Mask or Menance IC Contact Post

[failureisntachoice]

[ An automated voice speaks because someone hasn't bothered to set up a proper voicemail. The only part in her voice is her name. ] You have reached Agent Texas. Leave a message at the tone.

Comments

[use_everything]

[Now that it was less immediate, it was more about the distraction of movement. The vague pathing towards where one might find a proper offering dish and incense was merely a bonus.]

It would be my honor. I'll pass it along to Cordelia as well, though I imagine you may count upon both.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She nods. That's something at least even if it doesn't change what's happened. Maybe she'll get lucky and he'll pop up in a week or so... ]

Thank you. I can ask her myself if you want.

[use_everything]

[Aral hasn't been here long enough to offer such comforting possibilities. He considers and then slowly nods.]

She would be receptive, I imagine.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She thought Cordelia would be. The question is will Tucker? That's something she'll find out shortly even if she feels strange explaining any of this to him. ]

I'll get in touch with her then.

[use_everything]

[He nods at that.]

I'll make arrangements for proper supplies in that time.

[failureisntachoice]

If you need to leave, you can. [ She glances over at him. ] But I wouldn't mind the company for lunch.

[ And maybe she'll go in after all once they finish. Going home doesn't feel right. ]

[use_everything]

[He gives a slight smile at that.]

I haven't eaten yet, either. There seemed to be a few decent places near by.

[failureisntachoice]

I don't care where we go if you have a preference.

[ As long as it's not home. ]

[use_everything]

[The ones they'd passed already tended to make their living on particularly drunk clientele. The one he was looking for, with a somewhat high looking rating on the consumer survey program on his communicator.

He doesn't answer immediately, but nods to the building, a small delicatessen by all indication.]

This should do.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She barely glances at the exterior of the building before she's making her way inside. She keeps her eyes forward and away from him. ]

If I forgot earlier, thanks for coming to find me.

[use_everything]

I was glad to see you.

[Which is as close to "I was worried" as it was going to get. He nods to her, whether she sees the slight gesture or not, and makes his way to a table by the corner.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She doesn't catch the gesture, but she catches the meaning of that simple phrase. If she up and vanishes one day, she knows people will track her down at least.

She slides into her seat and reaches for one of the napkins on the table to start folding. It's more to give her hands something to do than anything else. ]

Have you been here before?

[use_everything]

Not at all.

[The menu didn't have a lot of dishes he was particularly familiar with, but he was nothing if not willing to try.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She leans back in her seat and glances at the menu before making some quick decision. It doesn't matter what she gets in front of her, it's only for a distraction anyway. ]

This isn't causing a disruption in your day, right?

[use_everything]

Not at all. I've the day off and Gregor and Miles are well protected and in good company.

[failureisntachoice]

Good. I didn't mean to leave anyone in a lurch over this.

[use_everything]

[He looks at her over the edge of the menu. There was something there, but he wasn't really equipped to untangle it.. maybe he'd ask Cordelia later.]

Regardless of any other status... you would have been family by circumstances of birth. [Cordelia HAD been working on him, in general.] It is more than acceptable to take care of yourself, however you find you need it.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She snorts and sets the menu down, already knowing exactly what she'll order when their server approaches. ]

I wouldn't call drinking at the bar taking care of myself. Not that it matters.

[ Hell, she didn't even have anyone at the house anymore now with Epsilon moving out. ]

[use_everything]

It... well. It has a certain place. [He couldn't quite manage any sort of a platitude about it being a good place. Not in any sort of good faith.]

I'm not sure if I envy your inability to get properly soused, or am mortified by it.

[When the server comes by, he sets his own order in a quick, perfunctory manner, handing the menu over.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She places her order in a similar fashion and with the menus out of the way, folds her hands together on the table. ]

I'd go with mortified. I'm sure I can simulate the damn feeling, but it's more of a pain in the ass than it's worth to figure out.

[use_everything]

It seems to take the point away, yes. There's always keeping busy, instead.

[failureisntachoice]

That was my next step. I need to find a new place to stay now, so that should give me plenty to do on top of work.

[use_everything]

[He considers her quietly a moment. She has too much of a soldier's pride to accept it as an offer of kindness. But..]

We do have need of additional security at the moment. The room would be rent free, if you wouldn't mind the additional work.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She does and she knows where this offer is coming from. If it had been a true issue, a request for her to move in would have been made sooner. That doesn't mean she is't going to consider it. ]

Part of the Lucifer concern?

[use_everything]

There has been some escalation. We don't have the networks we once had to assure safety, but I don't think mustering forces would be unwise.