001 || Video

[neverleftharlan]

[On comes the video. A handsome man in his early forties, wearing a Stetson, staring the screen down with the kind of suspicion typically reserved for interrogations.

And for about ten seconds that is all he does. When he speaks, it's with a thick Kentucky accent.]

I suppose, now I'm thinking about it, using this means of communication is an acknowledgement that this is in fact happening and I am not higher than a summer kite or having a trauma-induced hallucination of some kind. S'funny, I didn't figure myself as the type, but I suppose one never does.

I'm going to find a drink. Somewhere in this… [A pause that stretches long enough to indicate he's at a loss for words.] Extremely creative venture into the deep recesses of my apparently disturbed psyche. Because god knows if I'm in my head, there's got to be a puddle around here somewheres.

Comments

[shootingshields]

[That sure is a champion level eyeroll.]

Perhaps because we're actual people and not illusions in your mind.

[neverleftharlan]

[There's an ill-concealed and good natured smile at her reaction, though it fades before he responds.]

That is a possibility I'm being persuaded to entertain.

[shootingshields]

It would be better in the long run if you did.

[neverleftharlan]

[The practicality is grounding. British she might be, but there's a familiar sensibility to the advice.

Inhale, exhale, keep soldiering on.

There's a clear moment where he gathers himself, though his next comment belies it.]

I suppose then I should be celebrating the fact that reality has a healthy supply of attractive women I've never met.

[shootingshields]

[The look on her face is completely and utterly unimpressed.]

I'm sure there are a great number of people here you've never met, given the size of the foreigner population.

[Her tone is, too.]

[neverleftharlan]

[Do you see his amusement Peggy? Because it's there.] Do we not count the locals? Is that something we foreigners don't do?

[shootingshields]

A correction: given the size of foreigner and local population. Though some would argue there are indeed some divisions.