poly_chromatic

Entry tags:

murder by numbers - justin pendleton

video;

[As soon as it becomes apparent that the City is more crowded than usual, Justin does what is, for him, the unthinkable: he makes a post. There's no deliberation, no planning, none of the typical reluctance to interact with the world outside of his very small comfort zone.

Just a rushed public service announcement.]

If you haven't been here before, this is the City. It's difficult to explain and you likely won't be here long enough for an explanation to matter. Stay calm. You'll only be here for a day or two.

If you have been here before, try to set a decent example.

[But that's not the real reason for this post.]

Euphie? Are you here?

[ooc: Fourth wall post! Very much open, even if your name isn't Euphie. Absolutely anything goes, including face twins/movie spoilers/telling Justin he's a fictional character. Hit him up on the network or feel free to run into him somewhere in the City.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Not if they don't want it known. I wouldn't tell someone else's secrets. [See also: Lelouch/Zero.] Should I not congratulate them either? [Also keeping the secret that he told her.]

I know. [He had to hear it, though. That's the first time in years he's let that secret slip.] You can, if you want.

Maybe I'll see them later. That is... Do you think I could stay with you tonight? [She doesn't want to lose any of the time they have together.]

I hope so. They'd like to talk to you.

[ajiwvm;iahsdfwhatnow? Justin looks down so Euphie won't catch how completely offguard that question takes him.]

If--yes, of course. I'd... yes.

[It definitely wouldn't be her first time sleeping next to someone she cares about. In fact, she did that often even if it never led to more. Well, never to a lot more. It helped with the nightmares to have someone close by, and she enjoyed the comfort and intimacy of it. At least she is assuming she can stay in his bed.

Tonight, it is also very practical since she doesn't really have anywhere else to go, but that's not really why she asks.]

I'd really like that. Thank you.

[As private and as touch-phobic as he generally is, Justin is honestly fine with sharing a bed with Euphie. More than fine, but she's the exception to every rule, isn't she? He wants to keep her as close as possible for as long as he can.]

You don't need to thank me. I'd like that, too. [That felt awkward to him. Was that awkward?] I... um. I hope the cat won't bother you. Electra is used to sleeping on the bed.

[She thought it was sweet.] I like cats. I won't mind at all. I'm glad you have someone to sleep with normally.

She isn't you. [NO that wasn't. Is there a hole to disappear into?]

[No disappearing please.] You mean you can't replace me with a cat? [Teasing a little, but she knows this has to be hard on him. She isn't sure how she'd be handling it in his place.]

[He wouldn't really! And thank you, Euphie, for knowing what he meant.] Exactly... or anything or anyone else.

[Justin's ability to handle this is questionable.]

That's sweet. [It is! She likes hearing it, but it also makes her worry.] How have things been, Justin?

It's true. [Ohgod. Sometimes he wishes he could lie to Euphie. Now is one of those times.] I've missed you.

I wish it wasn't that way for you. [She doesn't really remember the passage of time. It doesn't exactly feel like she never left, but she also hasn't been languishing in between visits.] I don't know how I would handle it if things were reversed. [Maybe prodding a bit.]

You'd handle it better than I do.

[Gently.] How are you handling it?

[He shrugs the shrug of someone who would rather not answer that question.] By working. Drinking, sometimes.

You don't need to worry.

[And yet this worried look says she is.] Where do you work? [Since he mentioned leaving the police before.]

[Oh, Euphie.]

I'm still with the police. [He smiles ruefully.] I'm the most senior officer. I feel obligated to stay.

That seems like a good position. Do you want to stay or is it only obligation that holds you?

It's not bad. I don't have to be in charge and I'm not limited to one department. If I didn't feel obligated to stay, I think I'd quit and work for Neil in his bookstore.

Do you have many friends in the department?

Euphie... when have I ever had many friends? [His tone is gentle and teasing, but he does mean it.] I get along with them.

Justin, when have I ever not been optimistic? [She guessed as much.]

Never. I'm sorry I can't be more optimistic, too.

If you were then you wouldn't need me. [She likes being needed.]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]