tushanshu | 005 ☾ video

[Vanessa's half turned away from the console when she turns the video on. Multitasking is a lifesaver, honestly. Her fingers are moving over the keyboard sitting next to her, playing a soft melody that's almost like a lullaby. She is a good egg mommy, okay. Turtle-baby needs pretty music.] I don't how it's possible that our items end up in this universe, but I have to say, this is way cheaper than saving my pennies for a piano or something. I can write all the music I want, but it's not the same as listening to it.

[Her fingers keep moving even as she glances up at the screen with a small grin.] Which means that I put the extra bit of juulan I had set aside to a good cause. For those of you who were interested - and anyone new! - I put down a payment for a building in Water to use for the outreach program. We can meet there. [Because the kedan in Water are still hero worshipping her, and she got a place really cheap. It's not the best, but hey. She can't argue with cheap.]

If you don't know what I'm talking about, a couple of months ago, we stumbled on this totally gross drug called Dust. And we want to help the people who are addicted, if you think that might be something you're interested in. You know, helping people, saving Asti, stopping Mally. Heroic things. [She goes quiet for a second, biting her lip.] We can meet and talk about where to start soon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll drop it off at your suite tonight, unless you prefer something else?

That works for me. Do you need my suite number?

Yeah. Please.

WO-2A.

[Not much later, Costigan is knocking on Vanessa's door. His hands are in his pockets, his cap pulled with the brim low over his eyes. He looks as shady as he feels at times, but really he's just trying to help the two girls move forward in their attempts to help addicts. Some part of him secretly hopes that, with enough support, they can bring on the proper people to help him.]

[The sad thing is, Vanessa's seen shadier looking guys. She's dealt with them, too. So she doesn't really even hesitate to step back when she opens the door to invite him in.] Hey! [Wait, maybe that was too cheery. She clears her throat and takes it down a notch.] I mean, come on in. I have tea. Or coffee!

[Costigan offers a small smile as he slips inside her suite, watching as she closes the door behind him and then following her deeper into the place. His hands remain in his pockets, an attempt to be less threatening somehow.] Sure, yeah. Coffee'd be good.

Coffee it is. [She indicates one of the couches in the living room, grabbing a pile of clothes and shoving them to the floor.] Have a seat, and uh. Don't... mind the mess. I keep telling Catty to clean up after herself, but I should just be glad it's not worse.

[She flits off to the kitchen to put the coffee on, returning after a moment.] Should just be a few minutes.

[Costigan watches and can't help but think just how teenage it is. There's something appealing to him about that sense of innocence. It's the reason he talks to them in spite of their age, the reason he's here and trying to look after them with as little effort as possible.

As directed, he takes a seat on the now vacated area of the couch. He raises his volume to continue talking to her even when she's in the kitchen.] I didn't realize you two shared a place.

Oh, yeah. I kind of forced her to. [After a moment, she comes out with a coffee mug in one hand, milk and sugar in the other. He looks like a black coffee sort of guy, but she doesn't really want to assume.] I mean, she still has her own, and she goes there whenever she wants her own space, but it's just... Easier for us to be together.

Easier how? If I can ask. [He's genuinely curious. Costigan can think of a half-dozen reasons, off the top of his head alone, that they would prefer to live together than separately, but he wants to know the actual reason if she's willing to share.

When she returns with the coffee, he accepts the mug from her and gives a small nod.] Thanks. [With a glance at the milk and sugar, he adds:] Black's good.

[Vanessa plops down in a chair, chewing on her cheek at that question. There's a slight blush that rises up her face as well. There's an implication there that she didn't mean to touch on or anything.]

We kind of grew up together, back home. She's my best friend, and I... lost her. I'd kind of like to prevent that from happening again.

[Costigan's brow pulls together in his default expression of concern while he watches her. He moves closer but doesn't sit.] I didn't realize you two were from the same place. That's good that you have each other.

[A half-smile tugs at her lips.] What, do you think I would just randomly start living with someone I didn't know? I may seem naive, but I'm not that dumb.

[He gives a one-shouldered shrug.] I think this can be a terrifying and overwhelming place, and that it would make sense if someone needed to do something to feel better, that they might take risks that normally seem dumb.

[Costigan takes a sip of his coffee.]

[She shakes her head.] Been there, done that, and I've kind of learned my lesson about doing whatever to feel better in an impossible situation. [Like getting cockblocked by a demon who's into romance.]

What about you? You taking any risks that normally seem dumb?

[He's not sure that's entirely what he meant, but he accepts her reply all the same. When she turns it around on him, his muscles naturally tense and he scowls a little at her. Costigan takes a long sip of his coffee just to make a point, then actually smiles as he responds, in on some private joke.]

Sure, yeah. All the time.

[Vanessa raises her eyebrows at him.] Well, if you're aware of it, I guess that's a start. [Doing dumb things is bad.]

[He shrugs, maintaining his smile sincerely.] Occupational hazard. But mostly, I'm old enough that I usually know what dumb ideas are worth the risk.

I think that can come at any age. It just depends on what kind of risk you're taking. [She gives a small smile in return.] Or it's just easier to tell ourselves that some risks are worth taking.

Maybe. Guess we'll find out.

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action; Hi I'm Kate and I fail at rp