♣ 005 || Voice|Action | Just a little shopping spree

[haring_to_go]

[ the ring of a cash register sounds as Liam's voice comes over the speaker phone. ]

Thank-you, but I'll just carry that out with me. Ah, but that second one you can wrap up! It's a gift for a... [ can he even count Elliot as a friend? ] an acquaintance. I failed to help him as promised so while this won't make up for it, I do rather hope...

[ a low laugh echoes in the speaker as the shop lady does as asked ] It's often the thought that counts. I do so hope your acquaintance enjoys the handkerchief. Please come again, sir.

[ Liam deprecates ] Yes, I do so hope he does. Until another time then.

[ another pause and then the tinkle of a bell echoes as he exists the shop. Anyone wishing to catch him will find him strolling through the city, a brown paper parcel under his arm and a cup of tea in his hand. Ever since he discovered it's portability, he's never been with it. ]

Comments

[a_parting_word]

Trust you to make work for yourself in a crowd.

[haring_to_go]

Good afternoon, Gilbert. Was there something you were in need of?

[ that's what he meant by work, wasn't it? ]

[a_parting_word]

...a broom to sweep all these intruders out.

[haring_to_go]

[ tsks ] That won't be necessary. We can simply rent another room. [ but he is amused. If only Oz would appear... ]

[a_parting_word]

Or I can shoot, and Break can poke, and you can... keep count.

[haring_to_go]

Need I remind you that you no longer have the protection of Pandora here? [ he likes you Gil, he really does. That's why he doesn't want to see you in jail!

... Even if he wouldn't mind joining in the shooting himself for some of these "unexpected" guests. ]

1/2

[a_parting_word]

[a_parting_word]

It's kind of you to worry.

[haring_to_go]

[ and Liam will be stuck with the extra rent if Gilbert is jailed ]

Well, we are friends... aren't we?

[a_parting_word]

...don't let Break hear that.

[haring_to_go]

[ wilting. Oh, so they're not. ]

Of course not. I'll never speak of it again. [ he can only handle so much disappointment after all. Especially when he's let down so... gently. ]

[a_parting_word]

Good. If he knew we were all friends behind his back, he'd put a cake tax on it for offending his independence. Keep it our secret.

[haring_to_go]

[ wait, wait. WHAT?!

He must be hearing things. ]

Oh.

Yes...

You mean he doesn't charge one already?

[a_parting_word]

You know, I... I'd never taken the time to think about it, but - he uses us quite a bit, doesn't he?

[haring_to_go]

... That just means he likes you. I think.

[a_parting_word]

I think that's just what we tell ourselves at the end of the day, when our pockets are crying.

1/2

[haring_to_go]

[ a moment of silence for the pocket ]

[haring_to_go]

[ shaking himself from his meditation ] I should stock up on our larders. How many guests should we assume will be staying with us tonight?

[ not that they had rooms for them, but they could at least, well... dine together. ]

[a_parting_word]

Did your master happen to show?

[haring_to_go]

[ sweat immediately breaks out on his forehead ]

No, he... he has not appeared.

[ and he prayed it stayed that way! ]