07 | audio

[implying]

Do you know, I've been here for a year now. Oh, how the time flies, or whatever other cliches you might like! But then with all of this time flying, I'll get straight to business and stop wasting it.

I'd like to suggest a celebration. I personally will be celebrating a year here, but I'm certain we can find a good handful of other causes, if you're in need of one to allow yourself a little food, drink, and dancing!

Ah, let's see… we might celebrate that the Initiative has finally come to its senses and realized the value of a therapeutic trip to the beach. Yes? Lovely, that one. I'm sorry to any of our new arrivals who've missed it! Or if you're not a fan, for some reason, of sun, water, and half-naked people, then maybe we might celebrate a favorite holiday from home. Calendars between here and our collective homes hardly match up, so it shouldn't be any trouble at all if it isn't the right time of year for it. Or if you're of a grimmer persuasion, perhaps we might simply celebrate the fact that, despite the United Earth's occasional brutal efforts, most of us are still alive.

So then. What do you think? Shall it have a theme? I've already done a masquerade in Versailles, it would be unsightly to do a repeat performance. I don't suppose there are any suggestions? Food requests may be delivered to Adrasteius, who I'm quite certain won't mind at all managing the banquet again. He's very agreeable like that.

Comments

[bloodspeaker]

You'd better not be fucking talking about what I think you're talking about, Vanadi.

[implying]

Please, my dear. There are other options here — ones kinder to a human system, I imagine.

[bloodspeaker]

I'm not your dear. [He makes an irritated noise in the back of his throat. He's not keen on any drug use, but.] Just keep the thistle between you and my worthless excuse for a roommate, please.

[implying]

Trust me, I'm not keen to share. It isn't unlimited.

[bloodspeaker]

It better fucking be.

[implying]

Would I lie to you?

[bloodspeaker]

Is that a trick question?

[implying]

Oh, come, when have I lied to you? [ a beat. ] Recently?

[bloodspeaker]

[He shifts uncomfortably. Hnnh. It's true: Vanadi has been extraordinarily honest with him lately.]

... all right, that's a point. But who knows how long it'll last?

[implying]

I am capable of maintaining honesty, you know.

[bloodspeaker]

I'm sure you are. But that doesn't mean you'll always be interested in staying honest with me.

[MAN HE'S JUST BEING REALISTIC! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU CARE ABOUT HIM OR SOMETHING!]

[implying]

[ ssssad but true. he's even instinctively lied by omission to collette, relatively recently. a brief pause. ]

This hardly strikes me as a conversation fit for the Network, my dear.

[bloodspeaker]

No? Well, I hate to spoil your fun. Pardon the interruption.

[implying]

It isn't one I necessarily mind, of course...

[ just jeez don't be a downer on his party post!!! ]

[bloodspeaker]

[All talk is real talk over here, mister! He sighs, exasperated.]

What do you want from me, then?

[implying]

Well. A hand with catering would be ideal, really.

[bloodspeaker]

[He waves his hand dismissively.]

Obviously I'm going to do that. Because I'm so agreeable.

[Also because--after Artemis's force-feeding and the sun-soaked beach--he's looking much healthier and more energetic than before.]

[implying]

Just as I said!

[ a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed!! but nonetheless: ] Would you be feeling well enough for it?

[bloodspeaker]

I'm perfectly fine. I was always fine.

[He adds, quickly--]

But I'm not taking requests.

[implying]

[ YEAH RIGHT. but there is teasing at hand here, that takes priority. ]

Not even mine?

[bloodspeaker]

Maybe. Depends on the request.

[NOT LIKELY, THOUGH.]

[implying]

Let's see... have you seen those aprons about? The really old ones, that say kiss the cook at the front.

[bloodspeaker]

No.

[implying]

It would be dashing on you.

[bloodspeaker]

I feel sick at the very thought.