2nd - Video

[circumsutus]

[The camera focuses on five little patchwork mice in a cage. It remains focused on them as Stein tries to pick up a little extra cash.]

Pet mice for sale to a good home. Friendly, healthy, and neutered. Five dollars each.

Comments

action.

[circumsutus]

[Crona knows Marie, and that is a bit of a surprise. Timelines again, because Marie's only just gotten back to Death City.]

Someone needs to take care of you. [Obligation. Maybe a bit of pity, even.]

action.

[terrified]

[Crona certainly can't deny it, but it's not a very nice feeling.] I don't take up very much space - or eat a lot - I'm very quiet...

action.

[circumsutus]

I'm sure you are. There's no shame in needing help, Crona.

action.

[terrified]

Right, [Crona says, though it's abrupt in a hesitant sort of way.] Thank you. I'll follow you.

action.

[circumsutus]

[This, Stein thinks, is going to be interesting.]

Well then, let's go.

action.

[terrified]

Yes. [This comes just before a great sigh, of either stress or resignation. Since it's Crona, probably both.

Crona has no problem with leaving behind the apartment as it is, but for some reason feels apprehensive about returning the key. Still, it's relatively easy once he finally deals with it, and he follows Stein while keeping his wide-eyed stare on the ground.]

action.

[circumsutus]

[It's a fairly long walk to Stein's apartment, across the city. Stein remains quiet.]

action.

[terrified]

[Crona's muted, too, aside from uneven steps, slightly scuffing shoes. This feels less like being led to execution than the journey through the academy did, so that's nice at least. Still, Crona hugs himself self-consciously the entire way.]

action.

[circumsutus]

[The building is more than slightly run-down, not in the best neighborhood, with creaking floors and warped doors and broken lights, but it was cheap, no one asked questions, and Stein had managed to get a place with two bedrooms and something that could be a kitchen.

Home sweet home.]