Writing Angst
Tae sits at the computer, trying to finish chapter 2 of Fever Dreams .  Suddenly a little chime sounds in the air nearby: <TING>
Tae (out loud to no one in particular): Maybe this chapter is hard to write, because this is a really really dumb plot line.

Tasuki: Why, what's the plot line?

Tamahome: And can you use it to make money?

Tae: I'm going to ignore you, Tamahome, so I don't have to cause you pain. (To Tasuki)  Well, the plot line really revolves around chapter 3.  I had to think up a reason for chapter 3 to happen, and it can't until Kenshin goes a little crazy.  So...  I-had-him-catch-a-really-bad-cold.

Tasuki:  Ah... Tae-chan...  how does that end up making Kenshin crazy?

Tae:    I keep having to explain this:  If you get really sick, and run a really high temperature, the human brain can't take it, and has to go have a little lie down somewhere.

Tasuki:  Oka---y.

Tae:  Hey!  At least it's not as painful for him as if Kaoru'd been killed or something!!

Tasuki:  So why do you think it's a stupid plot line?

Tae:  Well, everyone else is writing stories about Kenshin fighting thugs, rescuing Kaoru, having angst 'cause Kaoru's been kidnapped and/or raped.  What do I write?  Kenshin catches a cold.  Film at eleven.

A few minutes later, the phone rings.
    Sae (on the phone):  Konbanwa!  What's up Tae?
Tae relates the previous conversation, which sends Sae off into gales of laughter.
    Tae (annoyed): Now what's so funny?
Sae (still laughing):  I'm just picturing Sano as a newscaster.

Tae:  You're a lot of help.

Sae:  Hey, you're the one having issues.  I think the story line's fine.

Tae:  I don't know, it just doesn't seem to have the dramatic tension I'd like.  It's reading more like a hysterical romance, than an RK story.

Sae (mumbling half to herself):  Maybe that's why I like it.

Tae: Hey, I heard that!

Tamahome:  What's wrong with a romance?

Tae:  Mainly the dialogue.

Tae & Sae:  Miaka!  Tamahome!  Miaka!  Tamahome!

Tamahome:  Oi!!

Tasuki (laughing):  That's perfect!  That's just like Tama-kun and Miaka-chan.

Kenshin walks in as Tamahome begins pummeling Tasuki.
Kenshin:  Tae-dono, who are you talking to?

Tae:  It's Sae.  I'm trying to get her to help me with Fever Dreams, but she just keeps making random comments.

Sae: Hey!  Yeah, sure, just put words in my mouth.   All right, so what REALLY bothers you about this story?

Tae ponders for a minute.
Tae:  I think it's the fact that he can beat every psycho in Meiji Japan, and he can't take a little head cold.

Kenshin:  Oro?!

Tae:  I mean, what would've happened if he got sick from being out in the rain on the way to Kyoto?

Kenshin (curled up in a ball at the Aoiya):  Saitoh, go without me.
Tae: (Mumbling to herself) On the other hand, considering what's going to happen in chapter 3, maybe it would've helped.

Kenshin:  Ororooooo....

Sae:  I think his having a cold is what makes it interesting.

Tae:  O---kay.  If you say so.  Anyway, chapter 3 should be fun.  Maybe that'll make up for chapters 1 and 2.

Sae:  Now, if only my network connection would stay up long enough for me to read it!

Tae:  Poor Sae.

Sae (dryly):  Thanks for the sympathy.

Tae:  No problem.  Okay, you gonna hang up so I can finish this or not?

Sae: That was subtle.  Fine, I'll talk to you later.  Oh, and could you hurry up with chapter 3?

Tae (mimicking Sae as she hangs up the phone):  Would you hurry up with chapter 3?

Kenshin:  Why does everything have to happen to me?

Tae:  'Cause the name of the series is "Rurouni Kenshin", not "A bunch of people, and some silly red-head".  Besides, how suspenseful would it be, if Yahiko was the delirious one?

Yahiko:  Stay back!  Don't touch me!  I don't recognize any of you!

Kaoru:  Oh shutup Yahiko!  Like I'm really scared.

Yahiko:  I mean it!  Who are you!?

Kaoru (standing over him with her bokken):  I'm the person telling you to go back to bed or else!

Yahiko:  Ummm... right.  Silly me...

Kenshin:  I see your point...

Tae:  Great.  Marvelous.  Hey!!  You're just in time.  I'm about to start chapter 3.  Go stand over there and act crazy.

Kenshin:  ORO?!?