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[matadorable]

If you're hearing this message, I am probably not here. Or I am furiously pressing every button I can because I forgot how this thing works. One of the two! Either way, I will get back to you...eventually.

Comments

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

[Morgan loved me, Maya wants to say, but now more than ever, she can't believe it enough to form the words. Instead, she tries to sound cheerier--]

Well, I have friends like you. That counts, right?

audio;

[matadorable]

[He wonders if it's that simple. If Manolo's family had turned against him, he's not sure he would have survived it.

But if Maya can draw at least a little comfort from the people she finds here, then Manolo hopes he can be one of them. He means every word when he speaks next.]

You can count on me for anything, Maya.

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

[ Perhaps Maya's made of sterner stuff than she lets on. She's survived so much she shouldn't have, and she knows it, but even a survivor is sometimes left wondering if they really should have made it in the first place.

Speaking to Manolo now, Maya's glad she still lives.]

I knew that. You're the best around, Manolo Sanchez!

[She says, thinking of him to make herself sound cheerier, sound stronger. It's people like him that she puts her faith in.]

You can count on me too, y'know. But... Thanks.

audio;

[matadorable]

[Manolo's warm smile colors his words.]

I'm honored to hear you say that...and to consider you among my friends, Maya Fey. I like to believe there was a reason we were both brought here at the same time.

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Jeez, Manny, you make everything sound like a pretty story.

[But the way Maya giggles lends itself to her next statement--]

I like it. I'll believe that way, too.

[After all... there was a reason why she and Nick of all people showed up to befriend Espella, right?]

audio;

[matadorable]

Our lives are stories, right? And stories become beautiful when we find meaning in them.

[That giggle lightens his heart.]

Good. Even though it's hard sometimes, I hope you never lose that belief.

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

...Thanks, Manny. You're pretty great.

[And then a cheeky grin.]

But don't let me meet Maria and hear you're secretly making trouble for her!

[Because you can only have like, half a compliment from this girl, sorry.]

audio;

[matadorable]

Anytime, Maya. [He's not sure how to response to being told he's great, so he just offers an embarrassed chuckle.

Half compliments, though? He can handle those just fine.]

Who, me? Make trouble? Never!

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

I believe it could happen! I'm gonna have to check up on you.

audio;

[matadorable]

Wow, you don't trust me?

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

I trust you to make trouble.

audio;

[matadorable]

Well…if we’re being honest…[His voice grows more subdued.] I have caused the people I love a lot of trouble, but…they still keep me around, at least. I’m a pretty lucky guy, hahah…

Re: audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Hmmm. Well, don't take my word for it, but they probably keep you around cos you're such a good friend.

But I mean, luck helps too.

audio;

[matadorable]

[He's simultaneously lucky and unlucky, really. But as long as he's not alone, he can weather just about anything.]

Thank you for your kind words, Maya. I still have some explaining to do about some things that happened back home, but...I want to have faith that things will work out in the end.

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Of course they will. You've always gotta believe in that, right?

[That there will always be something better at the end.]

audio;

[matadorable]

Yes. The people in my life are too important to give anything less.

[On the surface, the next question might seem like a change of subject, but there's a clear thread linking the two in Manolo's mind.]

By the way...I don't know if you've heard, but I finished the demo of my concept album. There's a copy in Kaneda's jukebox, if you ever feel like listening to it. No pressure, though! I know you're busy with your television program and everything, so...

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

What? Really?! He didn't tell me!

[She's gonna hit him.

It sounds like she's getting up, actually--]

When did you get it? Are you gonna like, start selling cds for real?

audio;

[matadorable]

[Manolo gives a laugh that might be just a tad nervous.]

Well, I don't know about that. My native friend just burned some recordings from my communicator into the CD. No fancy equipment like the professionals use, so the quality isn't that great. I didn't think about whether anyone would actually buy it. I just thought...having something is better than nothing at all, you know?

[Plus he goes to bed every night wondering whether the Porter will take him away. When death constantly hangs over you, it brings a certain sense of urgency into your life.]

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Are you kidding? I'd buy it. And that's saying something.

[Because usually she'd make Nick or Kaneda buy it.]

I wanna listen! He should have told me about it. You're really good, Manny! Like, rockstar good!

audio;

[matadorable]

I don't know if this simple guitarrista would call himself a "rockstar", but I'm very happy you think so, Maya. [And it's true. The smile comes through loud and clear in his tone of voice.]

I've got some extra copies if you want one. Or maybe you can borrow Kaneda's jukebox for awhile. I'm sure he wouldn't mind!

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Of course not, he's a pushover! It'll be fine.

Buuuuut, I could give a CD to JJ....

audio;

[matadorable]

[Manolo just laughs at that dig at Kaneda's expense. He loves the guy, but it's funny hearing Maya give him a hard time.]

JJ? Does she like listening to the guitar? [It doesn't occur to him that someone in television might be interested in helping him advance his musical pursuits, so he needs a little help putting two and two together.]

audio;

[missleadingquestions]

Aaaactually, she's looking for more people to do music for the show and I was like, y'know, Manny sings.

SO, it'd be pretty cool if she could listen to you.

audio;

[matadorable]

Whaaaat. No way, you really think she'd invite me to play for your program??