chikaidestroyer | ∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

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∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

[Takes place on the 28th.

Part of him is still surprised he made the suggestion a few days ago. If he tried to look for excuses, he could think of many -- the season, the new arrival of an ocean, the constant talk about holidays and good cheer. But whatever the reason, he had suggested to his housemates that they take their gift exchanging to an admittedly strange location: the mountain hot springs. And they had all agreed to it.

So in the early morning, he can be found in the clothing store looking for ... a pair of slippers. By noon, he will be on the way to the rec center to try out the teleporter and scope out the mountain hot springs for the first time.

And by mid-afternoon, he will be up in the mountains with his brother and Raine. Belatedly celebrating a holiday they don't know. Perhaps even celebrating the plaza fountain returning to normal after being shifted to resemble Bil for four days.]

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[He doesn't make much of a reaction to Giles' disappearance; he can't say he's surprised.] You still seem to be holding yourself up. [A careful reference to her analogy.]

He left a very...bolstering kinda letter -- which I would really like to talk to you about, sometime.

[ and so the heart of the matter slowly reveals itself. yes, buffy is angry about losing giles and about being left to sort out the time differences in her crew without him. but there is a bigger fish to fry. ]

Is that right? [He keeps his attention trained on Buffy, noting the pauses and general phrasing.] I am free now, if you would like to discuss on such short notice.

You sure?

[ she nibbles on the side of her thumb. ]

Of course. I apologize if you wished to talk about this sooner and I didn't make myself available. [It was important to ensure Buffy was all right both physically and mentally ... especially considering the last draft. The draft itself would certainly be one of the subjects they would discuss.]

God, no..it's not you. I've been distracted. Before he left, Giles and two other people from home vamped out thanks to that two-weeker we had. Things weren't pretty. But...yeah, talking'd be nice. We could grab a booth at the bar or if you'd rather something a little more non-public, the house should be pretty good.

Wherever you feel comfortable, Buffy. [He lightly gestures with his free hand, since he has a bag in the other.] Perhaps the bar -- I have the feeling a drink would not be unwelcome.

Well, I'll make you one but I think I'm passing on the booze for a little while. It never very dignified when your doctor has to carry you home.

[ a cheeky smile -- oh look how quickly her thumb-chewing concern is buried. but it lurks there, waiting. ] Good Spirits it is.

There are more than enough people to ensure you don't end up inebriated. [But he heads for the door, opening it slightly and allowing the cold air in.] Shall we go?

Go, we shall! [ she semi-echoes back at him before slipping outside. ] At least nothing's too far apart in this place. Don't have to spend too long walking in the cold.

It's very convenient, especially now that the village has developed this much. [He adjusts his grip on his bag as he heads towards the bar.] When I first arrived in Luceti, I would not have imagined there would be restaurants here, let alone a bar.

What was it like, Albert?

[He glances at her.] The first few months?

[ a small, attentive nod. ]

...Confusing, chaotic. There were no calendars, no guides, no maps, no sources of explanation for newcomers. The village itself was also perhaps a quarter of its current size. [How many were still around from that time? ...Not many.] It was more difficult locating those who were returning from abductions, because of the lack of knowledge of the geography.

Sounds really different. [ crossing her arms as they walk. ] You've seen it change so much.

[He nods slightly.] In spite of that, I prefer knowing first-hand what has happened here. There has to be some gauge for how far we have come, and how our role has changed in this world.

[ how their role has changed. really, it's a sentiment that dovetails nicely with the kind of issues she has on her mind. ]

The argument could probably be made that we're in a stronger position, now. More to bargain with.

Correct. [Even though some would squander their ability to bargain with trivial things.] We still have much to learn about this world and what is truly happening, though.

Edited 2010-12-30 19:29 (UTC)

[ when they reach the door to good spirits, it is buffy's turn to hold the door open. ]

Like about the Third Party -- or maybe even other groups. [ her voice drops: ] He was out there, Albert. I could kick myself for missing him. [ a truth she hasn't spoken aloud to anyone else but one they could easily guess just by knowing her. ]

[He nods broodingly as he enters the bar, waiting for Buffy to enter after him before speaking.] He was out there to slaughter anyone who came upon his path. I would hazard to presume this was a very serious attempt to kill all the Luceti inhabitants, if he was brought in.

Derek said he asked to send me his regards.

[ eye contact. serious, context-heavy eye contact. ]

[He meets Buffy's gaze knowingly.]

An open taunt to make you emotional. He knows that defeating you during your next meeting would be significant blow to our morale.

[ a message through a dead friend. well, it worked. she got emotional. but in the wake of that and giles' letter...? something else has replaced that emotion. a kind of motivation. ]

It sounds like he would've, if I was out there. People've been throwing around the whole unkillable adjective.

Unless they have shifts that render people immortal, I doubt it. There are still the wings to take into consideration, regardless of anything else.

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