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]

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.

[implying]

I could have one done in your colors. Gold and red? Perhaps gold and green, for the eyes.

[bloodspeaker]

If you hand me such thing, I'll hand it back to you as a pile of ashes.

[implying]

Ah, you're right! It ought to be fireproofed. Who knows what grilling accidents we may see?

[bloodspeaker]

You're goddamn ridiculous.

[implying]

Charming and handsome, too.

Are you busy?

[bloodspeaker]

[He just rolls his eyes.]

No. I was reading, and then I had to put the book down because your dulcet tones assaulted my delicate ears.

[implying]

You're in your apartment, then?

[bloodspeaker]

Wandering the kitchen at present.

[He's already frowning at various crisper drawers, trying to imagine a menu plan for this thing.]

Do you need something?

[implying]

Nothing in particular, but nonetheless, I'll be there shortly.

[bloodspeaker]

[His tone is surprised, but not displeased.]

If you insist.

[implying]

[ and he does, apparently. he cuts the connection, and just a couple minutes later, knocks at the door. ]

[bloodspeaker]

[Adra's holding an apple in one hand and a carton of strawberries in the other as the door swings open. He frowns thoughtfully at the apple.]

I'm going to make tarts again, of course, but I think I might change up the ingredients. If only this world had skethylberries.

[implying]

If only this world had sort of non-shriveled, cleanly-grown anything. [ He rolls his eyes, stepping in. ] Perhaps we might convince the Initiative to allow us a few missions for supplies.

[ wait. but that's not what he's here for. dammit, baking-talk. ]

Ah, but— how've you been?

[bloodspeaker]

I manage well enough.

[He shrugs, and moves towards the common room, where he sets both fruits down on the coffee table. Taking a seat, he makes an indifferent gesture with his hand, a kind of 'I told you already' wave.]

Fine. I was fine then, and I'm fine now.

[implying]

[ He follows after, moving along to the back of the couch to lean over and rest a hand to either side of Adra's head. ]

You're fine now, certainly, and it's very nice to see. But then? [ He makes a face, skeptical disagreement obvious in it. ] Where did you find what you needed, then?

[bloodspeaker]

[Adra looks up at Vanadi, and he's visibly uncomfortable. Almost squirming.]

... Artemis.

[implying]

[ He smiles warmly, suddenly a good deal more grateful to Artemis than he expected to be when he got up this morning, and rests a hand atop Adrasteius's head to stroke through his hair. ]

He's still alive and such, I presume?

[bloodspeaker]

[Adra's ears fold in agitation.]

Yes, he's alive. It was only a trifle, and he pushed it on me besides.