(no subject)

[a_parting_word]

"Shoot first, ask questions later."

They forget to tell you how quick that's likely to run you out of bullets these days.

All right: come and go all you like. And leave my hat out of it.


[ ooc: 4th wall away, anything goes /o/ ]

Comments

[a_parting_word]

[ His hand goes out to catch Oz's sleeve - to tug miserably, like a child after his mother. ]

What are you doing? Do I have to beg you not to... I'm not above begging you not to smile like - that.

[exist]

[He stops, doesn't turn to look at Gil.]

What are you saying? Break's waiting for us.

[a_parting_word]

[ It's easier to speak to a bo - young man's back. Easier to say cruel things. ]

Let him wait. I've waited for you longer.

[exist]

How long?

[It really is bright in the Square today. So bright, he doesn't want to turn away from it.]

[a_parting_word]

I've waited... I've waited -

[ All the easier to hang to, Oz unmoving, that sleeve between. All the easier to... damn it. He doesn't want to hold himself up anymore. This is pathetic. He's a man grown and he's - pathetic. ]

I don't want to tell you. Don't make me tell you. You'll leave just to show me I can wait more, don't make me tell you. Please don't.

[exist]

We haven't even sat down yet.

[I'll sit with you.]

So let's go and find somewhere to sit- with Break.

[a_parting_word]

[ His hand on Oz's sleeve relaxes for a moment, about to let go.

Then it clasps again, stronger.

Tug.

Tug-tug.

Turn around, turn around.

Tuuuuuuuuuug. ]


You promise?

[exist]

It's a master's duty to stay by his servant's side.

[He doesn't promise specifically, turning to face Gil with a smile that kills angels.

But it's close.]

[a_parting_word]

[ ...and he's just the fool Oz Vessalius needs, just the dog who'll take that smile and make of it his miracle. ]

...I believe you. [ He has to. ] I believe you.

[exist]

Are we done here, Gil?

[He wants to know what's up with Break, wants to know how long and he might be able to get that from Break instead.]

[a_parting_word]

[ Having to share someone whose company you've missed is -

--- irritating.

It breeds resent the likes of which Break has done nothing to earn, let alone deserve. ]


If you like.


[ But you can bet he'll not give up the sleeve, or the tugging for a long, long while. ]

[exist]

[His bright eyes lower, smile muted. But he tugs Gil along, vaguely remembering where they last lived -- though he isn't sure if they'd all be living in the same place. He has a feeling things have shifted, that it's been too long.

But where Gil can't lead, Oz moves forward.]