second gear - video

[miraculess]

[the video isn't clear— wherever the video's being taken from is dark. it looks like it's from the floor, though, somewhere that isn't very well kept.

there are odd noises in the background; little halting grinding noises and screeches, like a stuck engine. someone is panting harshly, almost whimpering]

I— is, is anyone there? Please, I— I can't move, I can't—

[the whimpers turn to outright sobbing]

Sensei...

Comments

[was_no_mother]

I wouldn't be so quick to write it off... but I'll respect your decision, as well.

Ah, you asked how I was handling coming here - how about yourself? Present circumstances aside.

[miraculess]

...Not badly. I'm actually a good deal more comfortable here than I was at "home;" I don't do well physically being around other people, so the combination of how empty the city is with the ability to speak with others through the Steamgear has been— it's been kind of wonderful, actually.

[was_no_mother]

Yes, the chance for social interaction without pressure can be a blessing. People really aren't meant to be alone. I'm glad it's been working out so well for you.

[miraculess]

[muttered, in a tone of sardonic amusement] People aren't, true.

...I don't know if I'd exactly call it working out well... It's more of a tradeoff.

[was_no_mother]

A tradeoff? What has been traded for what?

[miraculess]

[exhaling slowly]

There's... a task that I'm supposed to be completing, where I came from. So it's a trade-off of my ability to do that for temporary happiness.