THIS CONCRIT POST IS NOW DEFUNCT.

If you're looking to leave a crit for one of my muses or get in touch with me, please head over to Tara's Journal, where you can find an up-to-date list of my characters and contact post.

Thanks!

"You don't have to go, Rachel."

But before he managed to finish that sentence, she was already out the door. Damn, she moved fast.

Mercy jumped from his arms to Anita's shoulders, happily curling right up in his regular spot beneath her hair. Other than being bigger, it was like nothing had changed.

He looked to Anita, a little more of that tiredness making itself clear.

"Hello..."

This feeling... It's so familiar. I just wish I could remember -- Oh.

Huh. I always wondered how they knew...

Of course I've got absolutely nothing in order. Well, this will be something of a hurried goodbye, then.

Niko, go ahead and promote someone. If you try to do this all on your own for a month, you'll go insane. In fact, hire two someones. Don't ask questions, please.

Kyle, sorry I won't be able to help you.

[Private to Mat, Thomas]

Take care of her for me.

[/Private]

Cloud, in Shiva's name keep your bike oiled or I swear I'll come back here and --

19 days. You couldn't have waited nineteen fucking days?

[Private to Anita]

Sweetheart? Come home, please.

No, seriously, I mean it. What in Gaia's name has gotten into you people?

[OOC: Not cursed, v. confused, and still grumpy.]

Private to Reno; Visible to other Gaians; filtered from Anita

I have no idea what in Jenova's name goes through your head. I don't care what you've been through in the past weeks. I've been through just as bad. You're upset the Stigma spread? Fine. So am I. I've never attempted to excuse myself and I made a public apology on the network. I did everything I could to reverse the spread of the disease and I am done defending my actions you, of all people. I have said nothing to you in weeks. I've done nothing to you. I've taken no retaliation for your frequent attacks on my wife, despite having ample cause, but you just won't give up.

No one has done anything to antagonize you and yet you still attack, weeks later. Yes, I made mistakes, but unlike you, I've admitted them instead of casting blame. This sick fantasy world you're living in, where Anita and I have gravely wronged you? It ends now, Reno.

Do not speak to me, or Anita, again. Do not approach us. You've been banned from the Lux. Now leave us alone.

Private to Niko
I'd like to ask your permission to have the doormen bar someone entry from the Lux. It started out as a personal disagreement, but he's attacked Anita now multiple times, both physically and verbally, directly and behind her back, and completely unprovoked. I honestly feel he's mentally unstable and further more if I see him I'm more than likely going to punch his nose in, so I think it's best for all involved if he stays away.

Private to Anita
I don't know what to say, love.

[Rustling of blankets as Reeve settles into bed.]

This is a good curse.

Mmmph too lazy to code...

Sweetheart, come home soon. Bed's empty. Well, full of cat, but you know.

Niko? No need for part time. I can come back as soon as you'd like me to.

[Private to Cloud, Niko, Robin, Mat, and Rachel//Filtered FROM Anita]

Anita made a trade. Her eyesight for my arm. She's adjusting -- as well as can be expected, I suppose. I need your help just to keep her going. You five know her best -- to keep her strong without her feeling like we're humoring her.

Mother's day. Not a holiday I've had occasion to celebrate in... a long time.

Tifa, make sure Cloud takes you out somewhere nice. You deserve it.

( Spam for Anita )

Oh, don't tell me you're still here. You were supposed to be gone at midnight--

Are you shedding? That's just disgusting. Who do you think cleans this place, anyway?

Besides that, I had this bathroom custom built for my wife. If you think I'm bad, just wait till she finds out you're still here. There might be shooting.

[There's the sound of shoe-sole on tile, then a pause.]

The sink, too? That's it. I'm coming back with lemon cake. And maybe a depilatory.

Hey -- what are you --

[A scuffle, and the crackle of fire.]

Bad disembodied hairball. Very bad. We don't grab onto peoples' shirts without asking.

Sweetheart, we may want to extend our visit at the springs. Or consider adoption.

I'm home, finally, even if I have to go in for physical therapy still.

Not that it matters today. I doubt I'll be going out, even if the hospital is equipped. All my shoes look like go-aheads. It's like a visit to Wutai, only without the battlefields and gore.

Tifa, how are you settling in? If you're not cursed. Has Cloud settled on a time for the bonfire?

-- I understand there are rules and I'm sure they're there for very good reasons. However, half way to dead or not, she's still my wife and if you'd like me to stay in my room then perhaps you shouldn't keep us on separate floors.

[OOC: Rachel got Reeve and Anita to the hospital, where they're now residing. He's cursed with Cannot Tell A Lie and he's grumpy to boot.)

Everyone participating in the effort to create a cure for the Geostigma disease, please speak to this woman.

Misao will be coordinating the efforts of anyone who'd like to donate their skill in medicine, magic, or research.

So far, there are five confirmed cases and at least one other suspected case. Anyone displaying a dark, rigid rash that oozes black pus should bandage the wound and contact Reno immediately.

This is not going to go well.

I -- I'm sick. Some of you know that already. But the disease I have is contagious. I thought I'd caught it enough...

Another individual is showing symptoms. The disease is a black rash, or wound, that produces a black pus. It's -- there is no cure. And it can be spread-- easily, it seems.

It's not contagious until the rash develops. And you can avoid spreading the disease by keeping the wound clean and well bandaged, and by washing your hands after coming into contact with anyone infected --

Obviously, limited contact with infected individuals is desirable. And -- if you think you're developing symptoms it's best to go into seclusion.

It might be nothing. I could be wrong.

If -- if you think you have symptoms you should speak to Reno, on the police force. Or Cloud Strife.

I'm sorry.

[Private to Cloud, Reno, Anita]

Harry has it. I saw him after the earthquake.

[OOC: As per this. Symptoms have began showing in Harry, Justin, and Gwen. Others can wait or infect their characters immediately, on whatever timetable they'd like to follow. ♥ And there are too spots still open for torture opportunities!]

Dark -- it's -- the entire City?

I-is everyone alright?

( Action )

[OOC: Sorry for the double post. Forty minutes early because good children should be in bed. *nod*]

Please don't worry about me, regardless of what Anita says. I'm fine.

Private to Niko//Unhackable

Niko, I -- I'm afraid I have to tender my resignation. Effective immediately. It's not safe for me to be at the Lux.

I'm sorry.

Is everyone alright? Any major areas of destruction? Injuries?

...Report back if you're in one piece, please.

Niko, I'm going to the Lux and take inventory of what, if anything was damaged.

[Private to Anita]

Love? Where are you? Are you alright?

[Action for Harry]

After he left the Lux, Reeve crossed the square to Harry Dresden's apartment. He'd promised Thomas that he'd check on his brother, and he had every intention of keeping his word. Besides, Mr. Dresden was a good friend to Anita. And a good man.

He stopped at the door, knocking lightly.

It bit me. One of those undead creeps bit me. That's just -- demeaning. And unsanitary.

[OOC: Post all of this. Reeve is relatively unscathed, but that's not going to stop him from bitching.]

Well, despite the opinions of some people, I don't think a little rain is such a bad thing. Don't leave your umbrellas at home and try not to catch cold.

Now, tomorrow, on the other hand, we'll see what things look like. The Deities do so love mucking about with the weather.

[OOC: Link not IC. There's no PROOF he's making fun of you, Wifey. :D]

If there is a curse today, I haven't noticed a terrifying affect. Maybe the deities really are losing their touch.

Cloud, would you like to to come by later this weekend? I never did get around to looking at Fenrir for you. Actually, has Zack discovered his bike? It's been in the garage since he left, at least so far as I know. It probably needs a tune up, as well.

( Action )