines. There's something off about it, though--in the way she moves, so tense it's almost jittery. In the way she looks--pale and drawn, only her cheeks flushed with feverish color. She nearly drops the bucket of balls when she goes to fill the machine.

Swing, miss.

Swing, miss.

Swing, swing, swing. Missing every time.

Eventually the machine runs out of things to throw at her. She leans on the bat for a moment, eyes closed, and then thumps back against the side of the cage, sliding down into a sitting position. Knees to chest, arms crossed over them, head resting on her arms. She's chewing her lip now, thoughtful and still so tense she looks like a spring about to snap.]

Comments

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Dino, looking much better than before, was passing by when he sees her. He goes to see what is going on.] What's wrong?

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Sharp jerk of surprise at the sound of his voice, but she steadies when she sees who it is. Notepad fun times again, though her handwriting is more than a little shaky. Damn traitorous handwriting.]

I'm fine.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Kneels next to her] Do you really think you'll be able to fool me? You are not fine.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

It doesn't matter in any case. It's stupid, and doubtless a passing thing.

[She climbs to her feet and goes to get another bucket o' balls.]

[contract_star]

Misaki?

[lamb_of_gold]

You don't look well, Misaki...

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Gets to his feet and watches her] It can't be that stupid if it's got you this upset.

[soimpressive.livejournal.com]

Something wrong, Misaki? You look a little off your game.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Flinch. Forced smile. Notepad scribble] I'm fine.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[She jumps, then relaxes when she sees who it is.]

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Dumping the balls in and taking up the bat without much enthusiasm.]

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[She jumps, then steadies a bit.]

Hello. I'm fine.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

Misaki? [Places a hand on her shoulder out of concern]

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

[Jack makes sure to make enough when he approaches that Misaki will, hopefully, not be surprised. He doesn't ask anything yet, just sits down besides her]

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Sharp wrench away from the touch, but then she blushes in a mix of embarassment and irritation.]

I'm fine. I'll be fine.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[She doesn't jump, at least, though she does tense briefly when she first spots him.]

Before you ask, I'm fine.

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

[smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulder] Who says I was going to ask?

[ram-of-gold.livejournal.com]

[Here is a cloth-clad Shion, still wandering around the Plane looking for a distraction] Is something the matter?

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

You would be the first not to.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Jerks sharply at the unfamiliar voice, then looks up at Shion in surprise. That cloth looks familiar. On her notepad,]

No, I'm fine... I don't think we've met. I'm Misaki Kirihara.

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

I know better. [gives her shoulders a soft squeeze]

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Lowers his hand] I might believe that...if you would tell me what's the matter.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

There was a blackout. I was reading, and then everything went dark--a whole chunk of the city. [He movements turn jerky, making the handwriting difficult to read.] I don't understand it.

[contract_star]

What happened?

[itsthecoat.livejournal.com]

Was anyone hurt, or did the lights simply go out?