★ 018

[boutant]

[ It's early in the morning when Ariadne makes her network post and she's obviously still tired, nursing a cup of coffee. The reason she's awake might be obvious -- in the background, even though there are no speakers anywhere nearby, a song is playing. ]

You know, I've never heard this song before in my life.

[ There's a pause so she can yawn into her cup of coffee. ]

But I think I like it. I'd like it even more if it didn't wake me up, though.

Comments

[boutant]

I'm not doing it on purpose.

[ There's a rub of her temples... and then a groan as the music switches. ]

[aperfectthird]

[The picture jiggles for a moment as he flies to turn it down, because it is ass o'clock in the morning (that's the scientific term) and that music is loud.]

You've no control over the volume, either, then?

[boutant]

[ Whoops, sorry Percy. ]

Unfortunately, no. Otherwise I'd be asleep right now.

[aperfectthird]

My sincerest condolences, then. Having a good night's sleep interrupted meaninglessly is most annoying.

[boutant]

Thanks. Luckily it was late enough that I got a fairly decent amount of sleep anyway; I should be thankful for that, I guess.

[aperfectthird]

[Beat. Frown.]

I'm sorry, but - are they saying 'sock it to me?'

[boutant]

... Possibly.

[aperfectthird]

That doesn't make any sense.

[boutant]

A lot of music doesn't make sense.

[aperfectthird]

I'm beginning to realize that.

[boutant]

This is actually a classic.

[aperfectthird]

Really?

[He listens for a moment, brows furrowed.]

I suppose it has a good rhythm?

[boutant]

It's Aretha Franklin.

[ As if that explains it. Wizard, Ariadne. You're talking to a wizard. ]

[aperfectthird]

Whom?

[boutant]

She's a famous singer. [ Pause. ] It might be easier to look her up.

[aperfectthird]

Can I do that on this thing?

[He gestures to the device.]

[boutant]

You might be able to, but honestly, it'd be easier for me to explain how if I could see it.

If you're not cursed, I'd suggest trying your luck at the library, even if it's next to impossible to find what you're actually looking for there.

[aperfectthird]

Oh.

[He eyes his device with concern. Figuring out how to send text messages is one thing, but using it for anything else is quite another.]

I think I will go to the library. It seems much less complicated.

[boutant]

In the City? Not really.

[ She's smiling, though. ]

You have to look for the opposite of whatever it is you're actually looking for.

[aperfectthird]

So if I'm looking for - what did you say her name was? Franklin? - I have to look for - let me think, the opposite of a singer - a mute?

[boutant]

Aretha Franklin.

Maybe? Honestly, it might be easier to ask someone who works there. They should have a better understanding of the system than I do.

[aperfectthird]

I think I will.

[The picture shifts as he sets the phone down for a moment, writing down the name.]

That's A-R-E-T-H-A, isn't it?

[boutant]

Yeah, it is.

[aperfectthird]

Thank you. I will look for it after work, then, and I do hope your ... inconvenience goes away soon.

[boutant]

So do I.