voice;

[redheadcarrier]

[Asuka clears her throat and pauses before actually launching into her little spiel.]

So, I thought you all deserved to know that I turn sixteen tomorrow! Maybe I'm finally getting used to living here after a year. Or something. Hell if I know!

The only problem is that we're still stuck on this stupid rock, so it's not exactly the best place for celebrating much of anything. Anyone have suggestions? And none of that virtual reality crap! They're neat, but they kinda give me the creeps. Maybe I'll just try and take over part of the dining hall...

Comments

[redheadcarrier]

I guess not.

[Exciting! It's actually kind of nice to have this as a distraction from the horrible moon-base.]

How old are you going to be? You should do something - you've been kind of miserable ever since you came back from your vacation a couple months ago.

[She cares, really.]

[revolutionized]

[Vacation. She's grateful for the lack of video, so Asuka can't see the way her face darkens. She keeps her voice level, though.] Sixteen, I think...and I dunno. I don't have much reason to celebrate it. I wouldn't have remembered if you hadn't mentioned yours.

[redheadcarrier]

[Asuka is kind of a jerk.]

You should still celebrate it! You only turn sixteen once!

[revolutionized]

[Only a little.]

Mm. It's just another day to me. Really, I'm more concerned about you having a good birthday.

[redheadcarrier]

Well, if you say so...

[Hmm. There's a pause on Asuka's end.]

Are you OK, Tenjou?

[revolutionized]

[She knows questions like this take a lot out of Asuka, so she considers answering it honestly.

But eventually...] I'm fine. I'm just tired of being stuck on this base. I hate all these stars.

Say, what do you want for your birthday? It's short notice, but I can get you something...or try to.

[redheadcarrier]

Something to do, I guess. I'd say a video game, but that's not going to happen. Maybe a book? I'm going crazy just sitting around.

[There's another pause.]

...what's wrong with the stars?

[revolutionized]

[Well, so much for changing the subject.]

...Say, Asuka-chan. Has anyone ever told you a lie?

[redheadcarrier]

[Well, now that you mention it, yes. There's a pause and Asuka's voice sinks a bit lower in tone - almost bitter. But she reels it in (or tries).]

Yeah. Why?

[revolutionized]

Imagine...someone told you a terrible lie. The worst lie you can imagine, because it was a lie about something that was precious to you. And it kept getting bigger and bigger, until you couldn't figure out what was what you remembered, and what was the lie.

[She's probably upset Asuka, she thinks, but she doesn't know how else to explain it. Even talking to Nanami, who knew Ohtori and its dangers, and she still couldn't explain it.]

Whenever I have to look at the stars, I think of the person who told that lie to me. That's why...

[That's enough, she thinks. There was no need to talk about anything else.] That's why I've been so strange, lately. I'm sorry.

[redheadcarrier]

[That strikes a chord with Asuka. It sounds familiar, even if it's not exactly like her own situation. Although in her case, it's likely the person who lied to her was herself. She listens in silence as Utena speaks and she's reminded of the time they sat next to each other in hospital beds and she croaked out her own horrible secret to her friend.

She takes a breath, audible over the tablet's connection, and lets it back out.]

Yeah. I think I understand. I-

[Does she really? What does she even say to that?]

Look - don't worry about it. I mean - ugh. I guess we both have... stuff to deal with.

["Stuff". She means they're both damaged. Both broken things.

Asuka hates herself a little bit more at that thought.]

[revolutionized]

['Stuff.' Utena understands what Asuka means by it, the seriousness of it, but it makes her smile, albeit wanly. That was one way to put it.]

I'll try not to worry about it. You try not to worry about it too. Enjoy your birthday, for now.

[redheadcarrier]

Don't you worry - I know how to have a good time! And... Hey. If you need anything, just say so, alright?

[revolutionized]

Yeah. I'll let you know if I need anything.