Syntax Error 27 -- Backdated to shortly after Alan leaves

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine hadn't heard from Alan for quite some time. Not since New Years, in fact. At first Dairine chalked it up to him being busy with Code Blair or some pet project. But then one day, a pile of books appeared on her desk... ones that she recognized. They were from Alan's bookshelf. Without a second thought, she tore out of her room, racing down the steps. Being neighbors, it didn't take long for her to reach his door.

The nameplate was blank.

The journal picks up a loud crash as something shatters against a wall, accompanied by a yell full of rage and pain. It probably sounds bad, but she's not physically hurt. Dairine's simply venting her sorrow in the best way she knows: anger.

Once the noise settles down, there is a moment of silence. When Dairine finally speaks, her voice unusally flat.]

Alan’s gone.

Comments

[wizard_redfive]

Then don't say it.

[valuedstrength]

What do you want me to say, Dairine?

[wizard_redfive]

Nothing! I just want...! [She cuts herself off and rubs her face with her hands.]

[valuedstrength]

Do you want to talk about this face to face?

[wizard_redfive]

[What? Actually talk about her problems?

No. Yes. No, yes, no, YES.]

...Fine.

[valuedstrength]

Where should we meet?

Sorry, upset Dair isn't very helpful

[wizard_redfive]

Dunno. I don't care.

[So long as it's not a public place.]

it's fine!

[valuedstrength]

Meet me in the Gallery. I'll make us something to eat.

[wizard_redfive]

[Mumbled:] I'm not hungry.

[valuedstrength]

Well I am. [He says it with a quiet laugh.] I'll see you soon, Dairine.

[wizard_redfive]

[The other end is silent. Without a confirmation, it might seem like Dairine won't show up.

But after fifteen minutes or so, Dairine walks through the Gallery door, looking ragged and worse for wear.]

[valuedstrength]

[Steve is upstairs fixing a simple meal of chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. He might miss that her entrance if it wasn't for his enhanced hearing. He turns the fire down low and heads down from his shared apartment with Jo and Chase down to the Gallery.]

Hey. [He smiles despite the fact that her appearance only adds to his worry.] Do you want to come upstairs? I've got something on the stove.

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine's gaze stays focused on the ground near her feet, not wanting to see Steve's worried expression. She is unusually quiet, practically silent. But at the question, she nods slowly.]

[valuedstrength]

[He'll take the lead on the way upstairs to the Gallery to the apartment. For now he's not going to press. He immediately goes instead to carefully taking the meal off the burner. Steve is hoping she'll fill the silence. He doesn't like to lecture or pry though he's willing to in order to help her.]

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine follows at a much slower pace. She doesn't say anything. Not yet. She's not in the mood to talk, certainly not in such a public place.

Once they reach the apartment, Dairine collapses into a seat, resting her head on the table. She mumbles... something indistinct.]

[valuedstrength]

[Steve chuckles as goes to grab a bowl and pour in some soup.] You're gonna have to speak up. My hearing isn't that good. [It probably is, but just talk about it. :(]

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine doesn't lift her head, but she does speak louder this time.]

I don't think I can take much more of this.

[valuedstrength]

[He'll go ahead and take a seat now.] I wish I could promise you wouldn't have to, but that's not how it works here.

[wizard_redfive]

'S not much different from home. Can't promise anything.

[valuedstrength]

Is it really rough where you come from? You haven't told me much about it before.

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine peeks up from behind her arms.]

Rough compared to Panem or other people's situations? Not even close. But compared to what normal kids go though? Yeah, it's been rough.

[valuedstrength]

No one wants to compare to that. [Just thinking about it eats him up inside.] Tell me about it?

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine taps her fingers on the tabletop. Where to start...]

You know how adults tend to think of childhood as this wonderful and happy time? A paradise lost when you don't have any worries?

Well, it isn't. At least not for me.

[valuedstrength]

[Steve nods.] I do. [He waits to hear more about it.]

[wizard_redfive]

My sister and I... aren't like other kids in our school. We come from a lower income family, so we can't afford the lastest and greatest toys when they come out. And we both love to learn. Sure I like comics and computers, while Neets likes star gazing and books, but in the end, we're more alike than different. But the other kids only saw us as different.

So we got beat up. A lot.