02 | Audio

[implying]

Well, that was something of an adventure! Between the Russians, the newest arrivals, and our monstrous friends, why there's been quite a few things to keep track of. An awful lot of people. One of which in particular I seem to have misplaced... I don't suppose anyone has seen Bela lately? Bela Talbot?

[ A pause, as if he's actually listening for a reply. Or maybe just asking a completely rhetorical question and taking a moment to gather himself afterward. ]

Well, it was always difficult to keep her in just one place. Not like Sierra, Annalise, and Adamo, three natives caught by the UE bombs, near a month ago now. I would say they were entirely too — too stationary. That old woman in the market, too— with the jerky stand? She always claimed it was dog meat, but I really had to wonder. But she always had a kind word for anyone who stopped to chat, didn't she? I found a bit of her stand some time ago, but no sign of her. Maggie, she told me her name was...

My apologies, to anyone who knew any of those caught in disaster. At least we've managed to turn this latest one back to the status quo, mm? We have that much.

[ Another pause, and this one comes with a slow breath out. So... that's awkward. But! He can make it better. When he speaks again, he sounds just as cheerful as he had at the beginning. ]

You know, for all their flukes and faults, I would say there's one thing the Initiative is truly bad at. They can throw our lot into a room with food set out, but that's not any sort of party. So I propose we arrange one ourselves! We've the musicians for it, don't we? The cooks, surely! The tailors, seamstresses? We certainly have the headcount for it, by now!

Any opinions, mm? I'm thinking, perhaps, a masquerade. A ball! We kitrites excel at the organization of them, you know. I would be pleased to offer my services to a properly interested crowd! Have I any takers?

Comments

[implying]

[ As it turns out it's not as easy to pull on a buttoned shirt, so he'd paused to first undo them, then refasten them once it's on. He shoots a curious glance up at her with that, though. ]

More like what, precisely? [ A grin. ] Well-fed? As do I.

[whatsupcroc]

Naked. You know, honest? Like the saying about the naked truth. It's the scary stuff, but it's good to share with friends so it's not all locked up inside you all the time.

( Which is a fumbling way to get around to saying she's glad he's been sharing with her. )

[implying]

Ah.

[ This is a vaguely embarrassed smile. ]

Evasion becomes a habit, and a difficult one to break at that. [ That with a quick glance up, because he's sure she knows precisely what he's talking about. She said as much herself. ]

[whatsupcroc]

( Her own smile is lopsided. Collette knows exactly what he means. )

Makes it important to know how to say what's true sometimes, though. You don't know what you might miss because you're too caught up in your own lies. Or who you might lose out on.

( She feels a -- flash of remembered guilt. )

I'm sorry I lied about who I was when we first met here, Vanadi. I really am.

[implying]

I know. [ Just like he knows that sometimes you just have to apologize, so it's a patient answer, and given with a smile. ] And I forgave you for it.

[ Without much thought in it, he leans over the table to land a kiss against her lips, light and chaste. He doesn't often ignore that humans put more stock in kissing than kitrites, but sometimes it's difficult not to.

He leans back again, smiles, and adds: ] Quite some time ago, too.

[whatsupcroc]

( Collette wasn't expecting him to do that, realizing after the fact that it had happened and she'd just sat wide-eyed and vaguely curious looking through the entirety. She laughs, eyes darting down as she feels something of a blush stain her cheeks. This is another of those Vanadisms, she feels. With the way he touches and presses light kisses to foreheads and the like, it's about equivalent to the kisses given between family members back home.

When she thinks of it that way, in the way that makes sense, she looks back up at him and nods. )

Mmm! You did. I guess I can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes.

[implying]

[ Well, at least her reaction tells him that she'd taken the kiss as he'd intended it, which is about what he'd expected. It's almost unfortunate, it could have been more interesting otherwise.

But this will do too, even if he has to laugh softly at the truth of her words. ]

You do come around eventually, I suppose. [ He pats her hand fondly. ]

[whatsupcroc]

I get the fun stuff right away!

( She winks, thinking entirely about -- well, fun stuff. Sky diving and hang gliding and skiing and skateboarding and all the athletic things she yearns to do.

Though now, flying, she's not sure anything can top that, but the point remains! )

Hay, Vanadi, what's something you've always always wanted to do but was too embarrassed to ask anyone to do it with you?

[implying]

[ wow, Collette, really. He arches a brow, looking amused. ]

Really, Collette, you of all people ought to know that I'm not shy. There's a willing partner for everything.

[whatsupcroc]

( Hey whatever Vanadi, she means for the adrenaline thrill rides okay!!! )

Even for spelunking? Man, I need to meet more of your friends!