Sibling Rivalry

[Omi]

Marisa checked her phone for what felt like the hundredth time. Of course, her notification queue was still empty. Leave it to Mal to leave her out in the cold - in every sense of the word. This side of the planet was deep in the clutches of winter - even as urbanized as the planet was, and even though heat levels had risen accordingly with the massive influx of industry and commerce that human habitiation entailed; it hadn't been nearly enough to disrupt the fierce seasons that nature brought with her.

Sighing, she slipped her phone back into her pocket, rubbing her hands together for warmth as her breath misted in the cold, winter Manhattan air. An uninspiring locale at the best of times, the mostly-urban planet held even fewer attractions in its winter-side areas. Still, this district was one of the nicer ones, the buildings and roads here elevated above the smog-choked, polluted lower levels. Some of the bars here even sold things other than Liberty Ale. That, in turn, boded well for the café she was standing in front of - their planned meeting point. Apparently, it had garnered excellent neural net reviews.

"The hell is he?" she muttered, running a hand through her messy blonde hair in frustration. As usual, her brother had a knack for both irritating and worrying her, even when he wasn't immediately around - not that she didn't take it in her stride. After all, that was just part of having family.

Scowling, Marisa leant back against the brick café wall behind her. Five more minutes, she decided. Then, if there was no sign, she'd give him a call and see what was wrong.

---