13 [Video]

[somethingspecial]

It's almost February 14th.

[Rachel is peering at her calendar. She's drawn a heart over February 14th -- Valentine's Day -- but the bubble over her head seems rather somber, for some reason. You would think Rachel -- a girl who loves being loved and sings her heart out -- would look forward to Valentine's Day... but instead, the bubble just looks depressed.

Rachel, however, is well-practiced at her smile, and she looks at the camera almost sunnily.]

What is everyone planning on doing for Valentine's Day?

Comments

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

I promise, I'm not upset. My actual crying is much worse.

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

I've seen your actual crying, Miss Rachel. But I don't think anyone looks very good while they're crying, really.

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

There is an artform to it to ensure that it doesn't look as terrible as it normally does.

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

How would I go about doing it, then?

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

I normally focus on something that saddens me.

[Offline] 1/2

[exarmatio]

Something sad...?

[He'll pause, really thinking about it for a moment.]

[Offline] 2/2

[exarmatio]

[... and then suddenly bursts into tears.]

[Offline] 1/2

[somethingspecial]

[ -- ! ]

Excellent, Negi! That's really good, for your first --

[Offline] 2/2

[somethingspecial]

[paaaaaause.]

-- Negi? Are you okay?

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

[From the looks of his bubble, which suddenly has an awful-looking storm cloud in it, no. He lifts his hands, rubbing the tears away roughly, sniffling.]

S-sorry, sorry...

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

Negi...

[Well, now she feels terrible. She reaches out to put her hands on his shoulders.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset --

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

[His shoulders shake... but a soft laugh bubbles up from his throat. His hands move from his eyes, and although they're red and puffy, there's a little smile on his face. His bubble is still that darkened cloud, though.]

... got you.

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

[Rachel stares for a moment before groaning to herself, shaking her head with a smile.]

That was -- very good, try not to be that good in the future.

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

R-right, I won't...

[He hadn't even meant to this time. :/]

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

Here, let me get you a tissue...

[Or a handkerchief, which is what Rachel produces.]

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

Ah, th-thank you, Miss Rachel...

[Brb wiping his eyes.]

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

You're welcome.

What did you think about?

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

Ah...

[There's a pause, there.]

... a couple of people leaving this place.

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

[She pauses for a moment.]

... yes, I can imagine how that would be difficult.

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

... yeah.

[He's putting on a brave face, but even though the cloud in his bubble is fading, nothing else takes its place.]

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

Which is why you must make the best of every opportunity presented to you, right?

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

Exactly.

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

Are you okay now?

[Offline]

[exarmatio]

I'm okay, yes.

[Offline]

[somethingspecial]

Good. It won't do to be upset.