sirenspull | Another accidental video - re-entry with a new canon point

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Another accidental video - re-entry with a new canon point

[Dirty fingers brush over the NV screen when it switches on, leaving bloody streaks across the screen. The whole video is vibrating; as the fingers move, a view of the Newcomer apartments from the baseball diamond is clearly visible. Whoever is holding the NV is clearly a newcomer and clearly in some kind of trouble.

After a minute, there's a shallow gasp and a moan; the voice is high pitched, obviously a girl's. The NV falls, and goes black; it's camera down in the dirt. But it lasts only a minute. The owner of the voice goes to pick up her NV, gasping in agony as her hand curls around the device. It's obvious why; there's a hole shot clean through her palm and out of the back of her hand.]

Marius? Marius, where are you?

[The voice has a heavy French accent when she speaks, and just for a minute, Eponine's face comes into view. It's dirty and tear stained. Her hair is a mess, greasy and tangled but that is the least of Eponine's concerns. She's forced herself into a sitting position, and one hand she presses to her chest, - a chest which is bleeding profusely. She gasps again, and sinks down onto the ground and out of sight of her NV.Without anything to support her weight, she can't keep herself upright any more. She knows she's dying, and tears wet her cheeks. She feels sick and dizzy and the world - wherever she is, fades in and out. She needs to see him before she dies. Her breathing is getting more and more shallow. She has to ask his forgiveness.]

Mariussss...

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[Eponine tenses as Hattie hugs her. Nobody has hugged her in such a long time. And it hurts - emotionally and physically - but she's not letting onto that fact, besides the automatic tensing.

She's crying too, and now their tears mingle. Eponine's world - both of them have collapsed. She's lost Marius' love - she knows if she goes back to Paris, she'll die, and Yosuke had told her that she had lost her money, her house, her few possessions, AND was working for a gun wielding thug. But now, here is Hattie, like a guardian angel, offering her light at the end of a black tunnel. She tries her best to hug back, but it's one handed, and Hattie will feel the plasic clip snipped on the end of Eponine's finger to measure her pulse pressed into her back.]

Madame, you will have me, really, as a sister? Do not tell me now if you won't - do not let me think, even if I am hurt. You would break my heart harder than if you say, 'Eponine, you must scrub the floor every day till you die. And no more ice cream.' I do not mind if that is what you want - but truly, Madame, you would be cruel to give me such hope to be your sister when I am to just scrub a floor and have five jobs again. I could not - I think that would make my heart shatter again.

[Warsman says nothing; he'd be an invader if he tried, as though if he were to speak he would snap some delicate thread holding the scene in play. What he wants more than anything is for Hattie to agree and for Eponine to feel safe and for things to finish sweetly, but he's holding his breath for the sake of reality. These things take time, and all he can do is hope for the best for both of them. Goodness only knows they both deserve it after all of this, one twice dead and the other forced to bear witness.

But even if he can't comment, he can't stop himself from tuning into the feel of the moment. Tears are infectious. He can feel himself welling up, too, and the thought is so embarrassing (he shouldn't be the one crying, after all) that he swiftly sets about arranging the flowers in a vase presumably left by one of the nurses to occupy himself- and to make sure his back is turned as he surreptitiously dabs at the eyes of his mask.]

[Hattie doesn't complain, she'll take what she can get, but she doesn't hold Eponine for too long for fear of doing some damage. To her question, though, the blonde does smile in return, looking Eponine right in the eyes.]

We'll work out the details later, Eponine. I'm sure there's much the both of us need to do once you're out of the hospital. Besides, I should be asking you if you'd really have me as a sister. You know Ella and I do not get along very well; I can't guarantee there won't be drama between us, but we'll have one another to count on.

[Hattie notices the clip having come off after that, and pales.]

Warsman? Warsman, I think I broke something.

[So not quite 'no more cleaning'. That makes Eponine laugh; she hadn't really expected anything different. But in an odd way, it makes her feel better, more at home, even. It makes her feel normal.]

madame, it is nothing - Warsman - oh, monsieur!

[She smiles over at Warsman, suddenly remembering that he wa there. Even so, she tries to re-attach the clip to her finger, but can't quite manage it because of her sore hand.]

Could you please - it is just a clip. Monsieur, I am sorry. I did not wish to be rude. You come all this way and I cry over my lady. I am sorry. But I am glad you have come. And the flowers - nobody has given me such before. They are lovely. It is worth being shot to get such a welcome!

[She laughs again, her idea of a joke.]

[He's doing his best to stay out of it until he hears his name being spoken. Instinct drives his head up before he's quite ready, scrubbing at one eye only briefly before he drops his hand.]

Broken...? [For a moment Warsman's confused- and slightly concerned that she means broken bones, considering how fragile Eponine seems- but then he gets it.

He's over by the bed in a flash, carefully picking up the clip.] Ah, of course. [Taking her hand in his own much larger one, he gently fumbles the clip back onto the girl's finger.] It's fine- don't worry about me. I'm just glad to see you smiling again. Anyway, Hattie's the one who chose the flowers. I didn't really know what you'd want...

[Hattie doesn't think anything unusual af the eyewiping, probably pollen. If she knew he was sobbing, she'd be very.. Well, not disappointed, but maybe alarmed. But that's neither here nor there. She moves to the side to allow him room. She again goes a little pale at Eponine's joke, and just gives a very awkward laugh in return.]

Well, that's what I'm good at, not to toot my own horn.. Besides you did the hard work, I just gave you a bit of guidance. [She coughs lightly.] And in return you gave me guidance, so.. I believe that makes us even, really.

[It's a bit short of a 'Thank you', isn't it?]

So, Eponine, who was it that brought you here anyway? I believe I should give them proper recognition.

[Eponine has no idea what Hattie's talking about, but she doesn't care. Instead, she answers ferverantly;]

They are beautiful. How was it you knew I like flowers? You will have to teach me, so I am clever too, my lady. and thank you, M'sieur, for helping me.

[She's using Hattie's preferred title; Eponine can't be bothered to fight it any more. There are more important things in life than a title.]

You will not believe this, Madame. It was M'sieur Hitsugaya. When he came, I was sure he would leave me to die, but I could not say it. I was just asking for Marius. But he told me to shut up and did magic on me and then he carried me here.

[It's not quite a 'thank you', no, but it's good enough, particularly considering who it's from. Warsman accepts it as though Hattie had recited a speech in his honour with a warm nod.

He glances back to Eponine as she speaks- thankfully, both of their tears seem to have dried up.]

You're welcome. Though, if you tell me your favourite flower, I won't have to ask Hattie for advice next time.

[He's back to listening quietly as Eponine explains how she ended up being brought here- he's not sure who Hitsugaya is, but it's obvious they don't have a good history and that Hattie does know about it.]

I take it you two don't get along? [He tilts his head.] Sometimes people have hidden depths.

[Well speaking of surprises, Hattie had no idea that Warsman and Eponine were friends. Sure, the Fighting Robot seemed to be able to get along with anyone but she stole his wallet for crying out loud! She's curious about the matter but.. She'll bring that up later, especially with that name brought up. She stares in utter disbelief.]

You're kidding.

... There's no way.

[She glances to Warsman.]

He's the one whom conspired with Ella to have me thrown out of the house.

[She didn't mention him before in her story about getting thrown out, though. She had only said that Ella had arrived with, apparently, an angel then was evicted. Also, for the time being, she doesn't make a fuss about titles.. Even if it does make her smile a tiny bit.]

Frankly, I can't believe it. Are you certain you weren't hallucinating?

No it was he. He has told me enough times to shut up that I know his voice even when I am dying, my lady. He was there - I thought he was Marius at first and he told me no.

[She smiles, though pain is evident in her expression.] He was not there, of course. He will be cross with me when he sees me. If he does. And if not, I have killed him. That is a horrible feeling. Perhaps I am a murderer if he does not get the letter.

[Eponine's trying hard not to cry by keeping a smile fixed on her face and she's shaking with the effort.]

Flowers, m'sieur? Any are lovely - I do not know their names. I don't deserve any though.

[So that's a bad history with Eponine and Hattie? And he knows Ella? Warsman's immediate thought is to leap to their defense on the matter and write Hitsugaya off as a generally unpleasant person, but it's soon tempered by the reminder that Ella's been nothing but friendly and kind to him thus far. With how complex this web of relationships is turning out to be, it might be wise for him to withhold judgement for now- particularly when he hasn't even met the person in question.

Even more so, as it happens, when she brings up "Marius"- the same person whose name she was calling yesterday on the Network. The frown is back in full force, creasing his mask between his eyes. He's still close enough to see Eponine trembling, which already is enough to make him anxious.]

Of course you aren't a murderer, Eponine. There was nothing you could have done. [There's a moment's hesitation- a million and one thoughts seem to cross his eyes- and then he reaches down and places his hand over hers very, very lightly.]

.. Wow. I can't believe it.

[What else can she say? It's quite the surprise, and she can't help but wonder if he would have done the same for her. Maybe? It's really hard to tell since he's so grumpy! She remembers that name, of course, and looks a bit concerned at first, but then seems oddly smug.]

'If' he does not get the letter? Hmph, first you underestimate your worth, now you underestimate your own strength? You still have much to learn.

Nor I, Ma - My Lady. I thought when he realised it was me, he would just leave me to die. I deserve it. In France, if it were known, it'd be the guillotine or prison for life - his Grandpapa is very rich. He would not let me go free. I have seen him - and Marius pretends to be poor and lives near us - but he is not, you know.

[She's blabbering again, but it stops her from crying. Warsman's hand on hers comforts her though, and Eponine looks up at him gratefully.]

M'sieur, you especially have a funny image of me. I am not really as kind or as good as you think I am; I do not quite know how you think it of me.

[Eponine laughs] Why, I even thieved your purse and still you like me. But I am - I lied to Marius. I lied to make him fight at the barricade. I WANTED him to die - but then... when it came to it, I couldn't let him be hurt in front of me. I wanted to die first.I took his letter from Cosette. I thought it was where I found my NV - but here, I had found it was that video and not Cosette's writing. So now, even if I went back, I could not give it to him. Madame - I think you over-estimate me. I cannot give it. And now he will die too. Not even 'too', for I am alive.

[Eponine's talking at one hundred miles an hour and it's a little difficult for Warsman to keep track of just what she's saying- he's still not wholly sure who Marius is outside of someone she knows from her home world who she obviously cares for, never mind Cosette. But getting her to stop and explain would have felt heartless when it was obviously hard enough for her to speak as it was, and so he waited until she'd finished before commenting. He leaves his hand over hers.]

That doesn't matter to me. We've all done terrible things that we regretted later, especially if it meant survival. I was no angel when I was your age and on the streets. [He doesn't mention his adult sins. He was as perfect as an angel and daring as a devil- as brutal as one, too.] And anyway... it sounds as though you gave your life to try and save him, even if you never had the chance to give him his letter. That's no ordinary sacrifice, Eponine.

[Hattie has a bit of difficulty following Eponine's talking as well. She stares at her with a slightly confused expression, then looks to Warsman as he speaks. Her eyes widen in shock at his revelation, a little *gasp* following. Him? A street rat? What a twist!]

Indeed it isn't.. I know I do not overestimate you because I know what the power of love is capable of. If you truly love Marius, and I am certain that you do, then there is simply no doubt that the letter ended up in his hands.

[Hattie sounds incredibly sure of herself as she says this.]

And being selfish has its place.. But that is a lesson for another day, Eponine.

[That's it. She gives in and lets her tears flow again. She's never cried so much in her life. Never, ever. Never will again. She just wants him so - just to hold her and comfort her and - and perhaps she's just tired of fighting. Relief, too, at Hattie's words, and Warsman's forgiveness. She has no idea how he can do that. Why he'd want to. She wants to sit up and hug him, and Hattie too - between them, they're taking away her guilt and her fears and all of the extra pain and trouble that Yosuke has managed to burden her with; she wants to express her gratitude, but she has no idea how to do that.]

I don't care any more. I don't care about selfish or rich or - I want a warm dress and a shawl - even here, I do not need that. I want - you won't leave me, will you? That is selfish - please, please do not leave me here. Madame, M'sieur - how am I to thank you for what you say? How am I- I -

[She shrugs, still crying.] I did it because I wanted to die first. Not to save him. We could be together - but never he sees. He never sees me. I could make him as happy as Cosette - and I will never see him now.

[Warsman is all set to agree with Hattie- the power of love is incredible, he knows that firsthand- but then the crying starts again in earnest and he's wholly thrown. It's incredibly painful to watch her pour her heart out, to listen to her purge her feelings with each unmeasured word, but he has to hope that there's something close to an absolution of sorts at the end of it all.

He can't do anything for unrequited love, but he can at least try and ease her fear. As much as he'd like to put his arms around her he doesn't quite have the courage to do so, but he does lace his fingers through hers and hold her hand. Keeping an even tone is a struggle, and one that he's not sure he entirely overcomes, but even as his eyes mist up he manages to answer her.]

Nobody could promise that they'll always be here, but- but while I'm in this city, I'll be here for you. And you don't have to thank me for that either. I'm your friend.

.. Eponine..

[Hattie goes through her bag and draws out a light orange kerchief, which she hands over to the girl. She'll let Eponine say what she wishes, and spend some time collecting her thoughts once she's under less stress. There's always time for reeducating later, to make her a proper Ehvenn. She isn't certain what to say about her actions in front of Marius, so she'll distract with shinies.]

Oh yes, speaking of which. I've brought you a couple changes of clothes- Sort of, I was told most patients have to wear gowns, and yes you are warm all the time, but I figure that isn't any excuse not to look fashionable!

[One is pink with black diagonal stripes, the other light blue with a floral pattern. And two shawls of complimentary colors.]

As for me, you can thank me by getting better soon. And I don't have work today, so I could stay around for a while.

[She is trying to control herself - and she takes the handkerchief gratefully so that she can at least hide her face.]

M'sieur - I do not know how to th-

[She manages as her sobbing subsides. But she's distracted by the dresses that Hattie pulls out. Of course, they'll probably be big on her again; all the weight she had put on in Port had disappeared in Paris, and she was back to the emaciated creature she had been previously. But they were beautiful, and they looked new and - and they were all for her. She holds her hands out for the dresses]

Are they really for me?

[Eponine has nothing but the bandages and some ratty underwear on - not that it can be seen, the way the blankets are covering her, and these dresses are definitely a treat.]

I'll wear them - I'll look after them for you - until they let me up. I don't want to wear them lying down.They are lovely.

[She smiles, tightening her grip back round Warsman's hand.] You said not to thank you - but I know my Lady likes it. And I am... not happy that you are here. Perhaps I do not know the word. But I am glad. Monsieur, when you need me, I will help you, you know? For no money. But I will help you.

[Smart thinking on Hattie's part. The dresses make for a useful distraction for all of them, though Warsman makes slightly selfish use of the moment, dabbing his eyes quickly with the hem of his poncho before he gives himself away. Two near misses there. He's getting good at this.

At any rate, he's the last person who should be talking about dresses or clothes, and so he waits until that part of the conversation has subsided before he speaks again, prompted by the sudden gentle squeeze back around his hand.]

I understand. And thank you- knowing that really does mean the world to me. [It's hardly eloquent, but it's honest.]

Hmn? Oh no no you misunderstand. They only look like dresses, but they're actually hospital gowns, [Hattie has an amused smile as she hands them over, oblivious to Warsman destroying evidence of his man-tears.] They're made for you to be able to wear them in the bed, you see. I'll get you a change of outside clothes for when you're discharged later, you look skinny again.

Anyway, yes, they are for you. Also I got you a couple of books to read- I wasn't sure what you'd like so I have one that's a collection of poetry, a couple of mystery novels, and some fashion magazines.

[She glances to Warsman after he speaks, and she just shakes her head.]

And speaking of fashion.. Warsman, I think we need to do something about your day look. The tights and briefs are starting to get a bit much this time of year, don't you think?

[She squeezes Warsman's hand just that little bit harder. She doesn't want to start crying again; Hattie's hanky is soggy enough as it is. But squeezing at least acknowledges his words and shows that she means them. She hopes. Hattie's chatter about dresses helps too, and she listens gratefully.]

Hospital gowns? What do they do? To wear in bed? They are lovely; I would be proud to wear them out.

[Though she realises now that they have no back. Maybe NOT to wear out then. Still, they are lovely.]

My lady, will you help me in a minute? I cannot tie with all of these tubes and things that bleep and bandages on me.

[And books as well? Eponine laughs] Well, I suppose I have my wish I said to Yosuke. I was telling him I would love to practise to read, but that there is never time - and now I can practise with poems and mysteries. I do not know either; Marius had history books. I read to him once, about the Battle of Waterloo. My Papa fought there, you know?"

[And Warsman starts, not expecting to be involved in this conversation at all- though his expression quickly takes a turn for the decidedly wounded with her comment.]

I don't wear tights. [... is that all he really has to say in his own defense? Oh, dear. Very quickly, he adds:] It's fine. Anyway, if you're going to change, I should step outside for a while. Is there anything you need?

What do they do? What more do you need besides looking fabulous? Indoors, of course. Indoors.

[Hattie looks terribly amused, and nods in agreement to helping her put it on. But she gives a blank stare at the mention of 'Battle of Waterloo'. Something tells her she should not ask who won. So she smiles and nods.

And as for Warsman, well.. Again she's a bit disappointed. She had expected a better reaction than that; but if he's going to play softball, she waves him off.]

Of course you don't. I do not need anything.

"It is okay, Monsieur - there is nothing I can take off anyway; these bandages are here to stay for now. And I am completely covered, you know?"

[She laughs] Are tights not stockings? I thought they were only for ladies? Monsiuer, is there a thing you do not tell me? Am I really to call you Madame?

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Pretend the icon is her laughing...