tushanshu | [console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

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[console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

[Hi there, Keeliai. Remember this guy? It's been a while.

He's sitting in what looks like a cafe out in the city. For those who don't remember him from his previous stay, he's beautiful, with striking eyes that unfortunately have some pretty dark circles under them. He looks like he hasn't slept well in ages. He's wearing a three-piece suit and cradling a cup of something in his hands--lid on, because his hands shake.

He's... seen better days.

When he speaks, he's got a pronounced Irish accent.]

Right, I... I'm back. Surprise. [He smiles and his face lights up for a moment before the smile slips.]

I don't know how many of the people I knew are left. I know... I know we're missing some. [Studiously going to avoid mentioning Anton, thank you very much.] If you're still around and we were friends, or... talked, maybe drop me a line? And hello to all the newcomers. I know I've spoken with a few of you.

I'm back at the shelter, so. I mean, Brigid and Sonja are doing the real work, the paperwork and all that. I couldn't keep paperwork straight these days if I tried.

[The thought trails off. He looks a bit lost.]

If anyone happens to spot a talking skeleton, let me know, will you? He's got another punch coming if he shows his face again. And... if anyone happens to spot a tall, skinny redhead with an accent like mine, please tell him I'm looking for him.

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I keep up my end of a deal, my dear. When I make them. I find it's more efficient than counting on 'friends.'

Historically and otherwise.

[He actually lets out a derisive snort at that. 'Keep up her end of a deal' indeed. He could cite her an example of the exact opposite, but he's pretty sure he recalls her being from an earlier time than he is. No need to go delving into things she won't even remember.]

Maybe you should actually try having friends before you go knocking it.

[Oh, how touchy. What's he objecting to now, she wonders.]

I thought about it. It's such a liability, though, having friends. First it's sentiment, then the next thing you know it's blackmail and hesitating at crucial moments.

[Which is either the voice of experience, or very good observational skills. Perhaps both. Certainly no one will assume she ever committed friendship.]

I wonder if you'd have the same opinion if you actually had to try to make people like you.

[It's said lightly, with just a hint of smugness. Just a dash.]

As charming as your faith in me is, I wasn't always this winning.

[A smile.]

My preferences stand. Although if you intend to sell me on the upsides of friendship, darling, I'm listening.

[She could use the entertainment, mostly.]

My faith in you. Yes. Let's go with that.

[He chuckles as he says it, though; it's not entirely as nasty a comment as it could have been. At the second part he just shakes his head, looking more resigned than anything.]

I don't have the energy or the mental fortitude anymore that it would take to teach China Sorrows the value of friendship. I've already fought two wars, I'm not signing up for a third. [There's a pause] But since we're the only ones left, I suppose... an armistice wouldn't be completely out of line.

[Why, Erskine, you've put down many of your barbs. How sweet.]

Can you imagine me with friends, darling?

[It is definitely scornful, not at all wistful.]

An... armistice, then. Neither of us wants another war.

Do let me know if you encounter any difficulties in the city.

Like a werewolf with wings.

[Technically the werewolf would be enhanced by the wings, but dear God would they look out of place. And pity everyone else having to deal with it.]

I'm getting along just fine, thank you. You're welcome to stop by the shelter though, if you ever find yourself bored of an afternoon.

[Because the mental image of China Sorrows visiting a homeless shelter is priceless.]

Nonexistent as well as useless? Yes, my dear, you're on the right track.

[Now that does have an edge.]

[China tilts her head and smiles, and it is more or less pleasant.]

So good to hear you're doing well, of course. Perhaps I will enrich your shelter with my presence, one of these days.

[Either she has a peculiar idea of what constitutes a threat or she never plans to show up.]

[...shit. He's not even sure which one of them is bluffing and which one is calling, anymore. And to think he used to be a gambler.]

I'm curious, though--when you're not keeping tabs on the city or gracing the network with your presence... what exactly do you do, China? You haven't taken up knitting in your spare time, have you?

I hardly need sharp sticks, my dear. I leave that to the people who have too much time on their hands.

[There are worse hobbies, honestly, but knitting bores her. Too much effort, too few words.]

You care about my hobbies now? I'm touched.

Call it morbid curiosity.

Do you collect cats? Please tell me you collect cats.

Imagine the shedding.

[She doesn't mind cats -- there's something of the temperament that appeals to her -- but China is not about to put up with the cat hair.]

You're welcome to keep guessing, if you like.

Well, unless you've taken up collecting gaudy hats or clipping coupons, I'm fresh out of ideas.

Did you ever start your library up again?

It's as though you've never met me. Darling, pretending to be an imbecile does nothing attractive for you.

[The last is appropriate, though.]

To an extent. It's such a shame I won't be able to take it with me.

At least you assume I'm pretending. I'll take it.

[He shrugs at that last part, looking significantly less amused than previously.]

You won't remember anyway.

Precisely my point. There's little point in it. But it amuses me while I'm here, so it serves that much purpose.

[Amusement, not something she's genuinely attached to. Or so she'll put on. Truth be told China is growing attached to her little stash of books here.]

[But there are some mistakes not to be made twice.]

My dear, you're a Dead Man. Underestimating you is asking for something unfortunate to be set on fire.

[This, by contrast, is almost cheerful.]

Good. The idea of you bored sends a chill down my spine.

[...ouch, China. Although to be fair, he probably deserved that. He hasn't exactly been pulling punches, actual truce or no. He manages to keep from flinching at least.

There's a bit of a pause as he considers the wisdom of what he's about to say.]

Tell you what. As part of this new little arrangement of ours, I'll let you know if I hear anything important, if you'll do the same. Since it's just us, now.

[No one likes it when China is bored. Least of all China herself. Ravel's right to be wary. China gives him a polite little smile.]

I've heard worse arrangements.

[China considers good faith, and dealing in it, and how easy it would be to simply say she didn't think something would be important to Erskine. After a moment:]

...be specific about what you consider important, darling.

[That's okay, China. Erskine's already considered the fact that he simply doesn't get out much, can't remember about half of what he learns, and can't keep the politics of Keeliai straight to save his life. He's pretty sure even if China only throws him a bone or two every now and then he'll still be coming out on top.]

Anything that might affect going back to our world, or getting someone back from it. Anything about our world at all, really. Anything affecting Foreigners that might not be general knowledge. I could care less about the football team, if that helps.

[The smirk he wears whilst delivering that last line fades rapidly into a thoughtful frown.]

Do they even play football here, I wonder?

[Football, really.]

There was a child on the network inquiring about it some time ago. The consensus is that Keeliai does not, in fact, play football.

[Meaning here football, and not the ghastly hand-egg thing the Americans seem to enjoy.]

I'm sure you could change that, if you were so inclined.

[But China will take that measure of importance into account.]

No, not really. Just curious. [He smiles sweetly.]

Anyway, I... [Wait, what were they-- OH. Information. Right.] Yes. That sort of... important stuff. Minus the football thing.

[Curious about football. Well, China has heard stranger things, in the end.]

Are you sure you don't wish to be updated on local sports, my dear?

[Not that she would, but she has to threaten him with it. It's required.]

Somehow I can't imagine you wasting your time reporting about the Keeliai cricket club, or whatever it is they do here.

--although it's pretty funny now that I'm trying. If you're really of a mind, please, by all means.

Perhaps I will.

[There are two options: either she does it to excess to be annoying, and camouflages anything significant in the same format, or she completely ignores him. One of these is less effort. One of these has the potential to be amusing.]

[After a moment she rests her chin in one hand.]

If you were wondering, it isn't cricket that they play.

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[console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

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